Tax on purchases abroad

tony_moneymatters

Hi I am a UK citizen and just back from an extended holiday in the US and Canada, can I claim the tax back on the purchases I made whilst abroad? if so how do I go about this

sheramber

Are you wanting to claim US and Canadian tax paid? If  so would need to claim it in these countries.

You need to provide invoices for the purchases and would normally do it at the airport before flying out.

Or did you declare the purchases when you entered UK and paid customs duty /VAT on the value?

tony_moneymatters

Hi yes I was hoping to claim the tax I paid in USA and Canada, I am now back in the UK. 

onashoestring

Canada A non-resident can reclaim a refund of VAT on purchases meeting the criteria. However the process to get the refund must be started before you leave the country. Interestingly for Canada the tax on your lodging ( hotel ) can also be reclaimed with the appropriate forms from the hotel . 

The process for claiming a VAT refund is to show your passport to the retailer at the time of purchase who gives you a form . Keep the receipts. Do not use the item . Purchases must be unused / unworn when you leave the country to receive your refund. When leaving the country go to the Global refund booth at the airport with the forms and original receipts . Customs will inspect your purchases and they will look thoroughly through all the items for which you have receipts. 

The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. Sales tax charged in the United States is paid to individual states, not the Federal government . So any sales tax refund , if due - has to be claimed whilst in that state following their individual process for that state.  

daveyjp

From my experience you are too late as the application process needs to start at the retailer and end by submitting paperwork before leaving the country.

phatbear

tony_moneymatters said:

Hi I am a UK citizen and just back from an extended holiday in the US and Canada, can I claim the tax back on the purchases I made whilst abroad? if so how do I go about this

And assuming you spent more than £390 i assume you declared the items on return to the UK

sheramber

onashoestring said:

Canada A non-resident can reclaim a refund of VAT on purchases meeting the criteria. However the process to get the refund must be started before you leave the country. Interestingly for Canada the tax on your lodging ( hotel ) can also be reclaimed with the appropriate forms from the hotel . 

The process for claiming a VAT refund is to show your passport to the retailer at the time of purchase who gives you a form . Keep the receipts. Do not use the item . Purchases must be unused / unworn when you leave the country to receive your refund. When leaving the country go to the Global refund booth at the airport with the forms and original receipts . Customs will inspect your purchases and they will look thoroughly through all the items for which you have receipts. 

The United States Government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors. Sales tax charged in the United States is paid to individual states, not the Federal government . So any sales tax refund , if due - has to be claimed whilst in that state following their individual process for that state.  

Nobody checked out items when we reclaimed Canadian tax back. My husband went to the booth  while I waited with the luggage so the person didn't even see out luggage, never mind the items.