Is it possible to get a VAT refund on goods I purchased in the UK if I'm departing Europe from Paris?
I've bought a smartphone from Amazon in the UK which has around 35 pounds VAT on it. I'd like to get this back when I fly from Europe to Australia, however I depart from Paris and not from the UK.
Is it possible for me to get the tax refunded and if so, how?
Best Answer
Yes it is. You need to get your refund from the last country you're in before leaving the EU. I assume you're having a stop over in Paris and not just transiting through. If you're transiting, you would need to get the refund in the UK as the customs check should be outside the transit area.
If you're travelling to another country within the EU before you finally leave the EU, then you must show your goods and refund form to customs officials in that country when you leave it.
VAT refunds for visitors to the UK
7.1.2 I'm leaving the UK for another EU country:
Show your goods, till receipts and refund form to customs in the last EU country you visit. The deadline for exporting the goods stays the same regardless of how many countries you visit.
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Can you get VAT refund after leaving France?
If your primary residence is in a non-EU country1, you may be eligible for a refund of the VAT on the price of goods you purchased in France. A stamp by the customs office at the point of departure from the EU definitively exempts the seller from collecting VAT.Can I claim VAT back on international purchases?
How to claim your VAT refund. You must claim your VAT refund online, via the authorities in the country where your business is based. If you are eligible for a refund, the authorities will pass on your claim to the authorities in the other country. outlining the responsibilities of the national tax authorities.Can I claim VAT back from non-EU countries?
Tourists must meet the following conditions to be able to claim VAT refund: the tourists must provide proof of residence (eg non-EU passport or residence permit) the goods must be taken out of the EU within three months of being bought. The tourist must provide a stamped VAT refund document proving this.Can you get VAT refund after leaving UK?
If you are visiting Britain, you can sometimes reclaim this VAT cost before you leave. You do this through HMRC's Retail Export Scheme, also known as tax-free shopping. It only applies to goods you buy in the UK to take home to another country. Unfortunately, it doesn't apply to services.How to get VAT and Import Duties Refunded after Brexit: a step-by-step guide
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