Can You Claim GST Back When Leaving New Zealand?
Background Information
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a consumption tax charged on most goods and services sold in New Zealand. The current rate of GST is 15%. Residents of New Zealand are eligible to claim back GST on certain purchases when they leave the country permanently or for more than 12 months.
In order to claim back GST, visitors must present a valid Tax Refund form that has been issued by the retailer, valid GST Refund receipts and sufficient evidence of departure from New Zealand. GST refunds can be claimed at the airport right before departure. Once the refund has been processed, the money will be sent directly to the visitor’s international bank account or credit card.
Relevant Data
According to the New Zealand Customs and Excise Department, the following items are eligible for GST refunds:
- Taxable goods
- Taxable services
- Freight services
- Taxable cultural services
The following items are not eligible for GST refunds:
- Goods purchased for resale or commercial use
- Goods purchased for rental purposes
- Goods purchased duty-free from an airport duty free shop
- Goods purchased through online auction sites
Perspectives from Experts
Tax experts suggest that it is important to save all original receipts and check if the retailer offers a GST refund at the time of purchase. It is also important to be aware of the GST refund time limits, as some retailers only offer a limited time period for refunds.
When claiming back the GST at the airport, visitors should have the following documents on hand:
- Proof of departure
- Original, valid receipts
- Tax refund forms issued by the retailer
- A check from the GST refund office
Insights and Analysis
GST refunds are available to both locals and visitors of New Zealand, however, the amount of money refunded tends to be more significant for visitors due to the higher GST rate.
When claiming back GST, it is important to remain organized and keep all documents and receipts in order to ensure a smooth process. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the GST refund time limit – some retailers only offer a 14 day window for refunds.
Education and Engagement
To successfully claim back GST on purchases, visitors must produce the following evidence:
- Valid receipts
- Tax refund forms
- Proof of departure from New Zealand
Visitors also need to ensure that the retailer offers GST refunds, as not all retailers do so. Furthermore, visitors should double-check that their purchases fall within the eligible categories for GST refunds.
Eligibility
When claiming back GST on purchases, visitors must be aware of which items are eligible. Generally, taxable goods and services, freight services, and taxable cultural services are eligible for GST refunds. On the other hand, items such as goods for resale and goods purchased for rental purposes are not eligible.
Refund Limits
While there are no restrictions on the amount of GST a visitor can claim back, there is a time limit when it comes to claiming GST refunds – most retailers offer a 14-day limit from the date of purchase, and the refund must occur before the visitor leaves New Zealand.
Claiming Refunds
When claiming back a GST refund, visitors should go to the airport and submit their refund form, valid receipts, and proof of departure. Once the refund has been processed, the money will be sent to the visitor’s international bank account or credit card.
Filing Refund Claims
When filing for a GST refund, visitors should make sure to fill out all the fields in the form correctly, including their name, address, invoice number, and flight details. All receipts, invoices, and forms should match the details in the form. To avoid complications, visitors should double-check all the information before submitting the form.
Supporting Documents
When claiming back GST, visitors should be prepared to present supporting documents such as passports, visas, or any other documents that could help prove their identity. It is important to remember that GST refunds will only be paid into a visitor’s international bank account or credit card, so visitors should bring this information with them when claiming the refund.
GST Refunds on Exports
When exporting items out of New Zealand, visitors may be eligible for GST refunds on the value of their goods. This is applicable to items that are exported within 12 months of purchase and are used for non-commercial purposes.
Conclusion
Visitors may be eligible to claim back GST on selected items when leaving New Zealand. However, certain criteria must be met and certain documents must be provided. It is important to check with the retailer if they offer GST refunds and to keep all documents in order to ensure a smooth process.
