Govt cracks down on airport TRS rebates for Aust travellers

[robinsparkles]

Not if they're not manning the desks.... I've pre-filled online every time, but if there's no one at the desk they can't process it!

yep sorry I edited my post when I remembered the time when they were simply not there at the desks or we were asked to do the envelope routine cause both lines were way too long!

 

[Flashback]

yep sorry I edited my post when I remembered the time when they were simply not there at the desks or we were asked to do the envelope routine cause both lines were way too long!

Think it's useful to let folk know, as I know that I certainly thought given it had been done online that would negate any manual form filling in! Alas, not to be

 

[JohnK]

Does anyone know how long it takes for these to be processed?

The last time in SYD for me in June it took 4 weeks for the refund and the receipts to arrive back home.

 

[coriander]

They could find the receipt or packaging, it's amazing how often a paper trail leads to someone being caught

If I were to purchase something overseas (not that I would), I'd probably discard the packaging and stick the receipts in an envelope and mail them to myself just before heading for home......

 

[coriander]

I'm not sure if that requirement is the same in AU, but think of the ramifications

I'm just thinking how much "stuff" I take OS with me - CPAP machine, Nikon D7200, two extra lenses, Sony RX100, laptop, portable hard drives, smartphone...... I never carry their receipts with me.... in fact I don't know where the receipts would be.

 

[OZDUCK]

I'm just thinking how much "stuff" I take OS with me - CPAP machine, Nikon D7200, two extra lenses, Sony RX100, laptop, portable hard drives, smartphone...... I never carry their receipts with me.... in fact I don't know where the receipts would be.

In my experience, admittedly I retired nearly 10 years ago, 90% of the time a quick chat with a passenger would establish where and when the goods were purchased. You are talking to people and looking at the same sort of goods every day and soon become fairly adept at sorting out the genuine from the non-genuine. Also, all the items you listed have a duty rate of 'free' so only GST would apply. (A CPAP machine is also GST exempt.) The amount of time and effort to collect a small amount of revenue is more often than not a waste of time and resources. This was the reason the $1,000 limit was introduced on postal etc imports. It was not fiddled with because of revenue leakage, it costs more to process the payments than what would be collected, but because of political reasons.

Alcohol & tobacco products are of course outside this argument.

 

[Flashback]

I'm just thinking how much "stuff" I take OS with me - CPAP machine, Nikon D7200, two extra lenses, Sony RX100, laptop, portable hard drives, smartphone...... I never carry their receipts with me.... in fact I don't know where the receipts would be.

I have digital or scanned receipts for everything I've touched in the last 15 years or so, so that's an easy one if ever needed! So much easier to search and find what you need too.

 

[JohnK]

I have digital or scanned receipts for everything I've touched in the last 15 years or so, so that's an easy one if ever needed! So much easier to search and find what you need too.

You are very organised.

You pay cash for something overseas and there is no receipt. If you want a receipt they add VAT/GST to the price so you shut up. And no one is going to bat an eyelid at the 2 necklaces or 2 bracelets you are wearing.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

no one is going to bat an eyelid at the ... necklaces ... you are wearing.

They certainly do with mine. It may have something to do with the fact they are wood, shell and crocodile teeth!

PS: I agree, @Flashback is very organised.