WELCOME TO THE Italy REFUND
Your Tax-Free agent in Italy

What is V.A.T.?

V.A.T. is a value added tax which is included in the purchase price.  This makes up to 16.66% of the price.  The tax is used for social purposes in Italy and as a foreign resident you can hence, claim this tax back and therefore, shop Tax-free.

Why the V.A.T. refund?

The European community laws established this right because the residents outside the EU paid their taxes in their own country, including purchases made in their travels abroad.  The refund of the V.A.T. included in the final price of the purchases has the purpose of avoiding the double tax payment.

For a non EU resident traveller, any ITALY REFUND Tax-Free shop is an advantage because you can benefit from sales as well as special offers. No need to wait for the Duty Free shops to buy certain items in the airports.

Why is the net V.A.T. 16.66% in Italy?

In Italy the majority of articles are taxed with the 20% which is included in the final price. The net V.A.T. in that case is the 16.66% of the total price of the items.There are reduced V.A.T. percentages for essential products, 14% for books, custom made glasses and some food products. There is as well a 4% V.A.T. for basic products as vegetables, milk, poultry, fish, bread etc.

What are the requirements of the law in Italy to return the V.A.T.?

-To be a resident outside the E.U. (including tax exempt countries like Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla, Andorra Gibraltar etc.). Residents in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, United Kingdom and Sweden, all E.U. countries, don?t have the right to claim the V.A.T.

-The minimum purchases must exceed 90.15? in each establishment.

-The traveller must export such goods within 3 months of purchase

How do I reclaim the V.A.T.?

Simply ask for your Italy Refund Cheque where-ever you see the Italy Refund Tax-free Shopping logo.  When you leave EU simply have the cheque refunded by one of our agents.

Which are the steps for a traveller to obtain his V.A.T. refund?

-Claim the tax rebate-able invoice or Tax-Free cheque in the moment of the purchase.

-The Tax-Free cheque must be stamped in borders, always before the check-in. The residents in the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla must stamp their cheques in the arrival customs department instead of the departure.

-Once the Tax-Free cheque is stamped you can claim your money in the ITALY REFUND cash agents in airports and borders. You can also get your money refunded by CREDIT CARD or BANK CHEQUE; in that case you must post us the stamped cheque in the prepaid envelope given by the shop with the Tax-Free cheque.
 

Where can a ITALY REFUND Tax-Free Cheque be cashed?

Cash refund agents in Spain:

Madrid, Barajas airport:	BBVA bank in Terminal 1- International departures
Madrid, Barajas airport:	AMEX in Terminal 1- International departures
Barcelona, El Prat airport:	BBVA bank in Terminal A- International departures.
Malaga airport:	Quick-Change in International departures
Algeciras Port:	BBVA bank in passengers terminal, beside customs authorities
La Linea de la Concepcion:	BBVA bank on the border with Gibraltar
Vigo airport:	Quick-Change in main hall
Valencia airport:	Quick-Change in main hall
Asturias airport:	Quick-Change in main hall
Ceuta:	BBVA bank in Plaza de Revellin Nº 5
Melilla:	BBVA bank in Avenida del Ejercito Español Nº 16
Andorra:	BBVA bank on the border with La Seo D' Urgel

Cash refund agents in Portugal:

Can I use the Italy Refund system for all my expenses?

No, you can only use it for goods which you will take with you out of the country.  Services are therefore not included, nor food which you consume during your stay or gifts which you tend to leave behind.