OT: How to get VAT return in Germany?
Apr 5, 2011 | 7:19 am
#31
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 739
For me, too many forms to keep around for months at a time that will get lost, too many trips to the same store. It's simpler to explain the math to the retailer, and first insist on a 100% VAT deduction on the spot, and failing that, a sufficient discount to offset Global Blue's cut, and failing thank, thank him for letting me try it, but I'll have to buy it in the USA, and can I have your wifi password while I do so from my iPad?
The government is reimbursing you, not the retailer. If the retailer would give you a discount, they'd still have to pay VAT to the government on the discounted amount. Plus you have to *export* the goods to receive the refund, which is why you need customs certification. 
Apr 8, 2011 | 7:58 am
#34
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The government is reimbursing you, not the retailer. If the retailer would give you a discount, they'd still have to pay VAT to the government on the discounted amount. Plus you have to *export* the goods to receive the refund, which is why you need customs certification. Ideally if you're charming, lucky, and have your passport handy you can talk a merchant into taking the tax off the price right there at the store. But even so, you'll still need to get the proper documents stamped when you depart Europe.
I did get a 5% discount, and this is did mostly offset the VAT that was not fully refunded. So despite your emoticons, it works.
Apr 8, 2011 | 3:48 pm
#36
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Apr 8, 2011 | 6:05 pm
#37
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Macau, Hong Kong, Shanghai
Posts: 648
When I'm buying things in Germany and planning to be back some place near the retailer within the next one year, I usually get the export certified using just the receipt (the customs officer has a form they fill out for you) or use the form found here: http://www.zoll.de/c0_reise_und_post...fen/index.html
Upon return to Germany take the correctly stamped form back to the retailer and you get the entire 19% VAT common in Germany back in full. The agencies like 'global refund' take a massive cut from the entire transaction that tick me off
Upon return to Germany take the correctly stamped form back to the retailer and you get the entire 19% VAT common in Germany back in full. The agencies like 'global refund' take a massive cut from the entire transaction that tick me off
In order to get your invoice stamped for goods you have checked in, you need to get your checked luggage back and present it at customs. They will take care of it after stamping.
There is a limit for purchases in one invoice of 1000 Euros. For higher invoices you need to fill an export declaration.
Apr 8, 2011 | 6:06 pm
#38
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Macau, Hong Kong, Shanghai
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The government is reimbursing you, not the retailer. If the retailer would give you a discount, they'd still have to pay VAT to the government on the discounted amount. Plus you have to *export* the goods to receive the refund, which is why you need customs certification.
Oct 27, 2011 | 12:47 am
#39
Join Date: Mar 2006
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Berlin Tegel refund timing?
Does anyone have advice on the check-in and tax refund office timing at Berlin Tegel? I am trying to think if the below would work:
I see that the refund office is open beginning at 6 am. I have a flight departing TXL-LHR (then LHR-DFW-SFO) at 7 am. I can probably carry on my tax refund items. Might it be feasible to go to the tax refund office at 6 am and still feel comfortable about making the 7 am flight?
Am I mistaken, and actually I will need to get the stamp at Heathrow?
The last time I tried this was at Malpensa (Milan), where the Italian woman manning the tax refund desk appeared, stunningly well-dressed, and espresso in hand, about an hour after the official opening time, giving me just enough time to sprint to my flight. I figure things will be more timely in Berlin, though.
I see that the refund office is open beginning at 6 am. I have a flight departing TXL-LHR (then LHR-DFW-SFO) at 7 am. I can probably carry on my tax refund items. Might it be feasible to go to the tax refund office at 6 am and still feel comfortable about making the 7 am flight?
Am I mistaken, and actually I will need to get the stamp at Heathrow?
The last time I tried this was at Malpensa (Milan), where the Italian woman manning the tax refund desk appeared, stunningly well-dressed, and espresso in hand, about an hour after the official opening time, giving me just enough time to sprint to my flight. I figure things will be more timely in Berlin, though.
Oct 27, 2011 | 5:49 am
#40
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If you carry on the item, customs certification needs to be done in LHR. In TXL the customs people will only certify export of good in the checked luggage. @:-)
Dec 13, 2011 | 1:06 pm
#41
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Can anyone help me with my situation. I read the thread but am still a little confused.
I plan on purchasing something at FRA airport during my four hour connection to BRU, which is my final destination. Where do I have to process the refund, FRA or BRU? Can someone please walk me through what I will have to do? Thanks in advance.
I plan on purchasing something at FRA airport during my four hour connection to BRU, which is my final destination. Where do I have to process the refund, FRA or BRU? Can someone please walk me through what I will have to do? Thanks in advance.
Dec 13, 2011 | 11:02 pm
#42
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EU VAT refund is only guven if you are leaving Europe. XXX-FRA-BRU would not qualify. If you leave Europe later, you can get the export certification and refund.
Dec 15, 2011 | 2:24 pm
#43
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Where would I have to get my refund, BRU? Where do I have to get it stamped?
Dec 16, 2011 | 3:47 am
#44
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When you buy the items in FRA ask for the tax refund paperwork before you pay. The staff is used to the procedure and will do it on the spot.
Fly to BRU, enjoy your trip. When you are checking in at BRU to start your trip to the US, you need to initiate the export certification.
If you are checking in the goods, the certification is done is BRU. So before checkin ask if the Belgian customs wants to inspect the goods before you check it in.
If you are carrying the goods in your hand luggage, you need to get the export certified at the last airport in Europe. There you need to present the goods to a customs officer after passing departure immigration.
The customs in any case will stamp the papers and you can cash the refund on the spot (the agent for the LH worldshop refunds is the 'Reisebank') or mail it in for a credit to your credit card account.
Fly to BRU, enjoy your trip. When you are checking in at BRU to start your trip to the US, you need to initiate the export certification.
If you are checking in the goods, the certification is done is BRU. So before checkin ask if the Belgian customs wants to inspect the goods before you check it in.
If you are carrying the goods in your hand luggage, you need to get the export certified at the last airport in Europe. There you need to present the goods to a customs officer after passing departure immigration.
The customs in any case will stamp the papers and you can cash the refund on the spot (the agent for the LH worldshop refunds is the 'Reisebank') or mail it in for a credit to your credit card account.
Feb 4, 2018 | 1:39 am
#45
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 1
It is very easy to get VAT back for purchases made in shops which are connected to the 'GloalRefund" system. The logo is displayed in the shop or you can ask for 'GlobalRefund Check'.
The form must be completed and stamped by the shop with the receipt stapled. You'll have to go to customs for the stamps. Then go to the GlobalRefund office at the airport and you'll get the VAT back, minus a handling fee.
Another system in Germany are the green forms "Ausfuhr- und Abnehmerbescheinigung fr Umsatzsteuerzwecke bei Ausfuhren im nichtkommerziellen Reiseverkehr". Problem is that you have to 'export' the purchases and document it with a stamp from customs, but to receive the VAT, you'll have to reenter the country (e.g. on your next trip) and go to exactly the same shop where you purchased the stuff.
Hope this helps!
This should do the trick.
The form must be completed and stamped by the shop with the receipt stapled. You'll have to go to customs for the stamps. Then go to the GlobalRefund office at the airport and you'll get the VAT back, minus a handling fee.
Another system in Germany are the green forms "Ausfuhr- und Abnehmerbescheinigung fr Umsatzsteuerzwecke bei Ausfuhren im nichtkommerziellen Reiseverkehr". Problem is that you have to 'export' the purchases and document it with a stamp from customs, but to receive the VAT, you'll have to reenter the country (e.g. on your next trip) and go to exactly the same shop where you purchased the stuff.
Hope this helps!
This should do the trick.
Regarding the green form you mentioned, do you know how long till i have till i need to go back to the shop in Germany to get my VAT refund in cash?
I made a purchase in a shop in 2014, just wondering is it still possible to get the VAT refund this year in 2018? I still have the FRA custom chopped forms and store receipts.
Thanks for the reply