VAT refund for an online order from Germany shipped to Spain?
I am in Spain but I am not a resident of the European Union. I made an online order to a German seller who shipped the product to Spain. I got an invoice that includes Spanish sales taxes (21%).
I asked the German seller to provide me with a DIVA form so I can apply for a VAT refund. They told me they can't refund the sales taxes in such a way that it would be in conformity with German tax law.
I believe that Spanish sellers always have to provide a VAT refund (via DIVA form or invoice stamped at the airport). Is this optional for German sellers, even if they charge sales taxes of another country?
Best Answer
EU distance sellers are required to charge VAT at the rate of the country that they are selling to. This is why you have been charged VAT at Spanish rates. This is to prevent sellers in another EU country from being able to easily undercut local sellers due to a lower tax rate.
VAT refund schemes are not harmonised across the EU. Each country operates them separately and may have different requirements. In some countries, the scheme may be optional for the retailer, whereas in others it may be mandatory.
One of the requirements in Germany, and many other countries, is that you must prove to the merchant that you are not resident in the EU. This is going to prove extremely difficult with an online order: You can’t present your original passport, they can’t check your Schengen entry stamp and they can’t compare the photo to your face. This may be why they believe they are unable to complete the refund forms in compliance with German law.
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Can I claim VAT back on international purchases?
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.Can I claim VAT back on goods bought from Europe?
One of the great things about post-Brexit travelling in Europe is that British travellers can now claim a VAT refund on purchases made in the EU! This includes popular holiday destinations like France, Italy and Spain etc.Can I claim VAT back from Germany?
General information on German VAT refundsThe VAT can be refunded if the merchandise is purchased and exported by a customer whose residence is outside the European Union. Please note that in order to qualify for tax-refund the merchandise has to be exported within three months of purchase.Can I claim VAT back on purchases in Spain?
Tax Free: reclaim VAT from your purchases in Spain If you are not a resident of the European Union, you'll be pleased to know you can claim a refund of the VAT (Value Added Tax) you paid on purchases in Spain which you are taking back to your country.VAT Refund - *Everything You Need to Know* | AmandaRaeRevue
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