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timroving · 12-12-2020, 06:23

Hi all and thanks for taking the time to read this question.
Firstly, I have spent many hours reading previous posts and I have found most answers to my questions about buying a used sailing yacht in Europe or the America’s and spending a year or so sailing it back to Australia. One question I can’t find the answer to is, if I buy an already Australian flagged registered yacht but located overseas and transfer it into my name as an Australian resident and citizen will I be charged Australian GST of 10% and import duties of 5% when sailing back into Australian waters. The 5% duty does not apply to USA boats as a free trade agreement exists between USA and Australia. I am looking at a European boat with Australian registration, EU tax of 24% that has not been paid but as I will be exporting from the EU I should not have to pay the EU tax. I should add that buying a used boat located in Australia does not attract any GST, sales taxes or fees other than a transfer fee.
Thanks again for your time. Tim

ilenart · 13-12-2020, 08:40

I believe the main question would be has GST and import duties previously been paid to the Australian government? If yes then I believe you would not have any taxes to pay. I do not believe Australian flagged would change this as I am fairly sure you can have an Oz registered boat overseas that has never been imported into Australia, which would not of had any taxes paid.

Ilenart

**StuM** · 13-12-2020, 15:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilenart

I believe the main question would be has GST and import duties previously been paid to the Australian government?

That's the simple answer.

Unless it has previously been exported from Australia, then GST and Duty will be payable regardless of registration.

It's a bit more complicated if it was exported from Australia. Depending on circumstances, something may still be payable.