To get a VAT refund at the airport, arrive early to locate the Customs desk, present your passport, boarding pass, filled-out tax-free forms, and unused goods for inspection before checking your luggage. Obtain a customs stamp, then visit a refund operator (e.g., Global Blue, Planet) for cash or card credit.
But if you do more extensive shopping, the refund is worth claiming. And the process is fairly easy: Bring your passport along on your shopping trip (a photo of your passport should work), get the necessary documents from the retailer, and file your paperwork at the airport, port, or border when you leave.
Purchases in the checked-in baggage
🛫 At the Airport:
Present your original passport, tax invoices, completed refund forms, and purchased goods for customs inspection. After verification, the refund will be processed — either credited to your card or paid via a designated method, depending on the system in place at that airport.
🛠 Step-by-Step Guide to Claim Your VAT Refund in the USA
The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. The foreign country in which you paid the Value Added Tax (VAT) is responsible for refunding the tax. Some countries won't refund after the fact, so check with the Foreign Embassies & Consulates office of the country you visited.
The application for a refund must be lodged with the VAT Refund Administrator's offices. These offices are situated at Johannesburg, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airports, various land border posts and designated commercial harbours.
You should contact the retailer or refund agent about claims for refunds of VAT. Revenue does not administer the Retail Export Scheme or give refunds directly to tourists. Retailers or refund agents can direct enquiries to their Revenue office.
When it comes to claiming VAT on travel expenses, the key is knowing what's eligible and what's not. While you can reclaim VAT on things like hotel stays, car hire, and fuel for company vehicles, other costs—such as flights and train tickets—are zero-rated, meaning there's no VAT to reclaim.
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.
Your passport, boarding pass, and tax refund forms will be required. Additionally, you must carry the purchased items with you—preferably in their original packaging—along with the receipts or invoices.
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.
Unless you're using the flat rate scheme, you can calculate your VAT return by following the steps below:
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.
Standard VAT refund:
HMRC verifies (1–5 working days) Checks for outstanding tax (1 day) Manual reviews in ~10 % of cases (adds ~30 days) BACS payout (3–5 working days)
The stages of an IRS refund are: (1) Return Received, where the IRS acknowledges receipt of your return; (2) Return Reviewed, where the return is checked for accuracy; and (3) Refund Approved/Sent, where the refund amount is finalized and issued.
While it's important to have proper documentation for your VAT claims, there are instances where invoices or receipts might not be available. In such cases, HMRC may accept a claim for VAT if you can demonstrate the following: The purchase took place, supported by alternative documentary evidence.
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.
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.
To claim VAT refund in UAE tourist should ask for a tax-free tag during purchase, validate goods at departure, and choose cash or card refund. Refund applies only to non-resident tourists aged 18+ who export goods within 90 days of purchase. Minimum spend required is AED 250 at stores registered under Planet Tax Free.
Main Reasons VAT Refunds Are Rejected (And How to Avoid Them)
Get your tax refund faster through direct deposit instead of by mail. Learn how direct deposit works and what to do if your direct deposit information is incorrect.
How difficult is it to complete a VAT Return? If your business is relatively simple, you may well find that you're able to complete your VAT return each quarter without any help.
Eligibility. International travelers who live outside the EU, are over 16 years old, and spend at least €100 in a single store on the same day are entitled to VAT refunds.
A W-2 form from each employer. Other earning and interest statements (1099 and 1099-INT forms) Receipts for charitable donations; mortgage interest; state and local taxes; medical and business costs; and other tax-deductible expenses if you are itemizing your return.