Yes, U.S. citizens can get Value Added Tax (VAT) back on eligible, unused goods purchased while traveling in foreign countries (such as in the EU) by acting as a "non-resident" or tourist. The process requires requesting a tax-free form at the time of purchase, validating it at customs upon departure, and typically leaving the country within 3 months.
Some countries won't refund after the fact, so check with the Foreign Embassies & Consulates office of the country you visited. Also. the United States does not participate in the VAT tax refund, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are not mandated to stamp VAT tax forms.
VAT refunds let tourists get back Value Added Tax paid on goods they buy in countries like the EU, requiring forms from stores, proof of export (customs stamp at the airport before checking bags), and claiming the refund at airport desks, usually for unused items taken home, though the US doesn't offer this. The process involves getting an exemption form, keeping goods unused with tags on, getting customs to validate forms (often pre-security), and then processing the refund with operators like Global Blue, allowing for cash or credit card returns minus fees.
When you, as a tourist, buy something and take it out of the country, you're not consuming it locally--so the country allows you to reclaim the tax you paid. In short: You don't live there, and you're not using the product there--so you shouldn't have to pay the tax. Governments offer VAT refunds to: Promote tourism.
Do US citizens pay VAT? U.S. citizens only pay VAT when in Europe or another country with a value-added tax. The U.S. does not operate a VAT system. Instead, it applies sales tax at the final point of sale, which is collected by the seller and remitted to the appropriate state or local authority.
The USA does not charge VAT (Value Added Tax). Instead, it uses state sales tax, an additional tax which is added at checkout and usually non-refundable. Since sales tax is controlled by individual states, there is no federal tourist refund scheme, and visitors generally cannot reclaim sales tax.
A VAT refund lets VAT-registered UK businesses reclaim VAT paid on eligible business expenses, usually at the standard 20% rate. You must be VAT registered (or eligible under the overseas VAT Refund Scheme) and have valid VAT invoices to make a successful claim.
To get a 20% VAT refund in France as a non-EU resident, you must spend over €100 (incl. VAT) in one store on the same day, get a tax-free form (détaxe) from the retailer, have it stamped by French Customs (via PABLO kiosks or at the office) before leaving the EU, and present the goods and form at departure to receive your refund (cash or card/transfer) after validation within 3 months.
For any significant purchase, even at a boutique shop, it's always worth asking about a VAT refund. The precise details of getting your money back will depend on how a particular shop organizes its refund process. In most cases, you'll present your refund documents at the airport on the way home (explained later).
No refund is possible without a (digital) customs stamp. If you are leaving the EU via Vienna International Airport you will be issued with a digital customs stamp. After deduction of a handling fee by the tax-free provider, the refund amounts to up to 15% of the purchase price.
You cannot reclaim VAT for: anything that's only for personal use. goods and services your business uses to make VAT -exempt supplies. the cost of entertaining or providing hospitality to people you do business with (for example theatre or sports tickets)
How much VAT is refunded in France? Although the standard VAT rate is 20%, tourists cannot get a full refund of 20% on their purchases. Only some of the VAT can be claimed back, around 12%.
There is no VAT refund in the UK, so don't buy in London or Scotland. France and the Netherlands have the same prices as they are EU countries. LV in France will give you 12% of the VAT back through Global Blue.
VAT refunds let tourists get back Value Added Tax paid on goods they buy in countries like the EU, requiring forms from stores, proof of export (customs stamp at the airport before checking bags), and claiming the refund at airport desks, usually for unused items taken home, though the US doesn't offer this. The process involves getting an exemption form, keeping goods unused with tags on, getting customs to validate forms (often pre-security), and then processing the refund with operators like Global Blue, allowing for cash or credit card returns minus fees.
VAT rates vary by EU country, typically set above a minimum of 15%, and can include reduced rates for certain goods and services. Implications for U.S. Consumers and Businesses: American travelers pay VAT included in listed prices in Europe but can reclaim it on certain purchases when leaving the EU.
How to get paid a VAT refund. By completing your VAT Return online, HMRC will automatically calculate if you're due a VAT repayment for that accounting period. Once you submit your VAT Return, HMRC usually repays any VAT within 30 days. For more information, see HMRC's VAT Notice 700 guide.
🛠 Step-by-Step Guide to Claim Your VAT Refund in the USA
Receipts, tax-free tags, passport, credit card, and goods must be shown at validation kiosks or counters. 85% of VAT is refunded after deducting fees; paid via cash (limit AED 35,000) or card. Goods must be unused and carried with the traveller services, food, or used items don't qualify.
The IRS allows you to amend returns from the last three years, which sometimes results in delayed or unexpected refund checks. While a few taxpayers are genuinely seeing deposits of $2,000 or $3,000, those refunds are tied to specific past errors or missed credits, not a general program available now.
After you are done with the shopping and have collected the receipt for all the products, ask the shopkeeper for the VAT refund form. This is the form that you have to show at the customs and VAT refund desk at the airport to get your refund.
For instance, you can expect a higher VAT refund in Hungary because the country currently has the highest VAT rate in Europe with a standard rate of 27%4. Conversely, Luxembourg has the lowest standard VAT rate, which is at 17%5. So, you might see a smaller VAT refund percentage in Luxembourg.
So it's usually high-ticket items, like jewelry or fine clothing, that qualify for a VAT refund, not a paperback novel or suntan lotion. There are also a number of goods and services that are not eligible for refunds, including hotel rooms and meals.
You can reclaim input VAT on purchases that are used for your taxable business activities. This includes purchases used to make standard-rated, reduced-rated, or zero-rated supplies. You cannot reclaim VAT on purchases used solely for exempt activities.
End of the VAT Retail Export Scheme
Under the VAT Retail Export Scheme (VAT RES), international visitors to the UK could reclaim the VAT they paid on goods purchased but not consumed in the UK. The UK government ended VAT RES on 31 December 2020 when the Brexit transition period ended.
Key Takeaways: Many taxes aren't imposed on items sold at duty-free stores, sometimes resulting in lower prices for consumers. Duty-free shops may offer better bargains when tariffs rise. Compare the cost of items that you can purchase at home or where you're traveling before buying from duty-free stores.