Why is Ebay charging GST on used items?

[netscrounger]

The Australian government imposed GST charges on online sales to protect "Brick and mortar" businesses, I get that, but why an I expected to pay an extra $30 on a set of obsolete used motorcycle carbs that I'm buying from a private seller in the US? What a scam! Cancel my bid thanks!

[gutterpunkz05]

Dont blame ebay,  GST is applicable on used goods, even in Australia.  Note when purchasing via ebay, the Government does not care if it is a commercial or private sale, as they have made the platform providers responsible for the GST.  Not individual sellers.

[imastawka]

No-one here can cancel your bid.

We are just members like yourself.

Ebay does not read here

Ask the seller to cancel through the item in your purchase history,

but don't be surprised if they won't.

[kopenhagen5]

It's the import tax that has always been there for items including shipping over $1000, now it applies to items under $1000.

You could say we have been getting away with not paying the tax for 18 years.

If you bought the same second hand items in Aus you wouldn't be charged the tax as it's an import tax.

[maranock]

Why do so many people think that GST doesn't apply to used items? 

[joztamps]

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@maranock wrote:

Why do so many people think that GST doesn't apply to used items? 

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Probably because that was one of the exclusions mooted in the political horse-trading that went on at the time of its introduction.

[maranock]

That was 18 years ago and as far as I know second hand goods were never actually exempted. After all this time people should know that GST is applied.

[joztamps]

People should know lots of things.

[enigmabear]

And why do some think postage is not a service?

[romali1960]

Perhaps a more pertinent question is why is GST bein charged on te total cost of the item putchased and the cost of shipping and handling?  The EBay site which explains Buying also contains a list of GST exept items which lists "international mail" as exempt. Since shipping and handling is frequently just postage is is right to charge GST on postage?