Calculate your VAT tax refund amount when shopping abroad. Estimate refundable tax after service fees for any VAT rate and purchase amount.
Many countries offer VAT (Value Added Tax) refunds to tourists who purchase goods and take them out of the country. The refund can be substantial — in Europe, VAT rates range from 19–27%, meaning you could get back hundreds of dollars on large purchases. However, the actual refund amount is less than the full VAT because processing companies charge a service fee.
This calculator estimates your VAT refund by computing the tax included in your purchase price, subtracting a typical processing fee, and showing your net refund amount. It helps you understand the real savings from tax-free shopping.
To claim a VAT refund, you typically need to spend above a minimum threshold at a single store, request a tax-free form at the time of purchase, get the form stamped by customs at the airport, and submit it to a refund company (Global Blue, Planet Tax Free, etc.). Whether you are a beginner or experienced professional, this free online tool provides instant, reliable results without manual computation.
VAT refund amounts are confusing because the VAT is included in the price and processing fees reduce your refund. This calculator shows exactly how much you'll get back, helping you decide if the refund process is worth the effort. Having a precise figure at your fingertips empowers better planning and more confident decisions.
VAT Included = Purchase Price × (VAT Rate / (100 + VAT Rate)) Processing Fee = VAT Included × Fee Percentage Net Refund = VAT Included − Processing Fee
Result: VAT included: €83.33, Net refund: €62.50
On a €500 purchase with 20% VAT, the tax included is €83.33 (€500 × 20/120). With a 25% processing fee (€20.83), the net refund is €62.50 — about 12.5% of the purchase price.
Hungary: 27%. Sweden/Denmark/Norway: 25%. Italy/France: 20–22%. UK: 20%. Germany/Spain: 19–21%. Switzerland: 7.7%. Japan: 10%. Australia: 10% (GST). These rates determine your maximum refund potential.
Consolidate purchases at one store to exceed minimums. Ask for the tax-free form immediately at checkout. Choose credit card refund over cash to avoid currency conversion fees at refund desks (which use poor rates). Apply early and bring all required documents.
Forgetting to request the form at checkout. Not leaving enough airport time. Packing goods in checked luggage before getting the customs stamp (customs may want to inspect goods). Not keeping receipts with the tax-free form. Missing the submission deadline (usually 90 days from purchase).
You can typically get back 50–85% of the VAT included in the price, depending on the processing company's fees. For a 20% VAT country, that means getting back roughly 10–15% of the purchase price. Higher-value purchases often qualify for lower processing fees.
At the store: request a tax-free form. At the airport: present goods, receipts, and the form to customs for a stamp. Then submit the stamped form at a refund counter (Global Blue, Planet) or mail it. Credit card refunds take 2–6 weeks; cash refunds are immediate but have higher fees.
Most EU countries, the UK, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia (TRS), and many others offer tourist VAT refunds. The US does not have a federal VAT system. Each country has its own rules, minimum thresholds, and eligible goods.
Generally no. VAT refunds apply to physical goods you take out of the country. Services (hotel, restaurant meals, experiences), consumables eaten in the country, and certain categories (alcohol, tobacco in some places) are excluded.
Global Blue and Planet Tax Free are the two largest VAT refund processing companies. Stores partner with one of them. Both work similarly: the store issues a form, you get it stamped at customs, then claim your refund through their specific counter or mailing system.
For purchases over €200–300, absolutely. A €1,000 luxury purchase in France (20% VAT) could yield €100–150 back. For small purchases, the time spent in queues may not be worth €5–10 refund. Concentrate purchases at one store to maximize refund per form.