Nowadays, when traveling abroad, many people need to buy some special tourism products locally. Especially for Chinese tourists, it can be said that the purchase is the most in the world. Strong purchasing power doesn't mean that you have to spend money wrongly. Now many countries have duty-free products. Today, I will tell you about Germany. How to operate the German shopping tax rebate? Which can be refunded in Germany?
Who can refund tax for shopping in Germany?
Non EU residents (i.e. the permanent residence indicated on the passport is outside the EU); foreign residents holding short-term Schengen Visa (for Chinese, the stay time of short-term visa is no more than three months: travel, business and visiting relatives are OK).
Non EU residents: foreign residents holding long-term Schengen visa can also enjoy tax refund for goods purchased three months before their last departure. (long term visa holders need to go to the city hall where they live and issue a certificate of departure to prove that you are a permanent leaver before they can leave the country. )
PS: Please note that 15-year-old or under age does not enjoy the right of refund. Which shops in Germany can refund tax? What can be refunded?
Which shops can refund?
Not all shops can get tax refund. Except for general department stores, brand stores, cosmetics stores, etc., refunds are available. Some souvenir shops in tourist areas can also get tax refund. Most of the above shops have tax-free labels on their doors. If they don't post it, they can ask at the time of purchase.
Of course, it does not rule out that some enterprises refuse to participate in the tax rebate. Be sure to bring your passport with you when you go shopping. Although not all companies require you to show your passport, if you meet a more real company, you will be & hellip; & hellip; ready. If you are worried that your passport is not safe to carry with you, you can keep a copy or a photo in your mobile phone.
What can be refunded?
1. The goods required for tax refund in Germany shall not be used in Kaifeng. There are no ready-made theories, but they are usually untested. Sometimes, we will randomly check the goods matching the tax rebate list, so it is recommended not to reduce the price.
2. Except for the consumption of motor vehicles, accessories and services (such as transportation, catering, accommodation, signed mobile phone / SIM card, etc.), other goods can be refunded. Often purchased clothing, shoes and hats, jewelry, bags, watches, cosmetics and other goods can be returned.
3. Tax refund for shopping in Germany in order to reach the minimum amount of tax refund, more than 25 Euro can be refunded for shopping in the same store. Generally speaking, the minimum consumption amount refers to the amount of shopping in the same store, not the amount of shopping in the whole country. Of course, if you shop at different counters in a large shopping center, you can go to the comprehensive service desk for tax refund as long as the total amount reaches the standard.
4. The purchased goods will be taken out of the country by me within 3 months (both consigned and hand-held goods will be taken by me, but mail return is not enough). Departure refers to leaving the EU. That is to say, if multiple countries in the EU are included in the itinerary, the refund of all purchased goods should be handled at the airport where they take off when they finally return.
How much is the refund?
The standard VAT rate in Germany is 19%, and the preferential rate for food and books is 7%. Now let's take the most common 19% as an example. The principle and algorithm of 7% are the same
From the perspective of German finance and taxation departments, as long as all goods are taken out of the EU, 19% will be returned. The retailer can refund 15.97% of the commodity price directly (no charge); if the retailer entrusts a refund company, it can only refund 10% - 14.5% of the commodity price (accounting for the vast majority).