Tax free

Hello

Getting a VAT refund (also known as tax-free shopping) in the European Union (EU) is typically a multi-step process. Here are the general steps you'll need to follow. Remember, these steps might vary a bit depending on the country and the specific retailer, but in general, it should be as follows:

• Fill in the Form: Complete the Global Tax Free Form. This usually includes details like your name, passport number, home address, etc.
• Get Your Purchases Approved: You will need to have your purchases and refund form validated by the local customs office before leaving the EU. If you're leaving from Frankfurt, you can do this at Frankfurt Airport. Ensure your goods are unused and you have the original receipt and the tax free form with you.
• Customs Validation: At the customs office, present your completed form, your passport, the original receipt, and the items purchased. If everything is in order, the customs officer will stamp your form. Remember to do this before you check in your luggage, if the goods are in your suitcase.
• Claim your VAT refund: After you've gotten your form stamped by customs, you need to return it to the retailer or their refund partner so they can process your refund. This is typically done through a mailbox at the airport, through a tax refund counter, or even by mailing it back to the retailer/refund partner once you're home.

The process can vary, so it's best to ask for specific instructions at the Apple Store where you made the purchase. The process might be slightly different depending on the policies of the particular store or the country you are in.

Remember that it might take a few weeks to receive your refund, and there could be a small fee deducted to cover administration costs. The refund can be given in cash or credited back to your bank account or credit card, depending on the refund service and your preferences.

Lastly, remember that the amount of VAT and the rules for when you're eligible for a refund can vary between countries within the EU, so the exact amount that you get back may be less than the VAT you initially paid.

Btw. We have a community for English here: discussions.apple.com. 

Since you’ve posted in English, we’d be happy to see you join us there.

Best regards

Hallo,

du bist hier in der deutschsprachigen Community. Um die Kommunikation effizient zu gestalten, poste bitte in Deutsch. Ggf. benutze eine Übersetzungshilfe wie DeepL oder Apple/Google Translate. Solltest du Englisch bevorzugen, wechsle in die englische Community.

LG, Dutchman

Hello,

Do i need to have thing that i bought sealed? Or while i am here in EU i can use it and later with bill and item i can go and get tax refund while im leaving EU? :)

Michał