GST Refund Warning.

I've just had an issue with GST paid for plant seeds purchased from Overseas.

I purchased the seeds in Nov 2018 but the seeds hadn't turned up. I contacted the seller who provided details about the postage. Thought the Christmas period might have added to the delay so was happy to wait a bit longer.

Then I received a Letter from Australian customs stating the seeds had not been commercially packaged, were not allowed into the country and had been exported back to seller.

As per Ebay Help advice the first thing I did was contact the seller attaching a photo of the Letter. The seller was very good and arranged to pay refund to my PayPal account that day which was done. But I noticed it was short of the amount I had actually paid. Checked the Invoice I had received and noted that this amount was a separate transaction raised by EBay for GST that was then added to the purchase price.

Couldn't find anything about GST refund on Help pages so started a Chat conversation. I was told that as I had not obtained the refund using the "I want to Return this item" process, I would not be able to get the GST refunded.

Pointed out that Help pages advised starting point of contacting the seller which is what I did.

Also stated that Ebay had collected the GST and it was illegal for them to not refund it when goods were not received, and there must be a way they could process this.

Eventually got a reply that I could get a refund of GST but it would take 7-10 business days or they could give me a voucher immediately for value of GST rounded up to the next dollar. Took that option rather than have to muck around checking for refund.

In order to start a "Return" process you need to go to Purchase History and under more actions click the "Return" option. BUT you only have 30 days past expected delivery date to select that option!  And I've had a few occassions where the date received has been held up for various reasons. And in my case that option wasn't available anymore anyway!

Pointed out that EBay should provide better Help Topics for problems with overseas purchases involving the addition of GST. Got a rather rude reply that Ebay was only charging the GST because YOUR country required it.

SO, if you can select the "Return" option for goods (presumably even for items not received?) and let the seller know that you are only doing it this way because of Tax issues with Australia.

If you can't use this option, contact Ebay for the GST Refund and DO NOT let them fob you off saying they can't do it.