GST in Australia

[derekstavenger]

I am considering buying a used Catamaran in Australia. Does anyone know if I have to pay GST? Boat is Australia built and has been there since new. If so, is there a way around it?

[JPA Cate]

Would you be immediately exporting the boat back to California? If so, it is CA whose taxes you'll have to be worried about, but in any event, I think this is something you need to refer to Customs (Australian Border Force), and get a response in writing, siting the applicable sections. I do not think you will be able to keep the boat's Australian registry (required to take it offshore) unless you are also an Australian citizen.

Ann

[chrisr]

in australia there is no gst applicable when purchasing second hand goods privately

cheers,

[StuM]

Originally Posted by chrisr

in australia there is no gst applicable when purchasing second hand goods privately

cheers,

Nor when you buy through a broker. (who is just acting as an agent for the private seller).

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by derekstavenger

I am considering buying a used Catamaran in Australia. Does anyone know if I have to pay GST? Boat is Australia built and has been there since new. If so, is there a way around it?

As has been said by others, gst in aust is levied on the initial sale, not on subsequent sales, EXCEPT if the initial sale is tax exempt, in which case I believe that gst will apply to the subsequent sale unless it too is tax exempt. Can be quite the minefield.
If the initial sale was to an owner that was not a business entity then I would suggest that no further taxes apply.