VAT is a value added tax that was introduced in 1919 in Germany by Wilhelm von Siemens. VAT is an indirect tax paid to the state treasury and is defined as the difference between the cost of goods sold, taking into account surcharges, and the cost of their production. Often, when purchasing a product, the buyer pays the VAT already included in its price.
Instructions
Step 1
Buy from TFS. In Western Europe, there is a “tax-free for tourists” sign on the doors of a fairly large number of outlets. Translated from English - "no tax for tourists." That is, by making a purchase of goods in a similar store, you can save enough. The basis of the tax-free shopping system (hereinafter - TFS) is the order established in the European Union: if a person permanently resides outside the borders of the European Union, then, leaving it, you can get a refund of the VAT paid on the purchase of goods. The VAT refund mechanism is quite simple. When making a purchase of goods in a TFS store, a special check is issued, on which, when leaving the country, a customs stamp is put, then you can get money on this check.
Step 2
Keep in mind some details, however. When making a purchase of goods in a TFS store, you must ask the seller to issue a Tax Free Shopping Check, making sure that the seller's name and address are correct. You can also enter them yourself. Check: the check must also contain the purchase amount, the VAT amount and the amount to be issued (VAT minus commissions), which the buyer should receive when leaving the EU. It should be noted that VAT and commissions differ in different EU countries. However, as a rule, you can get 10% -19% of the purchase price.
Step 3
Also be aware that in some EU countries, in order to receive a VAT refund, you must purchase a set amount of merchandise from a TFS store. Different stores also have their own specifics: in some it is necessary to buy for a set amount in all its departments, in others - in any one department, for example, a DVD player and discs, but not a DVD player and dress).
Step 4
It is also worth noting that sellers are often reluctant to work with the tax-free system, even though their stores are using it. At the same time, they usually offer to replace the tax-free check with an additional discount. Agree.
Step 5
Observe the formalities at customs. At the time of departure, show the tax-free receipt, passport and purchased goods to customs officers. Some EU countries require a sales receipt to be shown. A number of countries (Holland, Sweden) have also introduced a rule according to which the customs stamp must be placed no later than 30 days. from the date of purchase. And in Germany, the customs puts a stamp only if the goods are still sealed.
Step 6
After the tax-free check is stamped, go to the VAT refund point of the international airport. You should clarify in advance where the refund point is located. However, if you did not manage to receive the money at the airport, you can do it at another VAT refund point, since their network is spread all over the world.
Step 7
Shop at duty-free. Sometimes there is a “duty-free” sign on shops or airport kiosks. It should be noted that "duty-free" and "Tax-free" are one and the same. Duty-free trade is also carried out on international planes, cruise ships, etc. At the same time, the prices for goods here are much lower than a regular store. Duty-free shops are intended not only for foreign citizens, but also for citizens of their country who travel abroad. In this case, the main point is that the goods should not be brought back into the same country. To do this, you can purchase goods at the airport only upon presentation of a ticket for a flight abroad.
