A VAT refund guide to Australia

How to get VAT Refunds from Australia for your business
Businesses registered in countries outside of Australia can claim VAT refunds on any costs incurred in Australia.
The below information details the requirements needed to be eligible for a VAT refund. This includes claimable expense types, Australia VAT rates, deadlines and claiming periods.

Which countries have reciprocity with Australia?

All countries can claim but registration is needed.

Learn more about how reciprocity works within VAT by clicking below.

What expenses are claimable in Australia?

Entertainment

Events

Entertainment
10%
Admission to Fairs & Exhibitions
10%
Accommodation
10%
Training Courses & Seminars
10%
Food, Drink & Restaurant Services
10%

Travel Related

General Expenses

Hiring of Means of Transport
10%
Goods
10%
Fuel
10%
Inter-company Charges
10%
Public Transport
10%
Office Expenses
10%
Taxis
10%
Marketing Costs
10%
Professional Fees & AP Invoices
10%

Additional Information

Current VAT Rate  10%
Categories Entertainment, Events, Travel Related, General expenses
VAT in local language Goods and Services Tax (GST)
VAT number format ABN 51 824 753 556 (ABN followed by 11 digits)
Exemptions None
Key Deadlines No deadline applicable, as returns are needed to be filed
Threshold

Non-simplified – AUD 1000 or more

Simplified – Less than AUD 1000 and more than AUD 82.50

Super simplified –  AUD 82.50 or less

Electronic Invoicing Currently, electronic invoicing is only voluntary for business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-business (B2B) transactions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of business expenses qualify for a GST refund in Australia?

Eligible expenses include accommodation, meals, local transport, trade show fees, and conference expenses. Businesses can use a GST tax calculator Australia to estimate the amount reclaimable based on the Australia GST rate and tax regulations. The refund amount depends on the nature of the expense and compliance with Australia GST rules.

2. How long does it take to receive a GST refund in Australia?

Processing times for an Australian GST refund varies, but businesses reclaiming GST in Australia can expect it to take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the claim complexity and submission accuracy.

3. Do I need original receipts and invoices to reclaim GST in Australia?

Tax authorities may request original invoices however due to digital submission method, scans of invoices are allowed in most cases. Using a GST calculator Australia helps verify compliance with Australia GST reclaim policies.

4. Can I reclaim GST in Australia on business travel expenses like flights and taxis?

Flights are generally not subject to GST, but local travel expenses like car rentals, taxis, and train tickets may qualify for a GST refund Australia, depending on the Australia GST rate and regional tax rules.

5. Does GST reclaim apply to trade shows and conferences in Australia?

Yes, businesses can reclaim GST in Australia on event registration fees, exhibition costs, and booth rentals. The amount refundable depends on the Australia GST rate applied to these expenses.

6. Can I reclaim GST on meals and entertainment expenses in Australia?

GST on meals is often only partially reclaimable for employees only when on overnight business travel, while entertainment expenses are usually non-reclaimable under Australia GST rules. Businesses should use a GST tax calculator Australia to determine potential refunds.

7. Is there a deadline for submitting a GST refund application in Australia?

Deadlines vary, but claims for an Australian GST refund must typically be submitted within 6 months to 1 year of the expense date, depending on the Australia GST rate and refund regulations.

8. What happens if GST was charged incorrectly on an expense in Australia?

If GST is incorrectly applied, businesses may need to request a revised invoice before filing for an Australian GST refund. VAT IT can assist with this service.

9. Are there any minimum spend thresholds for GST refunds in Australia?

Yes, some countries require a minimum GST amount before processing a claim. The threshold varies by jurisdiction.

10. What are the penalties for late GST tax return submissions in Australia?

Late GST tax return submissions may result in penalties, including fines based on the delay length and entity size. Interest charges may also apply on overdue amounts. To avoid penalties, businesses should use a GST tax calculator to file accurately and comply with the Australia GST rate deadlines.

Explore VAT reclaim opportunities in

Nearby Countries

New Zealand
New Zealand
South Korea
South Korea
Japan
Japan

Need help with your VAT refund from Australia?

You don’t have to do this alone. We’ve been helping companies reclaim foreign VAT refunds for over 20 years. We have the knowledge and technology to process your refunds quicker as well as attend to any unforeseen VAT authority queries that may arise.

Download the latest VAT Rates Country Guide

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