How do I get my tax back after purchasing UK items while vacationing here?

Question

I'm in London and I've bought some great clothes. They tell me to keep the reciepts so I can get cash back on the taxes. Now- Do I do this at the airport when leaving? Does that work with all reciepts?

Answer 1

If you have already bought the things, then it will be too late.  This is the steps you need to take for future purchases.

The Retail Export Scheme is a voluntary programme in which stores may choose to participate. Tourists purchasing goods at those shops participating in the Retail Export Scheme may apply for a VAT refund if they intend to leave the UK for a final destination outside the European Union (EU) with their purchases within three months of the date of purchase. However, since shops in Britain are not obliged to participate in the Retail Export Scheme and some may require the customer to make a minimum purchase, visitors should ascertain before making their purchases whether or not a refund will be available.

At the time of the purchase, the retailer will ask to be shown a passport or some other form of identification to establish the customer’s eligibility for the refund scheme. Both parties should then complete the refund document provided by the retailer. This will take the form of a refund company voucher, or form VAT 407 if the retailer is to process the refund directly.

Procedures for applying for a refund are available in the booklet, 'A Traveller's Guide to the Retail Export Scheme'. This booklet is available free at all Customs points, as well as at: http://www.hmce.gov.uk/notices/704-2.htm...

Visitors applying for a refund should be aware that a VAT refund voucher must be presented for certification with the purchased goods to HM Customs and Excise when the customer departs from the United Kingdom. Note: If travel is continued to a destination outside Britain but within the EU, the documents should be certified not on leaving Britain, but in the final country of departure from the EU. All visitors wishing to take advantage of the scheme are advised to allow plenty of time when arriving at the airport. Forms cannot be certified after departure from the EU. If the goods are too large to be carried as hand baggage, passengers should ask their airline for advice on consulting a Customs officer before checking luggage in.

The certified form should then be sent in the envelope provided to the retailer or the refunding company (unless the latter has an office at the airport, in which case it may be submitted in person and the refund provided on the spot). The claim will be processed and a refund cheque sent to the purchaser. It should be remembered that since VAT of 17.5 percent is included in the total price paid, approximately 14.9 percent of that total is the amount of VAT paid, and from this the retainer or refunding company will subtract a fee for processing the refund.

If the goods are to be shipped as freight, the VAT refund document should be given to the freight forwarder or shipping agent with instructions to have it certified by a Customs officer and then sent to the retailer or refund company. (If goods are to be shipped out of the EU by the retailer, VAT should not be levied on the purchase.)

Answer 2

I believe so,check it out before you leave UK, also give yourself lots of time to do it,as our airports are so slow with the security checks,you might need up to 3 hours for check in alone