UK VAT refund: apply for refund directly and not through agents like GlobalBlue?
Is there a way to claim a UK VAT refund directly and not through agents like GlobalBlue? What do these agents do that they take a massive cut from VAT refunds, for example a £1000 purchase has £166.67 VAT, however if you claim that back through GlobalBlue, they will take £44.67. TaxFree4U is a bit better but will still take £38.
Is there a way to get hold of a UK VAT 407 form and fill it and hand it over to customs to get the money back directly and not through any middlemen?
Best Answer
AIUI (this is based on what I have read on government sites, I am not a lawyer or an accountant)
When a "retail export" transaction is made the customer doesn't claim the VAT back from the government. Instead the retailer provides the customer with a special form that the customer gets stamped by customs. The form is then returned to the retailer retroactively zero-rates the transaction and refunds the VAT to the customer.
It's up to the retailer whether they offer this service at all, and if so, whether they do so directly or through an agency, and what if any fees they charge for doing so.
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How do I get my full VAT refund?
How to claim a VAT refund?How do HMRC issue VAT refunds?
Repayments are usually made within 30 days of HMRC getting your VAT Return. Your repayment will go direct to your bank account if HMRC has your bank details. Otherwise HMRC will send you a cheque (also known as a 'payable order'). You can change the details that HMRC uses to make your repayment.How does the VAT refund work?
Typically, you have to pay the value-added tax at the time of purchase, and then apply for a refund from the shop. Usually, your purchase must be over a certain amount in order to qualify for a VAT refund.Do you get VAT back on a refund?
You will get a VAT refund for all the VAT you paid on your goods, minus any handling fee charged by the retailer. The more you've spent, the more you'll get back in your refund. But it also depends on the VAT rate applied to those goods.VAT REFUND EXPLAINED| sharing how I saved hundreds by shopping in Paris 🤗 mrs_leyva
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