Get your UK VAT back!
By wasaloadie •
For those moving abroad from UK. Did you know you can get the VAT back on items bought within 3 months of departure and being exported?
Ask at the point of sale if they are part of the VAT free refund scheme(global blue is one of the schemes). Fill out the form at point of sale and present the item, receipt and form at HM customs VAT refund desk at the airport and you will be refunded the VAT (minus an admin fee)into your bank account!
Winner!
I can never be bothered with all that.....I just want to get on the plane and get the hell of out of the UK!!!
I know some that haven't ;)
dweller - duhh... of course
Over the years I have claimed the VAT for many items including golf clubs, electrical goods (when living in Turkey) jewellery and many other items and never had a problem claiming the VAT back.
I assume that you gave your bank details on the form?
#tried it, filled in form, still waiting for the money... 8 months later.
I didnt know about the embassy bit, bit you are correct that when you come back to the UK you can claim back the VAT on anything you export
I think you will find that you can claim VAT back for items bought in the UK not just when you initially leave but when you purchase when on leave as well.
There is a post box for posting VAT reclaim forms and receipts when passing through the exit route.
You can also (I believe) show the goods at the British Embassy in your country of destination, have them approved and and mail them back to the UK.
TFS!