Guidance on How to Seek Refund on VAT on Goods

The information provided on this page is only given as guidance, for we are not lawyers. Therefore, we are not liable for errors and omission, direct or indirect damage suffered because of the use of the information imparted in it.
IVA (VAT ), ranging from 16% to 20 % , is refundable if some conditions are fulfilled.

 

1- The purchase has to be for €180 or over for reimbursement to be claimed.
2- Purchase is made at only one shop.
3- Getting a Tax Refund receipt (bill of entry) stamped at the shop the claimer purchased.
Shops included in the Tax Free Italy scheme

Shops which have an Euro Tax Free participate in the Tax Free Italy scheme. To obtain reimbursement for buying any goods in Italy it is necessary to show your passport when paying. Ask the shop assistant to give you the Tax Free cheque and a ticket for the purchased goods. The tax you will be paying when purchasing will be reimbursed thanks to the cheque if the VAT is specified on it.
There at two sites to claim your refund: the Italian Customs Office or the last EU Customs office on departing the EEC. The goods and the bill of entry will need to be prepared for the Customs officers to inspect. After inspection it will be stamped with the Tax Refund Form:

1-Goods contained in unaccompanied luggage have to be checked out before you check in to depart for a non-European country.

2- Goods contained in hand luggage have to be checked out after controlling your passport and then the receipt will be given to you.

It is possible to obtain refund of stamped Tax Refund Forms:

1) in cash at an airport’s ETS desk;
2) swapping the tax amounts for Tax-Free Shopping Cheques by post;
3)  by credit card account transfer.

 

Watch out: this procedure takes time, hence be patient.

If the shop does not participate in the Tax Free Italy scheme ask for an invoice, the fattura in Italy. It will have to have the phrase Esente IVA ai sensi della legge 38 quarter and the VAT charged on it. Both the fattura and the goods purchased will have to be produced and stamped at Customs the moment you depart from Italy. Once in your home country the fattura has to be posted before the 90 days after you made the purchase. On receiving it the shop will (possibly ) refund the VAT by return of mail. Note that this is possible by law.
If the goods are shipped to your home country the VAT is not part of the price. The shop where the purchase is made issues a Tax-free receipt. Beware the shop relies on the tax refund companies to do the extra job. Note that it is only lawfully possible.

 

The Italian tax refund website can provide more information on the subject:
http://www.agenziadogane.it/wps/wcm/connect/ee/HomePageEn/VTA+Refund/

http://www.taxrefund.it can also offer further explanation and office addresses.