How Do You Claim a VAT Refund in Europe?

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

Make sure the form has the accurate date of purchase and is signed by both you and the retailer. Keep your shopping bills or receipts; you’ll need to present them with the VAT refund form at customs when you fly onward to your next non-EU destination (or home).

Step 4: Get your tax-refund form stamped

Before you depart the country where you made your purchases, head to the customs office at the airport, typically located near check-in counters or in departure terminals. Before leaving the EU, you must have your tax-free form stamped by customs. This step is crucial to confirm that you’re taking the goods outside the EU. Customs officers may ask to see the items you’ve purchased, so be sure to do this before checking your luggage.

Step 5: Claim your refund

After getting your form stamped, visit a tax refund office at the airport or border crossing. At the airport, double check where the VAT refund counters are located: If they’re found landside (before security), complete this step before checking you luggage; if they’re airside (after security), make sure you have your purchases with you, rather than in your checked luggage.

Step 6: Receive your refund

You can receive the refund in cash or have it credited to your credit card. Retailers can either refund the VAT directly or use an intermediary. One of these parties may charge a fee, which may be withheld from the refunded VAT amount. If you opted for a refund to your credit card, the process may take a few days. If you choose cash, you’ll receive it immediately at the refund counter, though you may be charged a small fee.

How to get a VAT refund in France

To claim a VAT refund in France, your total purchases inclusive of all taxes need to exceed €100 from the same store, on the same day. (This can apply to multiple stores.) At the time of purchase, the retailer will give you an VAT refund form, which must be signed by both the retailer and you. Obtain a tax-free form from the store, known as Formulaire de Détaxe, and have it stamped by customs before leaving the EU. You can get this stamp at the customs office or electronically via PABLO terminals at major airports. Read more on the government guidelines here.

Carry your passport, travel ticket, tax refund form, and purchased goods in your carry-on luggage for inspection. Present these to customs before departure. Choose to receive your refund either directly at the airport or via bank transfer after mailing the stamped form. If your form has a PABLO logo, validate it at a PABLO terminal to initiate the refund process automatically. This must be done before the end of the third month following your purchase. Here’s a list of PABLO terminals.

How to get a VAT refund in Italy

At the store, request an invoice from the merchant that includes details such as the quantity of the goods, total price, taxable amount, and VAT applied. Before departing Italy, visit the VAT refund counters at the airport with your invoice to process an immediate cash refund. If cash is not available, the refund can be credited to your card or transfered internationally. If VAT refund counters are unavailable or closed, visit the Customs Office before checking your luggage. Customs staff will stamp your invoice, and you may need to present the purchased goods for inspection. Upon returning to your home country, send the stamped tax document to the store where the purchase was made for refund processing.

How to get sales tax refund in Germany

To claim a sales tax in Germany, request Ausfuhrbescheinigung from the retailer at the time of purchase. You must show proof of residence outside the EU (such as a passport) and spend at least €50 in a single store. Present the completed form, purchased goods, and your passport to customs when leaving the EU, ensuring the goods are exported within three months of purchase. Customs will validate the form with a stamp. After validation, submit the form to the retailer or a tax refund operator as instructed, either by mail or at a designated refund office. Retain copies of all documents and receipts for your records to ensure a smooth refund process. For detailed guidance, refer to the guidelines by the German Customs Authority.

What if I am not exiting the EU from the country of my purchase?

You can get the form validated by customs at any EU exit point, not just the country of purchase. You will need to present the goods, the completed VAT refund form, and your passport. After validation, follow the specific instructions on the form to submit it for a refund. This may involve mailing the form to the retailer or a VAT refund operator, or using a refund kiosk if available at the airport. Read more here.