Overview. VAT is payable on most goods and services you buy in the UK. The VAT refund scheme can be used to reclaim VAT if you're registered as a business outside the UK and bought the goods or services to use in your business.
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Oh, the joy of scoring incredible deals while exploring the beautiful cities of Great Britain! However, starting from January 1, 2021, a wave of change swept across the nation as the UK government made the regrettable decision to discontinue the VAT refund scheme for tourists. Yes, you heard it right.
And there is typically a minimum amount you have to spend in a store to qualify — as of November 2023, the minimum in the EU is 175 Euros. So it's usually high-ticket items, like jewelry or fine clothing, that qualify for a VAT refund, not a paperback novel or suntan lotion.
Value-added tax (VAT) The standard VAT rate of 20% applies to most goods and services, apart from domestic fuel and power and certain other reduced-rate supplies, which are subject to VAT at 5%.
There are some goods and services on which VAT is not charged, including: insurance, finance and credit. education and training. fundraising events by charities.
You can try to get your VAT refund through the mail but the process takes much longer and can be unreliable. Most people submit their requests at the airport on their way home. You'll have to present your documents to a customs agent, whose stamp is required as “proof of export.”