Claiming back the VAT - Non UK Resident
Discussion
Things may have changed in the last ten years since I was last involved with this.
Simple answer is yes, more complicated answer is it depends.
If the retailer carries a form VAT407, this can be filled in at the retailer - and you pay full price for the goods. This form lists everything purchased and the price paid.
When the VAT407 is returned back to the retailer, either stamped at customs leaving the UK, or at customs at the destination country (basically proof the goods have left the EU) - then the retailer can refund the VAT.
Another thing we used to do was send a small parcel to the customer, the Post Office stamped the forms when they collected all parcels from us -and we used this as proof of export to refund VAT.
Simple answer is yes, more complicated answer is it depends.
If the retailer carries a form VAT407, this can be filled in at the retailer - and you pay full price for the goods. This form lists everything purchased and the price paid.
When the VAT407 is returned back to the retailer, either stamped at customs leaving the UK, or at customs at the destination country (basically proof the goods have left the EU) - then the retailer can refund the VAT.
Another thing we used to do was send a small parcel to the customer, the Post Office stamped the forms when they collected all parcels from us -and we used this as proof of export to refund VAT.
http://www.global-blue.com/
They are one of the main VAT refund merchants. I went through the same thing at Xmas when I was back in the UK. Make sure you get refund form from retailer, complete and then go to desk at airport.
Not as simple as Singapore but that should be obvious.
They are one of the main VAT refund merchants. I went through the same thing at Xmas when I was back in the UK. Make sure you get refund form from retailer, complete and then go to desk at airport.
Not as simple as Singapore but that should be obvious.
Do you live inside or outside the EU?
If you live inside the EU, you can only reclaim the VAT if you are a VAT registered trader in the country where you live.
If you live outside the EU, you can reclaim the VAT on goods bought when in an EU country. Most ports and airports have a VAT office where you can obtain your VAT refund. Some large retailers have in-house VAT reclaim offices as well.
Their may even be an on-line facility to allow you to make VAT reclaims even after yiou have returned home.
If you live inside the EU, you can only reclaim the VAT if you are a VAT registered trader in the country where you live.
If you live outside the EU, you can reclaim the VAT on goods bought when in an EU country. Most ports and airports have a VAT office where you can obtain your VAT refund. Some large retailers have in-house VAT reclaim offices as well.
Their may even be an on-line facility to allow you to make VAT reclaims even after yiou have returned home.
I live outside the EU, the theory is easy, get the form flled in by the shop, ensuring tht the form has enought detail to identify the goods, (No good if it just say 'shirt', you could have 10 in your bag, you need enougth to identify THE shirt as the one you bought.), then you must show the good to customs when you leave if in hand luggage no problem go through secuity and show at the window, if in checked than you have to check in get abag tag, take to customs show and then take back to check in, so allow time.
Customs will want proof you live ouside the EU like a work permit,
Get the form stamped, stick in box, wait for money less commission.
Its worth the trounble for big items got over 200 pounds back in Austria at Christmas on new Ski gear.
But you must follow the rules, last summer at Heathrow there was an Arab lady speng 10K on a neckless at Harods, in anice expensive box, she had the key to the box in checked bag, so could not open it, choice was break the box open at customs to show the neckless or forget the reclaim, she had to walk away without the VAT as she would not break the box.
Customs will want proof you live ouside the EU like a work permit,
Get the form stamped, stick in box, wait for money less commission.
Its worth the trounble for big items got over 200 pounds back in Austria at Christmas on new Ski gear.
But you must follow the rules, last summer at Heathrow there was an Arab lady speng 10K on a neckless at Harods, in anice expensive box, she had the key to the box in checked bag, so could not open it, choice was break the box open at customs to show the neckless or forget the reclaim, she had to walk away without the VAT as she would not break the box.
The UK is terrible at enabling this to happen. Go to customs.no don't do it. Go to Tradex or some other money place as they are the ones that do it. Oh yes sir we do it. Here's yours 10% back the rest we take in commission. f
k Me.
Most other places give you the whole lot back but not here.s.
Best place in world in my experience is Singapore. So easy and instant full refund on credit card.
k Me.Most other places give you the whole lot back but not here.
s.Best place in world in my experience is Singapore. So easy and instant full refund on credit card.
I'd be interested in this too.
I saved a bomb buying a new buggy in the UK, thought I'd be on a winner getting the VAT back too.
Unfortunately there's nothing in Manchester T1, just a letter box for HM Customs.
I thought there'd be a Global Blue or whatever they're called, and with a VAT receipt and the fact they make money on it anyway they'd help out.
Surely some folk must do this on the side, as the savings on high priced items would easily cover the plane ticket. I'm conveniently ignoring the aspect of declaring anything on arrival home.
I saved a bomb buying a new buggy in the UK, thought I'd be on a winner getting the VAT back too.
Unfortunately there's nothing in Manchester T1, just a letter box for HM Customs.
I thought there'd be a Global Blue or whatever they're called, and with a VAT receipt and the fact they make money on it anyway they'd help out.
Surely some folk must do this on the side, as the savings on high priced items would easily cover the plane ticket. I'm conveniently ignoring the aspect of declaring anything on arrival home.
Eric Mc said:
Do you live inside or outside the EU?
If you live inside the EU, you can only reclaim the VAT if you are a VAT registered trader in the country where you live.
If you live outside the EU, you can reclaim the VAT on goods bought when in an EU country. Most ports and airports have a VAT office where you can obtain your VAT refund. Some large retailers have in-house VAT reclaim offices as well.
Their may even be an on-line facility to allow you to make VAT reclaims even after yiou have returned home.
No, I live outside the EUIf you live inside the EU, you can only reclaim the VAT if you are a VAT registered trader in the country where you live.
If you live outside the EU, you can reclaim the VAT on goods bought when in an EU country. Most ports and airports have a VAT office where you can obtain your VAT refund. Some large retailers have in-house VAT reclaim offices as well.
Their may even be an on-line facility to allow you to make VAT reclaims even after yiou have returned home.
Berw said:
I live outside the EU, the theory is easy, get the form flled in by the shop, ensuring tht the form has enought detail to identify the goods, (No good if it just say 'shirt', you could have 10 in your bag, you need enougth to identify THE shirt as the one you bought.), then you must show the good to customs when you leave if in hand luggage no problem go through secuity and show at the window, if in checked than you have to check in get abag tag, take to customs show and then take back to check in, so allow time.
Customs will want proof you live ouside the EU like a work permit,
Get the form stamped, stick in box, wait for money less commission.
Its worth the trounble for big items got over 200 pounds back in Austria at Christmas on new Ski gear.
But you must follow the rules, last summer at Heathrow there was an Arab lady speng 10K on a neckless at Harods, in anice expensive box, she had the key to the box in checked bag, so could not open it, choice was break the box open at customs to show the neckless or forget the reclaim, she had to walk away without the VAT as she would not break the box.
Cheers, items will be checked in. Customs will want proof you live ouside the EU like a work permit,
Get the form stamped, stick in box, wait for money less commission.
Its worth the trounble for big items got over 200 pounds back in Austria at Christmas on new Ski gear.
But you must follow the rules, last summer at Heathrow there was an Arab lady speng 10K on a neckless at Harods, in anice expensive box, she had the key to the box in checked bag, so could not open it, choice was break the box open at customs to show the neckless or forget the reclaim, she had to walk away without the VAT as she would not break the box.
Did you get the VAT there and then?
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