How To Get VAT Refund When Shopping In France For Tourists: Full Guide

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Who is Eligible for a VAT Refund in France?

Not everyone is eligible, and the procedure might be difficult to navigate. To throw some light on this, let’s look at who qualifies for a VAT refund in France and how to apply for one.

To be eligible for a VAT refund, you must:

You must be at least 16 years old.
At the time of purchase, you must be a citizen of a non-EU country.
Been in France for about six months.

In France, the typical VAT rate is 20%. France will repay you between 12% and 12% of the money that you spend on items subject to ordinary VAT rates during your vacation. The minimum purchasing amount is 100 EUR.

Individuals Who do Not Qualify for a VAT Refund in France

Residents of an EU State.
People who are leaving the EU to work in a non-EU nation or territory.
Individuals who are relocating to France or the European Union.
Students who spend six months or longer per year in France or the European Union.
Beneficiaries of French social security seeking a VAT refund for partially or completely reimbursable pharmaceutical items.

Who is Considered a Visitor or Tourist?

A ‘visitor,’ according to the Taxation and Customs Union of the European Commission, is somebody who stays permanently or regularly in a nation outside the EU. The address on your passport or other identifying document will be considered your permanent or habitual residence.

In certain nations, you may also qualify as a ‘visitor’ if you are in an EU country for a specific reason but your permanent residence is outside the EU and you do not expect to return to the EU shortly. VAT refunds are also available to EU nationals permanently residing in non-EU countries.

Step-by-Step Guide to Receive a VAT Refund in-Store

The procedure of requesting a VAT refund may appear overwhelming at first. This step-by-step guidance is intended to simplify the procedure and ensure that you can recover VAT on qualified purchases promptly.

Step 1. Spend More than €100 in VAT-Refund Eligible Stores

Look for businesses that participate in VAT refund programs. When you arrive at the store, inquire ahead of time whether this service is available. These are frequently tourist-oriented shops with extensive signs stating their involvement in VAT refund programs.

Tourist-related retail purchases are eligible; commercial-related ones are not. Some commodities are not eligible for VAT refunds owing to their nature.

Tobacco products, petroleum products, firearms, cultural assets, and commodities susceptible to particular procedures are examples of things that do not qualify for a VAT refund.

Step 2: Request a VAT Tax Refund Form

Stores that give VAT refunds frequently do it with the assistance of a tax-free partner. If you present your passport at the checkout process, the sales clerk will offer you a VAT refund form from the store’s designated agent.

Prepare to receive 30-50% less VAT refunded after several deductions, which are not usually stated, because both the business and the third-party tax refund provider make a fee on your transaction.

Because various retailers have different VAT refund partners, you may receive several tax refund forms. You must follow the procedures provided by each operator to authenticate your tax claim and obtain your VAT refund.

Step 3: Validate Your Refund Form

Before departing France, you must authenticate your Refund Form at your last departure point. Electronic détaxe kiosks, often known as “PABLO” kiosks, may now scan and authenticate your forms in a couple of minutes. Here is a list of PABLO Kiosk Terminals in France.

If this is not an option, you must locate the local customs office by looking for the détaxe signage at the place of departure and get a printed copy of your refund form properly stamped for it to be verified.

Make sure your items are in your carry-on for the customs inspector to inspect. This must be done before the end of the third month after the month in which your purchase was made.

Step 4: Drop Your Form in the Refund Mailbox

These verified paper forms must then be submitted, along with the original receipts, to the authorized refund mailbox.

Then you will get your refund back in the way you specified when you submit the tax refund papers in the shop. If you wish to verify the status of a conventional tax refund, you can send an email to the firm.

Step 5: Receive your Refund

You will get your refund on the exact credit card you used to purchase the goods within the next 20 to 90 days.

Receive Your VAT Refund via an App

Other than collecting your tax refunds in-store, you may also get your VAT refunded through an app such as Skiptax, Wevat, or Airvat tax refund.

The biggest advantage of adopting a digital approach is that you get a higher amount back, and it works for any business that issues an invoice. Furthermore, there is no set minimum spending per shop.

During your vacation to France, you just need to spend more than €100 on total purchases. You also do not need to produce your passport when requesting a refund form. Rather, before you pay, request an invoice sent to the VAT App.

The program sums submitted invoices into one digital refund form, which you can simply scan at a PABLO tax refund kiosk for the nearest airport or rail station before returning home.

You should get your reimbursement immediately once your form has been verified. That’s all there is to it. Meanwhile, you may take your purchases home to enjoy and use while you wait for funds to be put back into your account.

How PABLO Tax Refund Kiosk Works

PABLO is a mechanism designed to make tax refunds easier for travelers visiting France.

PABLO kiosks may be located at several airports, allowing travelers to recover value-added tax (VAT) on qualified purchases made during their stay, whether you’re experiencing the splendor of Paris or basking in the charm of Provence.

PABLO kiosks are commonly found near Customs offices in French international airports as well as border crossings.

Select Your Language

The first step when you approach the PABLO Tax Refund Kiosk is to pick your favorite language.

This insignificant decision has enormous ramifications since it sets the tone for the whole VAT refund procedure. Choose one of the eight languages available on the touch screen.

Scan the Bar Code

Using the reader, scan the bar code on your form. Scanning the barcode on the Tax-Free Shopping Form at the kiosk is critical. This step is critical in confirming the data and starting the refund procedure.

Wait for Customs Approval then Claim your Money

A green screen will emerge with the message “OK, form valid”: this electronic approval is equivalent to a Customs stamp, and the process has been approved. If a red screen displays, follow the directions that appear on the screen.

Once your form has been examined and approved, you can get a refund directly at a payment window if one is available at the exit point you are departing from, or you may ask for a refund via bank transfer; you should notify the store of your choice of method when purchasing the goods.

If You’re Unable to Complete the VAT Refund Formalities Before leaving France

Don’t worry, you can still get a VAT refund. To seek a refund, you have to get a receipt from your country’s Customs agency demonstrating that you paid the tax and VAT on the products purchased.

To receive a stamp or certificate indicating that the items have been viewed, provide a copy of the export authorization form and the products bought to the French embassy or consulate in your nation of residence.

Submit your regularization request to the Customs office at the French port of departure around six months from the date of acquisition. You must include the following with your request:

A letter describing why you were unsuccessful in completing the VAT refund procedures before departing France or the EU. The message must also specify the date and time of your departure from France.
Customs receipt from your nation, or a certificate/export sales form stamped by the French embassy or consulate.
A duplicate of an official document demonstrating that you are not a resident of the EU.
Your plane ticket.

Taxable Transactions in France

Understanding taxable transactions is critical for complying with French tax regulations while conducting a company or engaging in transactions inside the country.

According to the French Government, transactions are classified based on their nature, legal conditions, and alternative options, with each having its tax effects.

Taxable Transactions by Nature

The selling of commodities, the supply of services, and the transfer of assets are all examples of transactions that may be taxed. The value-added tax (VAT) is an important factor to consider when purchasing products and services.

VAT rates vary depending on the kind of products or services delivered. Any transportable commodities supply, service provision, or intra-community purchase that:

Contains the buyer’s purchase of a counterpart.
falls under the purview of an economic activity.
Is performed by a person who engages in a regular and independent commercial activity.

Taxable Transactions by Legal Provision

Aside from the intrinsic character of transactions, French tax rules specify which transactions are taxed depending on legislative criteria.

These laws cover a wide range of actions and situations. These are the transactions that are subject to VAT under the law. These, in particular, are:

Imports.
Deliveries of goods and services to oneself.
Transactions involving the transfer of buildings performed within the last five years.

Taxable Transactions by Option

In some cases, French taxpayers have the option of selecting specific tax regimes or structures that might impact the taxation of their transactions.

Certain individuals who are not subject to VAT are permitted to levy VAT on their transactions. This is true for:

Those who rent unfurnished industrial and commercial space.
Companies that typically qualify for VAT exemption but seek to opt out of this.
Local governments for some services, and regional governments for the selling of construction plots.
Farmers who are exempt from obligatory VAT.

Things that may result in the Refusal of your Request for a Customs Stamp

Requests for customs stamps are often denied, creating discomfort and even impeding corporate operations.

Understanding the issues that may lead to such petitions being denied is critical for individuals and enterprises involved in global commerce.

According to the Customs Service of France, there are various reasons why your request for a customs stamp may be denied.

You lack the necessary supporting documentation.
You do not offer your purchases along with the VAT refund form.
The goods for which you have asked for a VAT refund are not personal.
The VAT refund form provided by the vendor does not comply with current rules.
Your VAT refund form’s validity time has ended.
The VAT refund form provided by the shop is not signed.
The individual whose name is displayed on the form is not you.

Tips When Getting a VAT Refund when Shopping in France as a Tourist

There’s an added bonus for savvy shoppers: the ability to get a VAT refund on qualified purchases. Here are three important tips to help you with your VAT refund when buying in France.

Shop at Participating Retailers

Prioritize establishments linked with tax return schemes while engaging in shopping therapy. Look for stores that have “Tax-Free Shopping” or “Detaxe” signage. These businesses are members of VAT refund networks and will supply you with the documents you need to recover VAT.

Ensure that the store provides you with a VAT refund form (also known as a tax-free form) that details your purchase. This paperwork is required to process your refund at the airport before leaving France.

Always Ask and Validate the Form

The key to a successful VAT refund is accurate paperwork. Request a completed VAT refund form from the shop after completing a purchase.

On the form, essential information such as your name, passport number, bought products, VAT amount, and store data should be thoroughly noted.

Before leaving France, get your VAT refund paperwork validated at the airport. Present your goods, receipts, and passport for scrutiny at the customs office or authorized tax refund counters.

Customs agents will stamp the documents, confirming that the things are leaving the country and confirming your entitlement for a refund.

Specify the Method of Refund

The VAT refund process differs depending on the tax refund plan selected and the method chosen (cash refund at the airport, credit card reimbursement, or direct deposit).

While cash refunds are accessible at designated airport counters, credit card reimbursements sometimes require the submission of verified documents by mail or online.

Remember that VAT refund requests must be filed within three months of the purchase date. As a result, conclude your refund processes as soon as possible before this deadline to ensure a seamless reimbursement.

What if France is not my Last Departure Point from the EU?

If France isn’t your last point of departure from the EU, or if you are not leaving from one of France’s primary international airports, you will have to obtain a manual customs stamp on a printed duplicate of the tax-free form because there will be no Pablo “détaxe” kiosk that can read the barcode.

Follow the instructions provided by the VAT refund operator who supplied the paperwork for the shop’s tax-free forms. Typically, this entails dropping the original paperwork into a letter box at the airport or mailing it to the agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I obtain a refund right away at the store?

Some popular shopping centers provide somewhat lower-rate on-the-spot refunds. However, the typical refund process might take many weeks to months to complete.

How much does it cost to get a VAT refund in France?

France will repay you between 12% and 12% of whatever you spend on items subject to ordinary VAT rates during your vacation. The minimum purchasing amount is 100 EUR.

How do I claim my tax refund at Paris airport?

When you get to the airport for your return flight, go to the tax refund counter. Do this before checking in your luggage and going through security, and make sure you have the necessary goods and paperwork on hand for examination. During flight operations hours, French Customs tax refund desks remain accessible.

How long does it take to get a VAT refund in France?

For a credit card refund, the time restriction is 3 months following the month of buying, or 23 days from the day the item was bought for an instant refund.

What items are exempt from VAT in France?

Exports of products are generally free from VAT. The VAT on your imports needs to be submitted to French Customs when the products reach clearance at the border, which means that foreign goods are subject to taxation at the same rate as French goods.

Christine Rogador

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.