on 03-07-2018 08:36 AM
So we all know the laws changed July 1st and I've just made my first ebay purchase since then. Problem is GST isn't being shown until after you commit to buy and I'm not sure this is legal. Isn't it required in Australia that the total price be shown including any taxes prior to being locked into a purchase? Anyone know for sure?
I tried asking this of ebay customer service and they just ended the chat LOL. Now I'm defintiely going to pursue it.
on 03-07-2018 08:54 AM
Some listings show import charges (GST) for under $1000 items, some don't. However the amount quoted is nowhere near 10% of the item cost plus postage. Find a few listings that can be added to and removed from a cart and see if they are 10%. No way will I buy from overseas while this is happening. Postage prices on small items are ridiculous without GST, and how come when we send something out of Australia we don't pay GST on postage for international mail. Special international post stamps are required. Wouldn't it be the same for example from UK to Australia that there is no added VAT at the UK end, so why is GST being added and at a rate seemingly higher than 10%.
on 03-07-2018 11:22 AM
Yes, you are right that in Australia a Tax Invoice must show the total price including fees and taxes but the new GST pn imported goods is different in that the seller is not adding the GST to their invoice.
The GST is being added by ebay when you actually pay for the goods. It is shown on the invoice before you make the payment.
It is all above board and complies with Australian Law.
on 03-07-2018 11:29 AM
It's shown before you make payment but the problem is you're having to commit to the purchase without being shown the total first. There's no way you can back out of the transaction at that point you're locked in. That's the part I'm not sure about. I've sent an enquiry to ACCC and will look at other areas when i have time.
on 03-07-2018 11:43 AM
on 03-07-2018 12:41 PM
Ah but that's not the case. Not all imports will have it added. According to https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/busi/cargo-support-trade-and-goods/importing-goods/duty-rates-and-tax... and confirmed via email, if goods don't have GST collected at the point of sale, ie business who don't exceed the AUD$75k limit necessary to collect GST, then GST also won't be collected at the border as long as they're still below AUD$1k.
on 03-07-2018 01:27 PM
You need to read your own link -
Businesses with sales (subject to Australian GST) of AUD75000 or more to consumers in Australia within a 12 month period, will need to register with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), collect GST at the point of sale and remit that GST to the ATO.
This includes businesses that are:
The electronic distribution platform operator is ebay.
All imports attract the GST now.
on 03-07-2018 02:27 PM
Not talking about ebay specifically, it was in response to kopenhagen5 comment that all imports have GST added.
I and the link say if GST isn't collected at the point of sale then it also won't be collected at the border. So if you buy a $200 something from somelittleshop.com that's located outside of Aust that sells less than $75k to Aussies each year and therefore doesn't need to resgister for and collect GST then that item will be delivered to you GST free. If you buy a $1200 item from the same place then GST will be collected at the border. So not all imports will have GST added to them. Via ebay yes, via other vendors, possibly not. I've clarifed that with Home Affairs drectly, not just the link.
on 07-07-2018 07:36 AM
on 30-07-2018 04:50 PM