GST on returned item?

[HCR32 (Peter)]

So guys I’m not sure if anyone can answer, but if we send our scopes overseas for a service and have them returned, do we pay import tax and gst again?

[billdan (Bill)]

No, you shouldn't have to, when I sent my QHY12 camera back to QHY for repair I didn't have to pay the Govt' anything.

[HCR32 (Peter)]

I’m just wonder as the declared value of the scope will me over $1000AUD so making it vulnerable to import taxes.

[rrussell1962]

I sent an item to the USA for repair, I think the year before last. I had a quick look at the relevant Acts and Schedules at the time. My understanding is that the cost of the repair plus inwards freight, customs charges and insurance is the value for GST. Not the base value of the item being sent. When I sent my item I described it on the customs form as Item sent for repair and when it was returned the supplier described it as Item returned after repair with the cost of the repair being the value. The $1000 threshold applies.

[Outcast (Carlton)]

Originally Posted by HCR32

I’m just wonder as the declared value of the scope will me over $1000AUD so making it vulnerable to import taxes.

The $1000 threshold for GST/taxes on imported goods was scrapped in 2017..

It's kinda complicated now, depends on the turnover (doing business in Australia) but, pretty much anything from overseas attracts GST now.

On Ebay, it's applied by Ebay when you checkout, Amazon the same...

I've got away with no GST on some items bought from Astronomy shops in the US & UK, guessing it's because they are under the $75k threshold for turnover in Australia.. or, I got lucky...

Not sure how this applies to repairs or return freight...

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Peter,
Just make sure you keep all/any correspondence between you and the supplier showing the instrument is being returned for repair.
You may also need documention of original purchase.
Make sure all documentation refers to “returned for repair” and keep copies of all postal paperwork.
I was involved in a solar filter returned for repair (in the US) and we had a LOT of paperwork hassles. Eventually worked out OK, but you do need copies of everything.

[ab1963 (Andrew)]

I sent some equipment back to Germany for a look at and i asked the same question they told me to write for repair and service on the box going and they did the same on its way back