VAT questions before I leave Italy tomorrow!

It sounds like this fits your situation, from http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/vat-refunds:

Some stores may offer to handle the rest of the hassle for you (if they provide this service, they likely have some sort of “Tax Free” sticker in the window). If you’re charming and at the right store, try talking the merchant into mailing your documents for you and reimbursing your credit card on the spot. You may also be able to take your paperwork to a nearby third-party agency to get an immediate cash refund (minus a commission for the quick service; these tend to be located at money-exchange counters near touristy landmarks). In either case, you’ll still need to get the documents stamped at the border, then mail them back; if they never receive the documents, they’ll charge the refund to your credit card.

I'm confused - if he took the tax of for you already, why do you need the paperwork? You can't get it back twice....

I take it that this jacket is brand new, still unworn, or it isn't eligible anyway..

Oh, and you wouldn't claim it in Italy. You claim it when you leave the EU, which in your case would be Frankfurt. You will need it to be in your carryon to show the customs people in Frankfurt.

Thank you! Yes, they already took the tax out so I do not need a refund, but I know I need to send the paperwork back. I just wasn't sure how to proceed at the airport, ie. if I go someplace in particular to declare it, or just proceed as usual through ticketing, etc... It sounds like I will need to get my paperwork stamped and then mail it from the airport. I was also confused if I needed to do this at Naples, Frankfurt, or Denver, haven't done this before! :) I read through the guidebook section on VAT refunds but I just needed a little more clarification. Thanks!

Obviously not Denver. All you will see are American immigration and custom officials. When you leave the EU - Frankfurt.

You have to do it in Naples if you can, if not there in Frankfurt. In my experience, customs is before security. Give yourself enough time to do so. I have done this in Paris & Antwerp. The merchant deducted the VAT at the time of purchase in the understanding that I send in the form stamped by customs in my departure airport in Europe. Otherwise, the merchant will charge my credit card for the tax. If you paid in cash, I don't know how the merchant can charge you the tax if you don't send in the forms.

There is a dedicated "mailbox" close to customs (no postage stamp needed) but I have also sent in the stamped form once I was home because I either couldn't find the mailbox or didn't have enough time. Make sure that you have the correct postage if mailed from the US.

Just Travel, thank you! That clears up my confusion! I have a long layover in Frankfurt so I will have time to go through customs then, if not in Naples! Thanks for the help!