How to Claim VAT Refund in France – Detailed Guide

If you have made purchases in France and you are a non-EU resident, you may be entitled to claim a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund. The VAT refund process can be quite complex, and it is essential to know the right steps to follow to ensure that you get your refund as soon as possible. In this guide, we will discuss how to claim VAT refund in France.

Understanding VAT

Before we delve into the process of claiming VAT refund in France, it is essential to understand what VAT is. VAT is a consumption tax that is applied to the purchase of goods and services in the European Union. The tax is paid by the final consumer of the goods or services. The current standard VAT rate in France is 20%, and it is included in the price of goods and services.

Who is Eligible for VAT Refund in France?

Not everyone is eligible for a VAT refund in France. Only non-EU residents are entitled to claim VAT refund. This means that if you are a resident of an EU member state, you are not eligible for a VAT refund in France. However, if you are a non-EU resident, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on goods that you have purchased in France.

How to Claim VAT Refund in France

To claim VAT refund in France, you need to follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Obtain a VAT Refund Form

The first step in claiming a VAT refund in France is to obtain a VAT refund form from the retailer where you made your purchase. The VAT refund form is usually called a “détaxe” form, and it should be provided to you at the time of purchase.

Step 2: Fill in the VAT Refund Form

Once you have obtained the VAT refund form, you need to fill it in with your personal details and the details of the goods that you have purchased. You will also need to provide proof that you are a non-EU resident, such as a passport or a visa.

Step 3: Get the VAT Refund Form Stamped

After you have filled in the VAT refund form, you need to get it stamped by French Customs. You can do this at the airport or at the border when you are leaving the EU. Make sure that you have all the necessary documents with you when you go to get the VAT refund form stamped.

Step 4: Submit the VAT Refund Form

Once you have got the VAT refund form stamped by French Customs, you need to submit it to the retailer from where you made your purchase. The retailer will then process your VAT refund and pay you the amount that you are entitled to.

Conclusion

Claiming a VAT refund in France can be a bit of a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the process. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you get your refund as soon as possible. Remember to obtain a VAT refund form from the retailer, fill it in with your personal details and the details of the goods that you have purchased, get it stamped by French Customs, and submit it to the retailer.

FAQs

Q1: How much VAT can I claim back in France?

A: The amount of VAT that you can claim back in France depends on the value of the goods that you have purchased and the VAT rate that applies to them. The current standard VAT rate in France is 20%.

Q2: Can I claim VAT refund on services in France?

A: No, you cannot claim VAT refund on services in France. VAT refund is only applicable to goods that you have purchased in France.