VAT Refund Scheme For Overseas Visitors to UK Ending

[BadPinkTink]

I know there is a lot going on in the world right now and some of you may have forgotten that Brexit negotiations and preparations are still continuing. Long story short, The UK will leave The EU on December 31 2020. This week The UK are finalizing import / export legislation. Faisal Islam https://twitter.com/faisalislam Economics Editor at the BBC just tweeted this

https://twitter.com/x/status/1314192984817238016

 

[FigmentSpark]

I never understood why any country would offer sales tax back to visitors. I thought the idea of collecting the tax via a purchase was to ensure that all who may use the services of the country pay at least a little. A tourist uses the roads and the plumbing, why shouldn't their purchases pay a little back?

 

[ACDSNY]

I never bothered to do it anyway.

 

[hrhdhd]

I never understood why any country would offer sales tax back to visitors. I thought the idea of collecting the tax via a purchase was to ensure that all who may use the services of the country pay at least a little. A tourist uses the roads and the plumbing, why shouldn't their purchases pay a little back?

The VAT refund was not for the full amount of the tax, only a partial one. Depending on the size of the purchase, it could be substantial.

 

[LAX]

I never understood why any country would offer sales tax back to visitors. I thought the idea of collecting the tax via a purchase was to ensure that all who may use the services of the country pay at least a little. A tourist uses the roads and the plumbing, why shouldn't their purchases pay a little back?

Not specifically for UK, but many countries have a minimum spend to qualify for a refund, so there is an element to encourage more spend. Plus, as someone already mentioned, it's only a partial refund. That's not to mention it's a pain/hassle to claim the refund for some countries, but it's a great marketing tool!

LAX

 

[insureman]

Only did it once in Denmark. Not worth the hassle as far as I'm concerned.

 

[yowcruiser]

Not too hard when the customs/duties officer is on the ship. Did it once sailing out of Iceland on DCL where everything got stamped on board by an officer. In 7 trips to Europe though, I did it only twice...