VAT Refund Possible When Exiting EU ?

[svBeBe]

We are a non-EU boat, non-EU citizens. We purchased 3k of batteries in Greece. The VAT was 402 Euro. Is it possible to receive a VAT refund when exiting Greece?

Most countries we have visited that have VAT also have a method for foreign boats to receive VAT refunds when exiting the country as long as we do not remain in that country greater than a given number of days. If we remain in Greece less than 90 days and then clear out of the EU, can we obtain a refund? Where and how?

Thanks,

Judy
S/V BeBe

[Doodles]

Sorry I sure don't know, but the idea of a refund of taxes from Greece these days just makes me laugh. Last I saw everyone was on strike.

Good luck.

[svBeBe]

It is an EU tax, not a Greece tax. The financial problems of Greece should have no impact on any refund of EU tax.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by svBeBe

It is an EU tax, not a Greece tax. The financial problems of Greece should have no impact on any refund of EU tax.

It is not possible in general to get a refund on VAT items bought in Greece or elsewhere in the EU. Unless the store participates in the VAT refund scheme. This is mainly aimed at tourist shops and the refund is given at the airport. Otherwise it's practically impossible. You can try the yacht in transit gig , but actually it's meaningless. One the VAT has been paid that it's folk.

VaT rules are harmonised across the EU and the EU takes a share of VAt that's how it funds itself. However the country in question takes most of it and it's certainly a country tax

Dave

[beneteau-500]

judy simple answer is no you wont and are not entitled to a vat refund but if you where a passing crusie ship or a vessel bigger than 24meters and registered as a commercial vessel yes you would get it vat refund

[Alecadi]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

It is not possible in general to get a refund on VAT items bought in Greece or elsewhere in the EU. Unless the store participates in the VAT refund scheme. This is mainly aimed at tourist shops and the refund is given at the airport. Otherwise it's practically impossible. You can try the yacht in transit gig , but actually it's meaningless. One the VAT has been paid that it's folk.

VaT rules are harmonised across the EU and the EU takes a share of VAt that's how it funds itself. However the country in question takes most of it and it's certainly a country tax

Dave

Agreed , you should have asked a free tax invoice or deal with the seller of the batteries to have the proper paper work done BEFORE paying the VAT
but you never know: go to the nearest customs office and ask them about it.

[MarkJ]

I couldn't do it with my new oven in France.
It needed to be done before I bought the thing.

I could have gone to the VAT Refund desk at the Airport, got an orange form; taken it to the chandler and they fill it out; go back to the airport and get it stamped and then back to the chandler to pay for the goodies.

or something like that!

It would have been worth the money.

If I remember correctly the orange form was not a VAT Refund form but a permission to export goods form tax free.

[MarkSF]

Here is a clear explanation of the rules for the UK. I imagine the rules for Greece are the same, as they will be harmonised EU ones.

HM Revenue & Customs: VAT refunds for visitors to the UK

It seems if the battery retailer does not operate a VAT refund scheme, you are hosed.

Thanks for the contribution to the Greek economy though.

[beneteau-500]

AS I SAID BEFORE NO YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO A REFUND PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING GREECE 13TH DIRECTIVE (86/560/EEC) VAT REFUNDS

http://www.ec.europa.eu/taxation_cus...unds/el_en.pdf

see item No 21 of this

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

I couldn't do it with my new oven in France.
It needed to be done before I bought the thing.

I could have gone to the VAT Refund desk at the Airport, got an orange form; taken it to the chandler and they fill it out; go back to the airport and get it stamped and then back to the chandler to pay for the goodies.

or something like that!

It would have been worth the money.

If I remember correctly the orange form was not a VAT Refund form but a permission to export goods form tax free.

No you can't markj. Only if the retailer is part of an agreed VAt refund scheme. Chandleries will not be. Onve VAT is paid customs do not refund it as they or you cant prove what VAT is paid by whom for what.

Once you've paid it to retailer that's it. Any non vat transaction always involves the retailer not invoicing the VAT not by way of any refund.

Note that you have to be exiting the customs area of the EU not just Greece

Dave

[simonmd]

Once it's paid, it's paid. Only way to avoid VAT is to buy them as 'duty free export goods' in the first place.

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by simonmd

Once it's paid, it's paid. Only way to avoid VAT is to buy them as 'duty free export goods' in the first place.

Maybe the EU is different, but I know its possible here in Thailand. I don't know how it works but I was at the Big C (department store chain) yesterday and right at the service counter was a sign advertising forms and instructions for the "VAT Refund". I'm sure I am not eligible since I live here but next time I'll pick up a copy just to see what's required.

[goboatingnow]

That's the way it works in the EU but the stored have to participate in the scheme and it only applies to certain stores and certain goods etc.

Dave

[Last Call]

After the banking cluster they are broke and on the verge of mass civil unrest.

[VirtualVagabond]

Here in Aus a lot of cash transactions take place, GST free. Even from retail outlets, not the big stores but the smaller operators. Obviously not legal, but the money doesn't hit the till and the goods are bought tax free.
Surely that happens in VAT countries too?

Also, wouldn't it be possible to just hop accross to a non vat country, eg go from Greece to Turkey, or Spain to Morocco, if you have to spend a reasonable amount on new gear?