Vat rebate how long

You must keep records to support your claim. Next: Persons engaged in taxable, exempt and non-business activities. Published: 20 October Please rate how useful this page was to you Print this page. It looks like you have JavaScript disabled. Certain parts of this website may not work without it. Please enable JavaScript for the best experience. Your choices on cookies This website uses cookies in order for our feedback functionality to work.

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Visit our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to learn more. You can opt out of some cookies by adjusting your browser settings. You'll likely be asked to present your passport when you make the purchase, in order to start the refund process. A photo of your passport usually works.

Shop at stores that know the ropes. Retailers choose whether to participate in the VAT-refund scheme. Most tourist-oriented stores do; often you'll see a sign in the window or by the cashier if not, ask.

For any significant purchase, even at a boutique shop, it's always worth asking about a VAT refund. It'd be a shame to spend big bucks at a place and not have a chance of getting a refund.

Get the documents. When you make your purchase, have the merchant fill out the necessary refund document. Check the paperwork to be sure nothing important is missing, then attach your receipt to the form and stash it in a safe place. Weigh the cost of shipping versus VAT refund. If the store ships your purchase to your home, you won't be charged the value-added tax.

But shipping fees and US duty can be pricey enough to wipe out most of what you'd save. Compare shipping costs to your potential VAT refund — it may be cheaper to carry the items home with you. Bring your paperwork and purchases, and arrive early.

Assuming you left the store with your purchase, receipt, and VAT paperwork but no refund , you'll need to get the refund processed before going home. If you've bought merchandise in a European Union country, process your documents at your last stop in the EU, regardless of where you made your purchases. So if you buy sweaters in Denmark, pants in France, and shoes in Italy, and you're flying home from Greece, get your documents stamped at the airport in Athens.

If the currencies are different in the country where you made your purchase and where you process your refund — say, euros and Czech koruna — you may have to pay an extra conversion fee. And don't forget: Switzerland, Norway, and Turkey are not in the EU, so if you buy in one of those countries, get your documents stamped before you cross the border. Be careful if you leave the EU by train. Bigger train stations handling international routes will have a customs office that can stamp your documents.