As visitors outside the EU can claim VAT back on purchases in the UK? Can visitors from UK claim VAT in USA?

Question

I know that people travelling from outside the EU can claim a VAT refund on items purchased in the UK - however, I'm going to New York in September and wondered if there is anything similar for UK visitors to the USA - is there some kind of VAT or tax on items which can be claimed back?

Answer 1

Don't forget you are only allowed to bring £145 worth of goods into the UK  with out declaring it.  If you were able to claim back USA tax, you would then have to pay UK tax when you bring it into the country.

Answer 2

There is no VAT in the States.

There are local purchase taxes, the revenue from which is used to pay for common services. These taxes cannot be reclaimed back by tourists.