I am considering the purchase of a Roller Team Fiat Ducato camper here in Italy. I am a US Government employee and I am here for a minimum of three years. If I purchase the camper (used) locally from a dealer I need to pay an additional 20% VAT. Can I get this as a refund or just not pay it even though I am still in country since I am an American Govt. employee on travel orders?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
There must be someone at your place of work in a position of authority that can answer your question more definitively and reliably than a person on the RS board. You can't be the first person to have decided to do something like this (purchase a car, for example). You're asking a European tax law question, after all. Would you seriously rely on a response here from a complete stranger that said "You don't need to pay it"?
Good luck.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
OK, I agree with Michael that you ought to seek expert advice and I don't claim to be one. However, the practice for VAT refunds (the VAT should be included in the price of the item, not a separate charge like sales taxes are in the U.S.) is that if the item is bought but not used in Europe. Therefore, I don't think you could get an exemption for a camper you plan to use in Europe for three years. Your being American (unless you're buying through a military commissary or similar source) would have nothing to do with an exemption.
But again, treat my expertise with consideration of the price you paid for it.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Here's the way it usually works:
(1)If you buy a vehicle (new or used doesn't matter) and you are NOT a resident of the EU, then you don't pay the VAT.
(2) To get refund/avoid paying, you must get purchased goods out of the EU in 90 days.
To me, it seems that you reside in the EU and you ain't gonna be gone very quick. BUT, this issue is usually covered in the SOFA. Not sure who you work for, but there's a legal assistance office somewhere; ask them.