VAT TAX
Posted on: Mon, 2007-05-07 16:29
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VAT TAX
Has anyone tried getting their refund from the VAT TAX? I did for the first time when I was in Germany last time. Some people give up on it but it can add up for a nice refund and isn't that hard if you know the ropes.
One other thing on the VAT TAX, most store owners won't offer it so you have to ask them if they have the VAT TAX form and make sure it is stamped and save your receipts. You get the refund at the airport when you leave the country.
Usually I don't buy large items so I don't bother with it.
I once got a hefty fine when I entered Germany with a laptop I had bought in the US. My complaining that this was just a visit and that I live in the US didn't help, since they didn't believe me. After I submitted all paperwork I finally got my money back but a mark on my permanent record for smuggling or something weird.
In fact I should have went explicitly to the customs and tell them that I had a laptop but that it was o.k. and nothing to declare .... I am still a bit upset about this, since I really had nothing to declare but they wouldn't remove the entry from my records, even though they admitted to being wrong by refunding my money.
Well, usually I don't bother with all that. Even if I buy stuff in Germany (19% VAT) its just too much of a hassle to try to get it back.
What most people don't know: You will have to pay VAT in your country instead. That means if someone from Germany asks for their VAT back at the airport in the US, they will have to pay the much higher rate in Germany.
And then again, for a certain amount its simply not worth it.
Andre
Travel Photos
I don't think we have VAT in the US. I've never heard of it, anyway, and I think there would have been some sort of publicity about what amounts to a national sales tax.
Usually I don't buy large items so I don't bother with it.
I once got a hefty fine when I entered Germany with a laptop I had bought in the US. My complaining that this was just a visit and that I live in the US didn't help, since they didn't believe me. After I submitted all paperwork I finally got my money back but a mark on my permanent record for smuggling or something weird.
In fact I should have went explicitly to the customs and tell them that I had a laptop but that it was o.k. and nothing to declare .... I am still a bit upset about this, since I really had nothing to declare but they wouldn't remove the entry from my records, even though they admitted to being wrong by refunding my money.
Well, usually I don't bother with all that. Even if I buy stuff in Germany (19% VAT) its just too much of a hassle to try to get it back.
What most people don't know: You will have to pay VAT in your country instead. That means if someone from Germany asks for their VAT back at the airport in the US, they will have to pay the much higher rate in Germany.
And then again, for a certain amount its simply not worth it.
Andre
Travel Photos
Andre, Could you explain what VAT tax you are referring to in the US? There is nothing we pay here as US citizens like Germany in a VAT tax. Do you mean that if you are entering the US as a foriegn visitor you can get our sales tax back? I have a friend coming from Germany in July so I guess I'll know more then. Thanks.