Originally Posted by
Febs2
That makes absolutely no sense.
Taxes pay for infrastructure and services provided to residents of that state, or citizens of that country. If someone doesn't live there, they won't be around to see the benefit of "their tax dollars" will they?
Here in Australia we refund the 10% GST (Goods and Services Tax) to outbound passengers. There are minimum amounts ($300AUD I think), and you have to have the goods with you (ie: not in checked luggage), but apart from that it's pretty straight-forward.
It even applies to residents heading overseas (and has helped me save 9% on digital and video cameras on more than one occasion.
)
Of course, if returning to Australia with those items, they are counted in your $900AUD personal items limit.
Cheers,
- Febs.
The basic sentiment is that if you tax people whom you don't represent, they can't vote you out of office. As long as you don't drive away tourism, they'll tax non residents as much as possible.