At Parisian Niche, we have discussed money matters before, and there is a bit more helpful information when it comes to "shopping 'til you drop" in Paris... Let's take a P'Niche peek and learn more about the VAT Tax and its refund process...
To start, let's define the VAT Tax. Clearly stated, VAT stands for "Value Added Tax." It means that any goods (or services) that are bought or sold for consumption within the European Union are subject to the VAT tax.
The VAT applies solely to European Union citizens. That's good news for us!
As non-EU citizens (and travel/leisure consumers), we are entitled to received the VAT Tax Refund for the goods and services we purchased in Paris, and the entirety of France.
Again, you must be a non-EU member, meaning not on an EU passport, visa, etc. and must be above the age of 16 to qualify.
Sounds to good to be true, right? Well, there are a few more items to take note of...
You should bring your passport with you shopping (or a photo on your phone) as you may need to provide proof of identity and nationality to get the form.
You will need to reach at least €100.01 in a single store or department store. Sounds pretty easy!
You must ask about the VAT forms before completing your purchase with the cashier. This is how the store knows you are requesting the VAT Tax Refund Document.
As you complete your purchase, the cashier will complete the VAT form for you (this is called the cheque).
You must look at the paperwork before you leave the store, ensuring all lines are completed, with no blank spaces.
There is usually a bar code present (and it will be important to have this ready, when checking in at the airport for your travels).
Certain locations, like Galeries Lafayette, will process your VAT on the spot.
You would simply head to the tax refund kiosk, on the ground floor (near Rolex, at time of publication).
Bring your passport, receipts, choose your method of payment, et voilà!
Now, if you are not submitting on site, it may be that you have arrived at time to head home (or onwards, you lucky adventurer!) You will still need to submit your VAT tax form. Most people do this at the airport. To find the kiosks in Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) airport, head to:
Terminal 1 - CDGVAL Level, Hall 6
Terminal 2A - Departures Level, Gate 5
Terminal 2C - Departures Leve, Gate 12
Terminal 2D - Departures Level, Gate 6
Terminal 2E - Departures Level, Gate 4
Terminal 2F - Arrivals Level
Terminal 3 - Departures Level, Airside
At Orly Airport:
South Terminal - Departures Level, Gate G
West Terminal - Arrivals Level, Gate E
Leaving from Gare du Nord? Pas de problème!
You will simply go to the second floor and start to look for the Détaxe area (there will be clear signage).
You will simply submit your forms through this self-automated machine prior to your departure.
Looking for an even easier and quicker way to submit your refund form and claim? You might consider checking out wevat.com.
This (non-sponsored) service has become quite popular for quick and easy VAT Tax Refund Form submission. Easy Breezy!
Now that your paperwork is completed and submitted, all you have to do is wait for your refund.
Typically, you will received your money back within 30 - 90 days, to your already noted choice of payment.
That's really all there is to it! Shopping in Paris is truly a dream and knowing that you can get some "cash back" after your indulges makes your splurges all the more obtainable. So, P'Nicher, what is going to be your first stop in Paris to shop? Let us know in the comments below et à bientôt!
Merci Chrissy! This is great info!