I somewhat recently returned from Italy expecting my VAT refund at some point. I had followed all instructions to the letter, getting the required EU custom stamp, submitting all paperwork properly filled out, and using the official envelope. After several months with no refund, I contacted the New Tax Free office and got no response whatsoever. I also contacted the Italian National Tourist Board who politely listened and forwarded my complaint to, again, the New Tax Free office. Still no results whatsoever, not even an acknowledgement of my letter. Enough time has passed so that it is now obvious I have contributed more than my share to the Italian tax authorities. I wonder how common this is and in any case will not be spending any more money in Italy. Beware of making substantial purchases in Italy and expecting a VAT refund.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7168 posts
What is 'somewhat recently'? I have known people who waited 6-8 months and after having given up hope finally received their refund. They're not exactly known for speed in getting refunds to people.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
It can take months.
I hope you bought things because you wanted them. If you get the VAT refund, consider it gravy.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
We have never been very successful with claiming a refund for VAT. But it was never a large amount either. However, we have had items shipped so the tax came right off the top. Generally the tax paid for shipping.
Posted by
Vacaville, Ca
1450 posts
When shopping in Venice you can get your money immediately. Catty-corner to Chanel on Calle Larga Ascencione is an official stand/business that you can immediately receive your VAT. The sales person at Louis Vuitton told us about this, my friend received the cash on the spot.
Posted by
Portland
3644 posts
Everything said above is true. It can take months. Problems are not just limited to Italy. It once happened to me claiming a refund going through Heathrow. There is one more alternative. Often, there is a choice of getting an immediate cash refund in the airpport. It's true that a fee is subtracted; but I always choose that option, on the grounds of a bird in hand . . .
Posted by
OP
4 posts
To clarify, it has now been almost 10 months since my original VAT refund request.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
10 months... Perhaps you didn't cross a T correctly or some other technicality. For future reference, whenever you can, have items shipped to you and they can automatically deduct the VAT (which usually pays the shipping cost). Then you don't have to worry about filling out forms or carrying around your purchases (which can make the officials wonder if you actually used the item you bought while still in Europe).
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Rather than a technical error, it is obviously in the best interest of Italy to "make mistakes" when it comes to collecting taxes they are not entitled to. Curious how many millions this gets them annually.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33994 posts
Not bitter, then?
I wouldn't have thought that 10 months was so "somewhat recently".
Posted by
Texan in CA
4415 posts
Nigel, don't forget we're talking about Italy; 10 months qualifies as 'recently' ;-)
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Hi Nigel,
I was somewhat bitter about being ripped off by a government characterized by mismanagement and corruption.
Posted by
Glen Allen, VA
88 posts
I just noticed this post and thought that I would add my experience, and perhaps be of some help. In July 2014 I purchased a rather expensive piece of jewelry in Florence, and had all of the paperwork filled out by the store, passport number address, etc. All that was necessary (I had done this before). When I left Italy on July 31, I had the form stamped ( a must) and then took it to the Global Blue desk to turn in. The young lady took the envelope and I thought that all was well, not making a copy of the forms and number of the refund ticket (big mistake). Right after I got home the VAT tax amount of nearly $500 US dollars hit my charge account. Knowing that I did everything correctly I contacted my credit card company to file a dispute. Panicked I checked further, worrying that I didn't have any proof of turning the forms in, I checked the internet and found a phone number for Global Blue. After several calls (time difference) I talked to a young man (great customer service) and he explained that even tho I turned the form into the desk, the young lady there put it in the mail (which I could have done myself, mail in Italy is VERY slow) and it didn't reach the proper authority in time (end of month). Long story as short as i can, by calling, I was able to get the money back with the help of Global Blue, even tho the exchange rate had changed and I lost about $10, but that is a far cry from $500. So, If it can help you and you have the correct infor (which may be enough to have SS#), you can try to call Global Blue and see if they can help. They seem to have a record of the forms turned in, and at least can maybe tell you why you haven't gotten the refund. The number I used was 866-706-6090, keep in mind that this number sounds local, cut I believe it was to Switzerland, so there is a time diff, and keep this in mind when calling. Hope this helps! I have bought many things in Italy over 8 years and have never had a problem with the VAT, except with this one exception. Good Luck!