Airports have tax refund counters to facilitate the refund of sales tax (such as VAT or GST) to international travelers as they leave the country. This system is based on the principle that these taxes are meant to be paid by residents of a country, not by non-residents who are exporting the goods.
To submit your Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) claim, you must present this claim code at the TRS facility at your port of departure. Ensure you have the following items ready to be inspected: The goods you are claiming a refund against; Your Tax Invoice(s);
About the Tourist Refund Scheme
The Australian Government's Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows international travellers to claim a refund on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET).
General items must be taken out of the country within 6 months of your entry. As of April 1, 2025, all purchases must be carried personally - no separate shipping allowed. In November 2026, the system switches to a "refund method" where you pay full price first, then get refunds at the airport when departing.
For any significant purchase, even at a boutique shop, it's always worth asking about a VAT refund. The precise details of getting your money back will depend on how a particular shop organizes its refund process. In most cases, you'll present your refund documents at the airport on the way home (explained later).
For instance, you can expect a higher VAT refund in Hungary because the country currently has the highest VAT rate in Europe with a standard rate of 27%4. Conversely, Luxembourg has the lowest standard VAT rate, which is at 17%5. So, you might see a smaller VAT refund percentage in Luxembourg.
Many are wondering if the Income Tax Department delays processing refunds if the refund amount is large, such as over Rs 50,000. According to income tax rules, there is no upper limit on refunds. Whether your refund is Rs 10,000 or Rs 1 lakh or even greater, it will be credited the same way.
You can claim a refund if:
In principle, tax-free goods should be carried as carry-on baggage rather than checked baggage. Upon departure, it is necessary to undergo inspection at the customs counter at the airport.
Claim back the VAT on your purchases. Once validated, you may claim your Tax Free Refund in cash at Interchange or have it credited directly to your credit card.
$300 maximum claims rule
This rule states that if the total of your work-related expenses is $300 or less (not including car, travel, and overtime meal expenses, which can be claimed separately), you can claim the total amount as a tax deduction without receipts.
Example: taxable income over $48,000 but under $90,000
Anita is not eligible for the low income tax offset as her income is above $66,667. As Anita's income is more than $48,000 but less than $90,000, she is eligible for a low and middle income tax offset of $1,500.
If you are aged 18 years or over, you can bring up to AUD900 worth of general goods into Australia duty free. If you are under 18 years of age the limit is AUD450.
The Passenger Movement Charge (PMC) is an AUD70 cost for the departure of a person from Australia to another country regardless of whether the person returns to Australia.
You can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on certain goods you buy in Australia and then take out of Australia with you or in your checked luggage or carry-on bags.
Airport taxes are charged to fund the construction, maintenance, and administration of airports and airway systems.
If you open the bag and use the item(s), you will be required pay taxes at customs. ・Prior to departure, please show the customs officer the tax free item(s) purchased as well as the "Record of Purchase of Consumption Tax-Exempt for Export Slip" attached to your passport.
For gifts or bequests from a nonresident alien or foreign estate, you are required to report the receipt of such gifts or bequests only if the aggregate amount received from that nonresident alien or foreign estate exceeds $100,000 during the taxable year.
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
Here's the GST refund application documents checklist you'll need before applying:
10 Ways to Maximise Your Tax Refund
Does a Large Refund Trigger an Audit? Not necessarily. But if the refund is a result of fraudulent claims, such as inaccurately reporting income or claiming deductions you're not actually eligible for, then it can trigger an IRS audit.
For example, the information from your 2024 tax return determines the GST/HST credit amount you get for the payment period from July 2025 to June 2026. You could get up to: $533 if you are a single individual. $698 if you are married or have a common-law partner.