VAT Taxes?

Question

I'm from the United States and shopped around in the UK. Is it possible for me to be reimbursed from VAT taxes? And if so, how?

Answer 1

I assume you were a tourist and not a long term resident.  I'm afraid you cannot recover VAT on purchases made in the UK once you have left the country.  If you had made your purchases via retailers using the Retail Export Scheme (this is an entirely voluntary scheme and you would need to seek confirmation from the retailers concerned that they were part of the scheme before making your purchases), they would have given you the appropriate forms for completion at the time you made your purchases and you would have had to provide some evidence that you were entitled to use the scheme (e.g. your passport).  On your way out of the country you present the forms and the associated goods at Customs as proof that you were indeed exporting the goods and you will get a refund of the VAT incurred.  This can be a time consuming process so make sure you get to the airport in plenty of time!!