Tax tree (dachshund fries) - VAT refund system when making a purchase on the territory of a foreign state. The procedure for refunding part of the cost of goods is the same for all countries participating in the system, but there are differences in the amount of tax, the minimum purchase amount for the right to receive dachshund fries and other nuances that you need to familiarize yourself with in order not to lose money.

Who can get taxfree: VAT refund conditions

Refund part of the cost of a purchase made in a country - a member of the system TaxFree Shopping, it is possible under the simultaneous observance of several conditions:

• lack of citizenship, refugee status, residence permit and work permit in the state where the purchase was made;
• less than three-month one-time stay in the country;
• purchase of goods for a certain amount: the lower limit of the purchase price that gives the right to receive dachshund fries, is set by the states individually (for example, in France it is 175 euros, and in Germany - only 25).

Important: in most countries, food and other products are not subject to VAT. foodstuffs, as well as tobacco, alcohol, printed products, precious metals and stones, vehicles. So on return taxfree when buying cigarettes, books or a car, you don’t have to count.

Program TaxFree Shipping operates in all countries that are part of the European Union, as well as in Belarus, Argentina, Great Britain, Turkey, Jordan, South Korea, Morocco, Lebanon, Israel, South Africa, Iceland and Uruguay. Russia is not among the participants in the system.

Important: system dachshund fries does not apply to online purchases, even if they were made in a foreign store.

Tax free return procedure

The main condition for the subsequent return of VAT is the purchase of goods in stores - partners of the system TaxFree. Usually this is evidenced by the corresponding signs on the front door. If in doubt, you can always check with the seller - for this it is not necessary to be fluent foreign language one phrase is enough: Tax free?».

1. Getting a receipt.

When making a purchase, the seller must provide a receipt dachshund fries(Global Refund Check or TaxFree Form - depending on the operator providing the return service), which indicates in Latin letters the last name and first name of the buyer, the country and city of his residence, as well as the date of purchase and the total cost of the purchased goods.

The data is filled in in accordance with the buyer's passport - therefore, it is mandatory to have its original or a copy with you. Most often, sellers draw up a receipt themselves, but sometimes they are limited only to putting down the purchase amount and issuing a cash receipt. In this case, you will have to fill out the form yourself.

Important: the integrity of the packaging of goods must be maintained until the return of money. The same goes for tags, labels, labels and other insignia. In some stores at checkout taxfree the packaging is reinforced with special stickers or seals.

1. customs control.

Registration of the VAT refund begins immediately before returning home. Therefore, it is better to arrive at the place of departure (at the airport, train station, etc.) in advance - the procedure can be quite lengthy.

First step on the way back taxfree- customs office. If taxable items are in your hand luggage, you can go to the customs officers before check-in, otherwise it is better to do it after, since it will be more convenient to check in your suitcase in luggage right there.

The customs officer will check the integrity of the packaging of goods, make sure that there is a cash receipt, and then put a stamp on the receipt taxfree.

Important: when transiting or moving between EU countries, a refund is issued at the airport ( seaport etc.) of the last visited country before leaving for Russia, regardless of the place of purchase. For example, when buying goods in Germany with a subsequent flight to France, and from there to the Russian Federation, you should start the return procedure in France.

1. Receiving the money .

Get dachshund fries in three ways: directly at the airport; in any Russian bank - partner of the system TaxFree shopping; or to a bank card - within a few weeks after leaving all the documents in a specially equipped box.

Getting money at the airport

VAT refund documents must be submitted to the VAT Refund point or TaxFree Refund, located in the area of ​​​​international departures (in the same place where duty free). Often, operators provide the ability to select the currency of the refunded amount.

Leaving documents in a special box

The choice of this method of receiving money is advisable when there is a limited time - waiting for your turn in VAT Refund often takes from 20 minutes to an hour and a half. Receipt dachshund fries with a customs stamp and a cash receipt, you need to pack it in an envelope and put it in a box with the inscription " TaxFree"- usually it is located next to the point of issuing money. Before packing, write the number on the receipt bank card- funds will be returned to it within 3-8 weeks.

Getting tax free in Russia

You can get information about banks providing VAT refund services on the operators' website TaxFree. To receive money at a bank branch, you need to present a receipt TaxFree form, cash receipt and both passports - Russian and foreign.

Important: tax refund points for the purchase of goods abroad do not work in all bank branches - they are only in 10 cities of Russia. Therefore, if the way home lies through the capital, it is better to return the money there. Moreover, the period is limited - apply for a refund dachshund fries possible within 3 months from the date of purchase.

How to calculate tax free

Sum taxfree depends on the amount of value added tax established in the country in which the purchase was made. The run-up ranges from 7 to 21%. For example, in the Netherlands the VAT rate is 21%, in France - 19.6%.

For an accurate calculation of the amount to be refunded, it is better to use an online calculator - it is available on the website of any operator taxfree.

At the same time, it should be borne in mind that a certain percentage will be withheld as a commission for the service, and if we are talking about a non-cash return of money, there will also be a commission for converting into rubles (usually about 3-5%).

Tax free refund in Moscow

Get tax free in Moscow possible with receipt TaxFree Form with customs stamp and cashier's check. Refunds are made both in cash and on a bank card. Moreover, for this it is not necessary to be a citizen of Russia: a bank - a partner of the system will issue money upon presentation of any identity document indicated in the receipt.

With the program TaxFreein Moscow banks Intesa, SMP, Promsvyazbank, MDM and JSC Bank Russian Credit cooperate.

Tax free features in Germany

Since 2013, Italy has set a VAT rate of 22% (previously it was 20%), the minimum purchase price for dachshund fries dachshund fries

The VAT rate in Germany is 19%. Previously, the country set a maximum limit dachshund fries but has now been cancelled. Minimum purchase value to receive dachshund fries- 25 euros. That is, tourists can count on a refund of the full amount of tax minus commissions.

Obtaining procedure tax free in germany corresponds general rules however, there are time limits customs control- Customs stamp must be affixed to TaxFree Form within 30 days of purchase.

Tax free features in Italy

In 2013, Italy set a VAT rate of 22% (previously it was 20%), the minimum purchase price for dachshund fries- almost 155 euros (154.94). A significant plus of Italian dachshund fries- the ability to issue a refund directly upon purchase, that is, in fact - to receive a discount, equal to the rate VAT.

However, in practice, only elite stores that sell exclusive and very expensive goods provide such a service, the rest prefer to cooperate with operators. TaxFree.

You can return VAT in Italy both in the traditional way - when leaving the country, and at points of issue of money located in large cities, for example, in Rome or Milan. But the latter is only possible if the service is provided by the Global Blue operator.

Stamp the customs office TaxFree Form is required within 3 months of the date of purchase.

Tax free features in Finland

Finland has the highest VAT rate in Europe - 23%. But in practice, it turns out to reimburse only 16% - the rest will be deducted by the operator as a commission.

Here is the longest period for customs check- 6 months from the date of purchase of the goods. Eligibility taxfree occurs when buying a value of 40 euros.

GlobalBlue(Global Blue): tax free in 37 countries

The largest operator of the system Tax Free Shopping - Global Blue. VAT refund points are located in 37 countries, including Russia - however, there are only 10 cities where you can get money:

• Moscow;
• St. Petersburg;
• Novosibirsk;
• Chelyabinsk;
• Kaliningrad;
• Murmansk;
• Monchegorsk, Olenegorsk and Polyarnye Zori (Murmansk region);
• Rostov-on-Don.

Olga Stepanova

Reading time: 8 minutes

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The opportunity to save on purchases during tourist trips is always a hot topic. And on the eve of the New Year and Christmas holidays, when the long-awaited sales for many shopaholics are about to open in Europe - and even more so. So we are studying the schedule of European sales and the features of VAT refunds.

All the nuances are in our article!

What is tax free, and why is it being returned - an educational program for tourists

Almost everyone knows that all goods in stores are usually subject to a tax known as VAT. And they pay VAT not only in Russia, but also in other countries. Everyone pays except tourists.

It is extremely difficult and useless to convince the seller that you are a tourist, which means that you can ask for a VAT refund (except in rare cases when you can return VAT directly in the store), which is why a civilized method was invented to return this value added tax, dubbed Tax Free. Which, of course, is nice, given that VAT can be up to 1/4 of the price of the goods.

The main condition for a VAT refund under the Tax Free system is a purchase in a store included in this system. While there are not so many of them, but every year more and more.

It is important to understand that the tax amount is not returned to you outlet, and the operator cooperating with it.

To date, there are 4 such operators:

• global blue. The Swedish system, founded back in 1980, operates in 36 countries, including 29 European ones. The owner is Global Refund Group.
• Premier Tax Free. Works in 20 countries, including 15 European ones. Founded in 1985, the owner is the Irish company The Fintrax Group.
• Tax Free Worldwide(note - today it is included in Premier Tax Free). Unites 8 countries.
• And Innova Tax Free. System operating in France, Spain, UK, China and Portugal.

It can also be noted Litofolija Tax Free. But this system works on the territory of Lithuania.

Video: TAX FREE - How to get money back for purchases abroad?

VAT refund conditions - in which case can you use the Tax Free system?

1. The buyer must be a tourist who has been in the country for less than 3 months.
2. The Tax Free product list does not cover all products. You will be able to refund VAT on clothes with shoes, on accessories and appliances, stationery or household products, on jewelry, but on services, on books and cars, bullion and purchases through global network VAT cannot be refunded.
3. The shop window where you purchase the goods must have an appropriate sticker - Tax Free or the name of one of the operators of the tax free system.
4. You are entitled to a VAT refund only if the total amount of the check exceeds the established minimum. The minimum amount of the check, which is subject to the rules of Tax Free, has its own - for each country. For example, in Austria, the minimum purchase amount is from 75 euros, and if you make 2 purchases for amounts, say, 30 and 60 euros, then you can not count on Tax Free, because they take into account the total amount of ONE check. So, the minimum amount for Tax Free in Germany will be only 25 euros, but in France you will have to get a check for at least 175 euros.
5. To get tax free, you need to take the goods out of the country in a limited time. Its - for each country. The fact of the export of the purchase is fixed by the customs.
6. The goods for which you want to return VAT must remain new at the time of customs export - intact, in packaging, without signs of wear / use, with tags.
7. When refunding VAT on products, you will have to present the entire purchase, so do not rush to feast on it.
8. The period during which you can return VAT on tax free (tax refund period) is different for each country. For example, checks from Tax Free Worldwide and Global Blue operators received in Germany can be "cashed out" within 4 years, but a check from the Italian New Tax Free must be used within 2 months.

Documents for the return of the percentage of tax free from the store

Registration of Tax Free is impossible without the relevant documents:

• Your passport.
• Tax Free form, which must be issued at the time of purchase. It should be filled out there, on the spot, after which the seller or cashier must sign it, keeping a copy for himself. As for your copy, it should be given to you in an envelope - with a check and with a brochure on Tax Free.
• A purchase receipt issued on a special form. Be sure to check its presence in the envelope. Important: the check has an “expiration date”!

And do not forget to check the availability of all data in the form (sometimes sellers do not enter, for example, the buyer's passport data, assuming that he will do it himself)!

Registration of tax free at customs when crossing the border - what to keep in mind?

To issue Tax Free directly at customs, you should arrive at the airport in advance, because there may be many people who want to.

What to keep in mind?

Important nuances of applying for Tax Free at the border:

1. Find out in advance - where are the Tax Free counters, where they put stamps on checks, and where to go later for money.
2. Do not rush to check in your purchases - they will need to be presented along with checks.
3. Make sure the tax free form is filled out correctly.
4. Remember that you must first receive the money and only then go through passport control. In those countries where taxi-free counters are located outside passport control, you can get money before boarding the plane.
5. Take a refund in local currency - this way you will save on the commission for its conversion.
6. If you plan to leave the country not through the airport, but in another way (approx. - by car, by sea or by train), check in advance whether it will be possible to get a stamp on your check upon departure.
7. After receiving a mark on the check from customs officers and passing through passport control, you can get money at the tax free office, which is easy to find on special signs like “Cash refund” or “Tax refund” with Premier Tax Free or Global Blue logos. If the manager has a shortage of cash or, perhaps, you want to receive your money exclusively on the card, you need to fill out the appropriate transfer form with the details of your credit card. True, sometimes you can wait for a translation for 2 months.

Where and how to get money for tax free: three options for returning tax free - looking for the most profitable!

Each tourist has a choice - in what way he wants to return VAT under the tax free system.

There are three ways in total, choose the most convenient.

• Right at the airport, before flying home. Features: you return the money right there, in cash or on your card within 2 months. The amount of the service fee for cash payments is from 3% of the total purchase amount. Returning money to the card is more profitable: the service fee is not charged if you receive funds in the currency in which you purchased the goods. The bank itself does the conversion.
• By mail. Refunds may take 2 months (and sometimes more). To use this method, the envelope with the check and the customs stamp must be dropped into a special box at the return point at the border. It can also be sent by regular mail directly from home, after returning, if you suddenly did not have time to do this when leaving the country in which you were visiting. You can return VAT via mail to your bank card or account. To return to the card, its details should be indicated on the stamped receipt and the envelope should be thrown into the Tax Free box directly at the airport. If you did not receive an envelope at the store, you can take it at the airport - at the Tax Free office. When sending an envelope from your own country, do not forget about the international stamp. Important point: Returning Tax Free via mail may not be the most reliable method, so be sure to scan or camera all your checks before sending them so that you have proof of their existence in case they are lost.
• Through the bank. Naturally, not through any, but only through the one that is a partner of the tax free system operators. In Russia, you can return VAT in two capitals, in Pskov, as well as in Kaliningrad. When returning funds in cash, the operator will again take his service fee, from 3%. Therefore, the most profitable way is again to return tax free to the card.

There is also a 4th way to return VAT: immediately after purchasing the goods - right there, in the store. This method does not work everywhere, but it is possible.

Important:

1. Even if you return the funds on the spot, you are required to put a stamp on the form at the customs office, and upon arrival home, send the form there, to the store, to confirm the fact that the purchased goods have been exported.
2. In the absence of this confirmation in set time the card will be debited in the amount of the refunded tax free amount.

And further:

• The amount that will be returned to you is unlikely to match the one you are counting on, for a simple reason - commission and service fee. The conditions for VAT refunds, the general Tax Free system and the addresses of offices at the border can be found directly on the websites of the operators.
• If you forgot or did not have time to affix a customs stamp before leaving the country, this can also be done at home - at the consulate of the country where you bought the goods. True, this service will cost you at least 20 euros.

Who can be denied tax free payments - situations when you definitely won’t receive money for tax free

Unfortunately, cases of refusal to return VAT under the Tax Free system take place.

Main reasons:

1. Wrong checks.
2. The presence of serious corrections in checks.
3. Wrong dates. For example, if the dates of the Tax Free check are ahead of the date of the cash receipt.
4. The absence of a customs stamp with the date and name of the checkpoint.
5. Lack of tags and packaging on the goods upon presentation at customs.

Taxi free in Russia in 2018 - latest news

According to the statement of the Deputy Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation, in Russia, from 2018, it is also planned to introduce a tax free system, but so far in a pilot mode, and with specific companies.

This bill was adopted by the State Duma in the 1st reading.

First, the system will be tested in some ports and airports with the maximum number of foreigners.

Today, Russians and citizens of other countries are increasingly traveling abroad to make some purchases there. At the same time, they leave the tax far beyond the bins of their homeland. But it has long been known that modern world each traveler has the opportunity to carry out a profitable operation, called the return of Tax free (a specific part of VAT). Tax free first appeared in the 1960s in Sweden. Since then, citizens of many countries have been actively using this attractive opportunity to save money.

Essence Tax free

Tax free - what is it? As noted above, this concept implies a VAT refund. Everyone knows that the presented tax is aimed at the social security of society. Thus, it is included in the final cost of absolutely any product or service. As a rule, the value of VAT varies from 9 to 20 percent, which depends entirely on the individual settings of a particular state.

Why return Tax free? The answer to this question is much simpler than you might imagine. The fact is that tourists who have made some purchases, while paying the tax included in the price, do not have time to apply its social mechanisms, since they stay in the country for a very short period of time.

Brief description of the process itself

When making a purchase on the territory of another state, the tourist has the right to receive a special check. When leaving the country (at customs), this document must be stamped specifically for the transaction in question, which will become an absolute confirmation that the goods have been exported (Free tax filing). Only after the implementation of the above operation, the citizen is entitled to return VAT. Cash can be received both after customs clearance and upon arrival.

It should be noted that such a profitable system extends its action to approximately 20 countries of the world. In addition, the direct procedure for the return of part of the VAT in all countries is similar. Only restrictions on the minimum cost of objects purchased on the territory of another state, as well as the validity period of the check document, differ.

Tax free - what is it? Current Tax free systems

It is important to note that absolutely all VAT refund operations are entrusted to Tax free systems, endowed with a private nature. They act as an intermediary between tourists and a particular state. Each such system has in its structure several stores united in one network, as well as a number of offices intended for return to citizens Money. It should be noted that any such system withholds a minimum commission as a reward for the implementation of such an important operation. Several systems are known in the world, the largest of which is the following.

Global tax free unites 36 countries (29 of them are in Europe), including Germany, Finland, France, Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Lithuania, Latvia, the Netherlands and others. It should be noted that only seven countries corresponding to the presented system are located in other parts of the world (Japan, Argentina, South Korea, and so on). Global blue tax free was founded back in 1980 in Sweden. It is owned by Global Refund Group.

Other systems

The totality of the systems under consideration includes 3 more units in its structure, including:

• Premier Tax Free, which includes 20 countries (15 of them are located in Europe), including Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Switzerland, Sweden, Morocco, Singapore and others. The system was founded by the developers of The Fintrax Group in 1985 in Ireland.
• Tax Free Worldwide includes only 8 countries: Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Great Britain, Norway, Austria and others. It is important to note that most recently this system has merged with the one discussed above, Premier Tax Free.
• Innova Tax Free consists of six countries: Portugal, China, Italy, UK, France, Spain.

VAT refund conditions

Both foreign citizens and persons who do not have citizenship, residence permit, work visa or refugee status in the country of purchase are entitled to take advantage of the opportunity under consideration (at the same time, they must stay in its territory for no more than three months).

A necessary condition for the return of Tax free is that the goods comply with a certain list, which includes industrial products: shoes, clothing, jewelry, household goods, electronics, household appliances, accessories, stationery, watches and so on. It is important to note that the system does not cover the service sector. In addition, exceptions are transport mechanisms, food, books, precious metals (in bullion of the bank), precious stones that are separate from jewelry, goods for professional activities, as well as objects purchased via the Internet.

Issuance of a check document

The check document issued by an employee of a foreign store indicates the total value of the goods, as well as the amount of value added tax intended for return. The data is filled in by the seller by hand or through cash register. At the same time, it is not the responsibility of employees to complete additional information in relation to the client, however, they are usually willing to do so. It should be noted that in without fail in the documentation, it is necessary to indicate the details of the bank card if the client prefers to receive funds through this instrument. After filling out the check by a trade employee, a foreign citizen only needs to verify the correctness of the data and sign. If possible, it is advisable to take a VAT refund brochure from the store (according to a specific system, for example, Tax Free blue)

It must be remembered that in any case, a specific a period of time, during which this or that product must leave the country where it was purchased. A Tax free check document with a customs stamp also has an expiration date.

Additional nuances

Return Tax such, see above) does not mean at all that the citizen will receive the amount of the specified value-added tax in full, because a certain part of the money goes to commission costs to the intermediary and administrative affairs. In relation to this provision, each country has organized individual system rules to be followed.

If the goods were purchased in one of the EU countries, then you need to stamp the check document not when leaving the country itself, but only when crossing the EU border. So, some troubles may arise if a citizen leaves the European Union through a transit stop. It should be recalled that EU members are such countries as Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Austria, Bulgaria, Malta, Hungary, Croatia, Sweden and others.

Ways to refund part of the VAT

Checks can be cashed in one of the following scenarios:

• Within the airport, which is the most fast way receiving funds.
• Through the postal organization. So, you need to leave a check document at the office of a certain system (Tax free in Moscow can be obtained using one of a number of existing systems). After a while, the funds will be transferred to a bank account or to a client's card. It is worth noting that the presented operation is quite long, because the period of its implementation often reaches four months.
• Through any point of issue, as a rule, in the city of residence of the client (however, this provision applies only to large-scale settlements). It is important to note that today you can organize the transaction in question without even leaving your home, through Free online tax filing.

Interesting to know! The subtleties of the return of part of the VAT in different countries

It would be advisable to note a few useful facts related to the design of Tax free (what it is, we told at the beginning of the article) in different countries.

• According to check documents filled in the territory of Poland, funds are returned exclusively in cash.
• When leaving Slovenia, two stamps are required: on the check and on the Tax free form.
• To receive a part of the value added tax when buying woolen goods in Iceland, the presence of a seal on the check is not required.
• In the Netherlands, every tourist has the opportunity to return VAT even in the case of a purchase in a store that is not included in the Tax free shopping system. But a prerequisite for this is a second return to the country.
• In Norway, the stamp is not set at customs, but directly at the system office. In addition, it is the only country where a part of the value added tax is refunded for food products that are more expensive than 285 kroons.
• In your requirements: you must first register, and then just go to the customs officers. When registering, be sure to warn the employee that it is planned to issue Tax free. Thus, the baggage will be checked in, after which it will be returned to its owner.
• In countries such as Norway, Croatia, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, individual stamps of a national character are provided. Therefore, the checks of these countries cannot be used in other places. So, a tourist can receive part of the value added tax only at the airport.

An important point in the event that a citizen suddenly forgot to put a stamp on a check document is the opportunity to do this upon arrival home at the embassy (consulate) of the country where the goods were purchased.

During the sales period, many go shopping abroad. We offer useful information about how profitable it is to make purchases using the Tax Free system, in questions and answers.

By making expensive purchases in Europe and other countries of the world, you can save a lot. This can be done using the VAT refund system - Tax Free. The two largest operators act as an intermediary between the state and buyers-tourists: Global Blue and Premier Tax Free. It is their badges that you need to look for in shop windows and cash desks. If you follow certain requirements and know some of the nuances, then shopping abroad will not only be pleasant, but also cost-effective.

Question: Is Tax Free applicable to all goods or are there any restrictions?

A: Tax is not refundable on items purchased online, shipped via courier service as well as alcohol, tobacco products, books, vehicles and services. A prerequisite return tax-free is the purchase of goods at retail and taking it out in your luggage.

Question: How can I find out if the store has a tax-free system?

Answer: The shop participating in the system can be recognized by the flag or the inscription "Tax Free". Appropriate stickers can be placed on the checkout. If in doubt, you can ask the seller or look at the Global Blue or Premier Tax Free website.

Question: How to calculate the refund amount?

Answer: The value of the percentage of return in each country is different, you need to find out about this in advance. The Global Blue website has a calculator that will help you calculate the required amount. It should be noted that in some countries amounts are withheld for administrative costs.

Q: Who is eligible for a tax refund?

Answer: In order to count on a tax refund, you need to be a non-resident, that is, a foreigner for the country in which the purchase is made. It should be remembered that in order to receive a tax refund on a purchase made in the EU countries, it is necessary that the buyer does not have the citizenship of a country that is part of the EU. Thus, a Russian tourist can claim a VAT refund on purchases in any European country, but an Italian will not receive tax-free purchases, for example, in Germany.

Question: What should be the minimum purchase amount?

Answer: Again, different countries have different minimum purchase amounts - you need to find out in advance. This does not have to be the cost of one thing - tax-free applies to the entire check. Just remember that food and consumer goods are considered separately and tax-free food does not apply. If the required amount is not collected, you can cooperate with friends or fellow travelers.

Question: How can I get a Tax Free receipt?

Answer: The check will be issued by the seller upon presentation of a passport confirming foreign citizenship. This check is important document- passport data, purchase amount, VAT amount and refund amount are entered into it. Having received the check in your hands, you need to check the availability of the number and date of issue, the signature of the cashier and the details of the store with a seal. Purchases are packed and sealed with a special tape. The integrity of the package must not be damaged. A cash receipt and a tax-free check are different things, but both checks are very important, they must be kept until the moment you return to your homeland.

Question: In which countries does the Tax Free system operate?

Answer: In addition to the EU countries, tax refunds can be obtained in Argentina, Lebanon, South Korea, Iceland, South Africa, Jordan, etc.

Q: How and where can I get a tax refund?

Answer: You can get money for Tax Free at the airport, train station or seaport at the customs desks. At the same time, you need to be ready to present to the customs officers the purchase itself in undamaged packaging, a cash receipt and a Tax Free check. Customs Service, in turn, puts a stamp on checks. Money can be returned in two ways: either in cash or by bank transfer. In the first option, you will need to go to the return point to refund the amount in a convenient currency, and in the second option, you need to fill out a special document where the bank details will be indicated.

Question: When choosing the option to return funds by bank transfer, how long does it take to receive money in the account?

Answer: As a rule, the payment is received within 3-5 weeks from the receipt of the stamp in the check, but during the periods of the summer months, holidays or some other circumstances, the waiting period may increase to 2 months.

Question: Can I return Tax Free in my home country?

Answer: Yes, you can. Just be sure to stamp checks at the border. Refund points exist in 9 Russian cities, specific addresses of banks that refund tax free tax can be found on the Global Blue website.

Question: Is there any expiration date for Tax Free?

Answer: First of all, one should distinguish between the validity period of a tax-free check and the period of customs stamp. The expiration date of the check is the time period from the moment the purchase is made and the check is received, during which you can expect to receive a tax refund. Different countries set different terms - from 1 month (Switzerland) to infinite (Austria, Spain), but on average this period is 3 months. The term for printing customs is the period during which a tourist, upon returning to his homeland, can apply to a refund point. This period ranges from 1 month to six months.

Question: Is it possible to replace tax-free with a simple discount?

Answer: Yes, you can. Many stores are just interested in providing a discount to the buyer on the spot, instead of fiddling with papers. Often, many self-respecting stores make expensive gifts to customers who have agreed not to issue tax-free.

Question: Who is not covered by the tax-free system?

Answer: People who have a residence permit in the country in which the purchases were made, persons who have work visa, and those who are in the country for more than 3 months.

Question: Is there a tax-free system in the USA?

Answer: V economic system The United States does not provide tax-free registration for tourists. But in big stores they can get an 11% discount. It is issued at the Customer Service upon presentation of a passport.

Question: What should I do if I forgot or did not have time to put a customs stamp on the Tax Free check at the border?

Answer: You can, of course, complain about your forgetfulness or sluggishness, or you can put this stamp at home, at the embassy or consulate of the country where the purchase was made. True, this service will cost about 20 euros.

Tax free refund percentage in different countries

Tax free refunds a certain part of the cost of the product. The reimbursement algorithm in all states that are members of the Tax Free system is the same. The difference lies only in the interest rate, the validity period of the check document and the purchase price, which gives grounds for receiving this type of compensation.

The concept of "Tax Free"

Tax free (Tax Free) - a refund of indirect tax included in the cost of a product or service and paid directly by the buyer, in a situation where the purchase is made outside the home state. This is by no means a promotion or a discount, contrary to popular belief. The basis of this procedure is a pragmatic calculation.

States are interested in their products being actively exported. Without burdening foreigners with the payment of taxes, the state, thereby, encourages citizens to new acquisitions. This allows local production to grow without increasing the amount of surplus in the domestic market.

How can I get Tax Free: return conditions

To return a part of the amount from a product purchased in a foreign country, you need to prove the following:

• the buyer’s lack of citizenship of the country in which the purchase took place, as well as refugee status, the right to officially reside and work in this country;
• the period of stay in the country where the goods were purchased should not exceed three months;
• the amount for which the entire purchase was made, i.e. the lower limit of its value, which makes it possible to count on obtaining Tax Free, is set by countries based on individual legislation.

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Most states do not tax food, tobacco, alcohol, jewelry, cars, and print publishers. There are no refunds for the purchase of these products.

The system providing for this VAT compensation,Tax Free Shopping, is used in the EU countries, as well as in 20 other countries of the world, in particular:

• Belarus,
• Britain,
• Turkey,
• South Korea,
• in a number of other countries, to which Russia not ranked.

Tax Free does not apply to purchases from online stores.

Steps to get Tax Free

In order to be sure of the possibility of getting part of the funds for it back when buying a product, you need to pay attention to the following: those stores that are partners of the system have a special inscription on the door.

The algorithm for issuing and receiving tax free in this case is as follows.

First stage. At the time of payment for the purchase, the seller must issue a special receipt confirming the right to Tax Free. Inside the paper, the full name of the buyer, the state and city in which a particular citizen lives are written in Latin letters, the date of purchase and its total cost are indicated.

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For this procedure, the buyer must provide his passport.

Sometimes sellers fill in only the fields with the date and amount. In such conditions, the rest of the items have to be filled in by the buyer himself in accordance with the data of his passport.

Purchased products must be kept in the form in which they were purchased until the moment the buyer receives a refund. This applies to tags, labels, packaging, seals and more.

Second phase. The tax refund procedure begins before returning to the home state, at the place of departure.

Important fact

This process may take longer. HIt is highly recommended to arrive at the departure point in advance.

Arriving at the place (airport or train station), you must go through the customs office. If the purchase is in hand luggage, you need to go through the customs office before registration. If in luggage - after check-in, because. It is more convenient to check in luggage at the customs office.

The customs officer checks the purchase, its integrity, also looks at the check issued to the buyer, compares the data in the check with the information in the passport. After - puts a stamp on the Tax Free receipt.

Third stage. You can receive your funds in the following ways:

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Before closing the envelope, the number of the means of payment must be indicated on the receipt. With the correct execution of this procedure, the money will be credited to the card within 8 weeks.