>----- Original Message ----- >> Yeah, but who exactly does the GST go to? Like if I haven't been charged >by >> say B&H for GST, then if customs charges me >> with it and the transaction took place outside of the country, then how >can >> the Aus Govt charge it as there is nobody within the country who will be >> eligible to claim the tax credits for it, iykwim? >> >> bloody GST, what a pain in the proverbial... >> >> tan.
GST is payable on any service or goods used in Australia, with the exception of unprocessed food. It all goes to the government. When you bring something into the country, because the goods are for use in Australia you pay GST. This is collected by Customs the same way Duties are collected and Sales tax used to be collected. If the total amount of Duties and GST (Cameras have no duties, but other things do) is less than AU$50 then they don't charge it and essentially get it GST free. GST is payable on postage also. So if you order something and the total value including shipping is AU$499 or less you don't pay GST. Hope this helps. Leon http://www.bluering.org.au http://www.bluering.org.au/leon
