You would like to have the VAT refunded because you live in a non-EU country?
Of course we can refund the VAT to you - provided that the goods are delivered by us to an address inside the EU and you send us an "export sales slip" filled out by you and the customs for the purpose of VAT refund. You present the completed export sales slip, your passport, proof of purchase and the original unused packaging to your customs office at the last point of entry into a non-EU country, and have it completed, stamped and signed by the customs authorities. Send the original document to our address in Westerkappeln - sending it by fax, e-mail or a copy by post will not be accepted by the German tax office (in this case we will unfortunately not be able to refund the VAT amount).
You can download the export sales slip via the following link, then print it out, fill it in yourself (please only items 2 to 10; items 11 and 12 will be filled in by us and from item 13 onwards the border customs office will fill in the form) and then submit it together with the goods to the customs office:
Download the documents and the information sheet:
Download export receipt here (pdf file)
Leaflet on sales tax exemption for export supplies (pdf file)
A brief summary of the most important information:
1. You have your place of residence in a non-EU member state and can also prove this to customs by means of personal documents. The nationality is irrelevant here.
2. You are not in possession of a residence permit that entitles you to stay in the country for longer than 3 months and
3. you export the goods yourself in your personal luggage within 3 months (i.e. before the third month following the purchase has expired).
You must have the export of the goods confirmed at customs. You can only do this at the last point at which you leave the EU. As a rule, this happens at the airport or at the national border, e.g. Germany-Switzerland. You must present the purchased goods, the tax-free voucher with the matching receipt and your passport at the relevant customs office. The customs stamp confirms that the goods have been exported.
You must present the purchased goods, the export sales slip with the matching receipt and your passport at the relevant customs office.
At the last point at which you leave the EU. Usually this happens at the airport or at the national border, e.g. Germany-Switzerland.
Yes, the customs stamp confirms the export and only then can you get the VAT back.
Yes, and in the original packaging and in perfect condition. Otherwise, customs might refuse to certify the export.
No, because the goods must be presented to customs in their original packaging and in perfect condition. Otherwise, customs could refuse to certify the export.
Three months (i.e. before the third month following the purchase has expired).
How do I fill in my Tax Free form?
a. Full first and last name
b. Full address and country of first residence
c. Passport number
d. Date and signature
e. If you wish to make a bank transfer, your full bank details
The refund is the statutory VAT less a handling fee of 2.50 euros.
On receipt of the document stamped by customs, the VAT will be refunded within 3-5 working days. refund will be arranged within 3-5 working days.
Please send us the original.
When sending them in, we advise you to copy or photograph your Tax Free documents (the original receipt and envelope) and send them by registered post, if necessary, to the following address:
Foto Erhardt GmbH
Buchhaltung
Gartenkamp 101
49492 Westerkappeln
Germany