GST Refunds and exporting goods

[el_rooto]

Hi everyone,

If I am buying a laptop for someone overseas and it costs $2K, am I still able to claim GST back on it when I depart? I'm not going to be re-importing it as its going to be staying in the UK.

 

[richie9x]

That is correct you would be able to claim the GST on the full amount. You will need an invoice with your name and address on it.

However as you are importing the laptop into the UK you would have to declare the laptop to UK customs. Probably end up paying VAT on the full amount to UK customs.

 

[Cynicor]

Taking items out of the country is the point of the scheme, as customs like to reinforce when you claim on the TRS, so you'll be fine.

There is a school of thought that you need to declare it on entry to the UK.

 

[Isochronous]

Sounds like a difficult law to enforce for the UK though.

 

[Flashback]

Sounds like a difficult law to enforce for the UK though.

Indeed and Customs is close to non-existant upon arriving at many UK ports (or EU ports, for that matter). The first time I tried to declare something, I had to go hunting to find someone:!:

 

[drsmithy]

Taking items out of the country is the point of the scheme, as customs like to reinforce when you claim on the TRS, so you'll be fine.

It's been a while since I claimed anything on TRS, since I've always been travelling somewhere that it's simply cheaper to buy it there [0], but do you mean they're now trying to co-ordinate whether or not you claimed anything on TRS when exiting the country to a baggage check/specific questions on return ?

There is a school of thought that you need to declare it on entry to the UK.

Indeed. If by "school of thought" you mean "the law".

Though as previously mentioned, customs on entry to the UK is so lax you'd never have to worry about being caught.

[0] Yes, I know I should declare the stuff I bought overseas if it's worth more than $900.

 

[Cynicor]

They just mention, when you claim an expensive item, that you must declare it on re-entry. There is no attempt to data match if you use smart gate, there is every possibility if you go through a human rather than the smart gate.

 

[thedrivesman]

Legally, the goods must be declared on import to the UK, as their limit is not so generous as Australia's at only £270 tax and duty free with no ability to share your allowance with others in your party. And probably you better do it, now you have told the world you are planning to break UK and EU laws!

 

[Cynicor]

No one has mentioned breaking any laws, nor stated any intent. The question was about claiming the trs in Australia.

The OP has not mentioned uk duties at all.