Foreigners (tourists) can claim a Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Value Added Tax (VAT) refund on goods purchased during their stay, provided they export them within a specific period, usually 60–90 days. The process involves shopping at registered, tax-free retailers, keeping original receipts, and submitting a refund claim at the airport's electronic kiosk or via a Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) counter before departing.
The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. The foreign country in which you paid the Value Added Tax (VAT) is responsible for refunding the tax.
You must present the purchased items, original receipts, and your passport at the GST Refund Counter before check-in at the airport. ⚠️ Not all retailers allow receipts to be combined, and some may not offer refunds on both general and consumable goods. Always check in advance to avoid disappointment.
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). The government pays this on eligible purchases you make in Australia and take offshore when you meet certain conditions.
Tourists buying goods from retailers who participate in the electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS) may claim a refund of the GST paid on purchases made in Singapore.
You can claim a GST refund in the following situations, when additional tax is paid or deposited due to errors or omissions. When dealers and deemed export goods or services are subject to refund or refund. Refunds can also be made for purchases made by UN agencies or embassies.
You are eligible for the GST/HST credit if you meet all of the following conditions:
Claiming a GST refund at airport
After filling out the claim, you will receive an auto-generated QR code. You still need to present your goods, passport, boarding pass, original tax invoices, and the QR code to the TRS Facility. So make sure you have everything with you in your carry-on luggage.
Here's the GST refund application documents checklist you'll need before applying:
If you are a non-resident visitor to Canada, you cannot claim a rebate of the GST/HST that you paid for purchases made in Canada.
Step 1: Go to the official GST portal. Under the 'Services' section, click on 'Refunds' and then select 'Refund Pre-Application Form'. Step 2: Fill in all the required information on the form and click 'Submit'. You will receive a confirmation message on the screen.
Payment amounts are recalculated every July
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.
Many travelers visiting the United States are surprised to learn that there is no nationwide VAT refund system like in Europe or Asia. Instead of VAT, the USA uses state-level sales tax, and most states do not offer any tax refund in USA for tourist.
VAT refunds let tourists get back Value Added Tax paid on goods they buy in countries like the EU, requiring forms from stores, proof of export (customs stamp at the airport before checking bags), and claiming the refund at airport desks, usually for unused items taken home, though the US doesn't offer this. The process involves getting an exemption form, keeping goods unused with tags on, getting customs to validate forms (often pre-security), and then processing the refund with operators like Global Blue, allowing for cash or credit card returns minus fees.
Refund Amount = (Turnover of zero-rated supply of goods + Turnover of zero-rated supply of services) x Net ITC ÷Adjusted Total Turnover where, (A) “Refund amount” means the maximum refund that is admissible; (B) “Net ITC” means input tax credit availed on inputs and input services during the relevant period.
To get a GST refund for business, simply submit your complete BAS statement to the ATO, preferably through your accounting software (or relying on your bookkeeper) to see what kind of GST refund you'll receive.
The GST law requires that every claim for refund is to be filed within 2 years from the relevant date. Treatment for Zero Rated Supplies: One of the categories under which claim for refund may arise would be on account of exports.
Here are the 7 prime reasons behind most rejections:
When it comes to travelling internationally and claiming business expenses, your overseas expenses will not included GST.
File your GST/HST return directly in your CRA account (My Business Account or Represent a Client) using the built-in GST/HST NETFILE service. Using the online GST/HST NETFILE form with an access code. If you do not have a CRA account you can file your GST/HST return using the NETFILE form online with an access code.
And the process is fairly easy: Bring your passport along on your shopping trip (a photo of your passport should work), get the necessary documents from the retailer, and file your paperwork at the airport, port, or border when you leave.
Tourists visiting Canada are generally not eligible for a refund of the GST/HST paid on purchases made in Canada. The GST/HST visitor rebate program was discontinued, and non-resident visitors cannot claim a rebate for most goods and services bought during their trip.
You are not a resident of Canada for income tax purposes. You do not have to pay tax in Canada because you are an officer or servant of another country (such as a diplomat) or a family member or employee of such a person. You are confined to a prison or similar institution for a period of at least 90 consecutive days.
The maximum you can receive from the GST/HST credit until the end of the payment period is: $533 if you're single. $698 if you're married or have a common-law partner. $184 for each child under the age of 19.