How Do You Claim a VAT Refund in Europe?

24.09.2024 - 20:59 / cntraveler.com / Conde Nast

A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller India.

The VAT refund is one of the best reasons to go shopping in Europe, whether at the boutiques of Paris to the designer stores of Milan. It’s what really sweetens the deal: the prospect of getting (some of your) money back at the end of your trip thanks to the traveler’s VAT refund. But what is it exactly?

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a type of sales tax. In the United States, shoppers pay a tax on top of an item’s retail price; elsewhere, in places like Europe, the VAT is often bundled into the retail price of an item in a store. In some countries, a VAT refund program is available to international visitors, allowing you to claim back the VAT you paid on items you take home with you. Most countries in the European Union, like France and Italy, offer VAT refunds for non-EU tourists.

Based on the guidelines set by the European Union, non-EU residents can get a VAT refund on goods purchased in Europe if they show the purchased items and appropriate VAT refund documents to customs upon departure within three months of purchase. The goods must be taken out of the EU in personal luggage (i.e. you take then with you in your own bags when you begin your journey to a non-EU country), and the value of the purchases must exceed a minimum amount set by each EU country. Tourists must provide proof of their non-EU residency, and the VAT refund process may involve direct refunds from retailers or fees charged by intermediaries.

Jump to:

While each EU country has their own VAT refund rules, these are general steps you can follow:

Step 1: Shop, to meet the minimum purchase requirement

Each country has a minimum amount that you must spend to qualify for a VAT refund. This amount varies by country, so check before you shop. Be sure to carry your passport with you during your shopping trips, as stores are required to verify that you’re a non-EU resident before giving you the corresponding VAT refund documents.

Step 2: Get a VAT refund form

When making purchases in Europe, be sure to request a VAT refund document. This could be known as a tax-free form or tax refund voucher, depending on which country you’re in. In France, it’s called Formulaire de Détaxe, in Italy Modulo per il Rimborso IVA, and in Germany Ausfuhrbescheinigung. This form will detail your purchase and the VAT amount you can claim back. Normally, luxury retailers will proactively offer this as you finalize your purchase (where a single belt can easily meet the minimum spend amount), but try asking at boutiques and independent shops too. It never hurts to ask!

Step 3: Fill out the refund form and keep receipts of your purchase

Make sure the form has the accurate date of purchase