VAT refund at Luton airport

VAT refund at Luton airport - Yellow and Red Plane on White Sand

I'm a non-EU citizen, leaving London from Luton airport. I'm trying to understand how to get a VAT refund on my way out. All I was able to find is this very sparse description at the airport website:

You need to bring your VAT receipts and contact details to the Airport in a sealed envelope. Once you have passed through the security search area, before you go through to the Departures Lounge, there is a blue HM Customs post box mounted on the wall. Post the envelope in the box. The box is emptied by HM Customs on a daily basis and the contents are taken away for processing. If you cannot see the box, please ask any member of staff to direct you to it.

It doesn't say which products are eligible, or if I need any specific forms, or anything like that. Does anyone have experience they can share about VAT refund from the UK in general, and at Luton in particular?



Best Answer

Also, according to this page under some circumstances you won't need to have the goods sighted. I assume the following applies at Luton:

"If there aren't any customs officials at the port or airport you're leaving from, there will be a telephone you can use to ring an official or a clearly marked customs post box in which you can leave your refund form. Customs officials will collect it from there and if they are satisfied that all requirements have been met, they will contact the retailer to arrange your VAT refund."




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Can you claim VAT back at the airport UK?

You may be able to get a VAT refund if you're only traveling to Great Britain in order to change planes. You must be travelling to a non EU country and the goods must be in your hold luggage at all times. Check the rules on bringing goods into Great Britain.

Can you claim VAT back on flights?

Can you Claim VAT Back on Flights? Similar to train tickets, flights are zero-rated so there is no VAT for you to claim back. Before claiming VAT back, make sure you have your receipts and if there is no VAT added, then you cannot attempt to claim it back.

Do you get VAT back on a refund?

If you're registered for VAT, you can claim that back. You do this by reporting how much VAT you paid during a period of time. HMRC balances the amount you've paid against the VAT you've collected to work out your refund or bill (learn more in working out your VAT).

How do I get my full VAT refund?

How to claim a VAT refund?
  • Have a proof of residency. To initiate the refund process, you'll have to present an ID which indicates that you're not a resident of the EU. ...
  • Get the paperwork. The merchant will help you fill out the tax-free form. ...
  • At the airport. ...
  • Go to customs. ...
  • Get your money.




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