Do I need a boarding pass for a tax refund?

How to claim tax back when leaving Germany?

The same procedure as at the customs service applies:

1. original receipt.
2. export papers or Tax Free Shopping Check.
3. purchased goods (unused/unworn in its original packaging and with price tag)
4. and your passport together with proof of residency.

Do you need to show items for VAT refund?

Customs agents may ask you to present your unused goods to verify that you are, indeed, exporting your purchase — if your purchases are inside your checked luggage, stop by customs before you check it. Allow plenty of extra time at the airport to deal with the VAT refund process.

Can you claim a tax refund at the airport?

General items must be taken out of the country within 6 months of your entry. As of April 1, 2025, all purchases must be carried personally - no separate shipping allowed. In November 2026, the system switches to a "refund method" where you pay full price first, then get refunds at the airport when departing.

Do you need to show tax-free items at the airport?

At the time of departure, you must present your passport and purchased items to customs. Please note that if you do not possess the tax-free items at the time of departure, consumption tax will be charged by customs.

How to claim VAT refund at the airport?

After you are done with the shopping and have collected the receipt for all the products, ask the shopkeeper for the VAT refund form. This is the form that you have to show at the customs and VAT refund desk at the airport to get your refund. Make sure that you fill in the details carefully without error.

How to get an immediate tax refund?

The best and fastest way to get your tax refund is to have it electronically deposited for free into your financial account. The IRS program is called direct deposit. You can use it to deposit your refund into one, two or even three accounts.

What do I need to check my refund?

To check your federal tax refund status, go to the IRS' Where's My Refund tool and enter this info:

1. Enter the SSN or ITIN shown on your tax return.
2. Select the filing status shown on your tax return.
3. Enter the refund amount shown on your tax return.

Can I claim tax back on a flight?

You pay for APD as part of the total ticket price when you book a flight, but the tax authorities don't take it from the airline until you actually fly. So if you don't fly, for whatever reason, you're entitled to claim it back.

Do tourists get VAT refunds in Germany?

The price for merchandise purchased in Germany includes a 19% Value Added Tax (VAT). The VAT can be refunded if the merchandise is purchased and exported by a customer whose residence is outside the European Union.

Why do you need a boarding pass for duty free?

World Duty Free uses the flight destination information on the boarding pass to ensure that any applicable customs, excise duty &/or VAT is fully accounted for to HMRC.

How to get VAT refund on airport?

Airport Refund Desk: Before you leave the country, visit the VAT refund desk at the airport. Present your eligible receipts and goods for inspection. Validation and Refund: Once your documents are validated, you may receive a refund either in cash, check, or credit to your card, depending on the country's procedures.

Can I put tax-free items in a checked bag?

In principle, tax-free goods should be carried as carry-on baggage rather than checked baggage. Upon departure, it is necessary to undergo inspection at the customs counter at the airport.

What items must be declared at customs?

You must declare items like food (especially meat, plants, fresh produce), alcohol, tobacco, large amounts of currency (over $10,000 USD/€10,000 EUR), commercial goods, weapons, prohibited items, and anything you acquired abroad that isn't for personal use or exceeds duty-free limits, using the designated Red Channel or form at your destination. Always declare if in doubt to avoid fines. 

What happens if I open the tax-free bag?

If you open the bag and use the item(s), you will be required pay taxes at customs. ・Prior to departure, please show the customs officer the tax free item(s) purchased as well as the "Record of Purchase of Consumption Tax-Exempt for Export Slip" attached to your passport.

What is the procedure for VAT refund?

The application for a refund must be lodged with the VAT Refund Administrator's offices. These offices are situated at Johannesburg, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airports, various land border posts and designated commercial harbours.

Where to get VAT refund at airport?

Where to get your VAT refund at the airport. The French Customs Tax Refund Desks (Détaxe) are open during all flight operation hours. PABLO kiosks are located alongside Customs desks.

How to apply for an airport tax refund?

Before departing from the airport, please proceed to the electronic TRS (eTRS) self-help kiosk to apply for your GST refund. You will need to scan your physical passport to retrieve all eTRS transactions tagged to your passport.

How to claim VAT refund at airport?

The UK Border Agency Officer will either meet you before you Check-in or instruct you to check-in and deposit your refund form in the VAT Refund Letter Box which is located at the exit of the Security Area. Please ensure that the envelope is not sealed and the form is fully completed including the customer declaration.

What are the requirements for VAT refund?

Under the law, non-resident tourists are eligible for a VAT refund provided: (1) the goods are purchased in person by the tourist in duly accredited stores; (2) such goods are taken out of the Philippines by the tourist within 60 days from the date of purchase; and (3) the value of goods purchased per transaction is at ...

How to get VAT refund tourist?

To request a refund, claimants must send an electronic refund claim to their own national tax authorities, who will confirm the claimant's identity, VAT identification number and the validity of the claim. The request will then be forwarded to the Member State where VAT was incurred.