Sales tax refunds for tourists in the USA are generally not available, as the U.S. does not have a federal value-added tax (VAT) refund system like many other countries CBP Help (.gov). However, specific, limited tax-free shopping programs exist for foreign tourists in Texas and Louisiana, provided you meet strict criteria, such as shopping at participating retailers.
Tourists buying goods from retailers who participate in the electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS) may claim a refund of the GST paid on purchases made in Singapore.
In the USA, the opportunity to claim a VAT refund is generally reserved for foreign businesses and tourists who have incurred VAT on eligible expenses within VAT-imposing countries. US businesses may also seek VAT refunds from their business expenses in these countries.
You must present the purchased items, original receipts, and your passport at the GST Refund Counter before check-in at the airport. ⚠️ Not all retailers allow receipts to be combined, and some may not offer refunds on both general and consumable goods. Always check in advance to avoid disappointment.
The details on how to get a refund vary per country, but generally you'll need to do the following: Have the merchant completely fill out the refund document; they'll need your passport (or a photo of it) to complete the form. Hang on to the paperwork and original sales receipt until you file it (see later).
Requirements to make a claim
Portland, Oregon, and Anchorage, Alaska, have no state or local sales taxes. Richmond, Virginia has 5.3 percent state sales tax. Honolulu, Hawaii, has a low sales tax rate of 4.5 percent, but the tax applies broadly to goods and services when compared with sales tax from other locations.
To get your GST refund, you will need to apply for it through the GST portal by submitting a refund application form. The application will be processed and verified by the GST department, and if approved, the refund amount will be credited to your bank account.
Nonresident Alien Tax Withholding
If we determine that you meet the substantial presence test for a year in which SSA has withheld nonresident alien tax, you may request a refund. SSA can refund taxes erroneously withheld in the current tax year.
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 can choose to write off either your state and local income tax or sales taxes when itemizing deductions, but not both. To claim the sales tax deduction, you'll need to itemize your deductions on Schedule A.
At the airport, proceed to the eTRS self-help kiosk with your goods. For purchases that you plan to check-in, before you check-in your luggage, you need to apply for GST refund at the eTRS self-help Kiosk located at departure check-in hall (before immigration).
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.
The TRS covers a range of goods in Australia that have a 10% GST applied, but there are certain criteria you need to meet before you make a claim. The purchase must be $300 or greater. You must have paid for the goods yourself. The purchase must be made no more than 60 days before your date of departure from Australia.
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.
Claiming a GST refund at airport
After filling out the claim, you will receive an auto-generated QR code. You still need to present your goods, passport, boarding pass, original tax invoices, and the QR code to the TRS Facility. So make sure you have everything with you in your carry-on luggage.
If you paid more through the year than you owe in tax, you may get money back. Even if you didn't pay tax, you may still get a refund if you qualify for a refundable credit. To get your refund, you must file a return. You have 3 years to claim a tax refund.
$300 maximum claims rule
This rule states that if the total of your work-related expenses is $300 or less (not including car, travel, and overtime meal expenses, which can be claimed separately), you can claim the total amount as a tax deduction without receipts.