The Easiest Way to Get an EU VAT Refund

Get your VAT refunded - even if you’re not registered for VAT in the EU - without dealing with the bureaucracy.

Can I get a VAT refund?

If your business has made a purchase in the EU in the last 12 months you may be able to get the VAT refunded.
You can only get a refund on Input VAT (unless you’ve incorrectly verpaid Output VAT). Input VAT is the amount that your business pays when it purchases something or imports goods into the EU.

We’ve helped businesses get millions in refunds

Our team has been working with tax authorities all over Europe for decades. We’ve helped our clients recover millions of Euros from across the EU.

The 1 million Euro case study

I help businesses navigate VAT regulations and simplify customs procedures, ensuring full compliance with UK and EU laws.

Sarah Bennett

Senior VAT Consultant - 12+ years of experience in VAT and Customs Compliance

How do I get a VAT refund Europe?

Get your VAT refunded through a 13th Directive VAT Reclaim in three steps:

Initial Assessment

Each EU country has specific rules for who’s eligible for a refund. We’ll go over your situation and make sure we’re not wasting your time.

Submitting your Claim

Next, we’ll sort out all the paperwork and process your refund claim. Don’t speak the language? Between us we speak more than 20, so don’t worry - we’ll liaise with the tax authorities on your behalf.

Receive your Refund

Once the tax authority is satisfied they have all the evidence they need, you’ll get back your money.

13th Directive VAT Reclaims

Businesses that aren’t registered for VAT in the EU are still entitled to a VAT refund through a mechanism called a “13th Directive VAT Reclaim”.

EU 13th VAT Directive:
Recovery Made Simple

Learn the essentials of the EU 13th VAT Directive and best practices for effective VAT recovery—gain the confidence to manage compliance independently.

Access Webinar

To use the 13th Directive to get a refund you must:

Not be established in the country where the VAT was paid
Not be registered for VAT in the country where the VAT was paid
Have paid the VAT on professional expenses or purchases
Have purchased goods or services that qualify for a VAT refund in the country where the VAT was paid
Be established in a country that has tax reciprocity with the country where the VAT was paid

There are other requirements, like some countries will require you to have a fiscal representative. There are deadlines, limits on claim submissions and minimum amounts you can claim for, and each EU Member State sets its own rules. 13th Directive Reclaims are complicated, even if you know what you’re doing. They need a lot of paperwork and often happen in multiple languages. But we’ve done this all before, so leave it to us to get it sorted.

Get Your VAT Refund

Text of the title of the blog "How to Get a Refund in Europe" and an image of a person filling out tax paperwork. On the desk in front of them is a laptop.

How to Get an EU VAT Refund

Getting a refund can be complicated. We've explained the three methods for getting a refund and answered the most commonly asked questions in this article.

Get the Answers

Customer Reviews

Monika Milcarz, GB

We are using the SimplyVAT service for our EU VAT returns

We are using the Simply Vat service for ages. They never let us down. Very reliable and responsible company with great customer managers. Highly recommended.

We are using the SimplyVAT service for ages. They never let us down. Very reliable and responsible company with great customer managers. Highly recommended.

Vincent, Switzerland

A very professional firm

A very professional firm that has taken the pain away from our monthly EU VAT filings. I can only vouch for their high level of service

A very professional firm that has taken the pain away from our monthly EU VAT filings. I can only vouch for their high level of service and quick response time to our various questions. What a difference from our previous provider (VatGlobal). Do not hesitate to use them.

James Hole, Portugal

Making life simpler

The world of EU VAT registration is fraught with complexity and unseen hurdles. SimplyVAT navigated all of this for us

The world of EU VAT registration is fraught with complexity and unseen hurdles. SimplyVAT navigated all of this for us efficiently and effectively, indluding extracting refunds!
Communication was excellent!

Naja Hendriksen, GB

Brilliant support!

I love being creative and sharing my work with the world, but taxes does my head in, and EU VAT even more so! However, with the help from everyone at SimplyVAT -

I love being creative and sharing my work with the world, but taxes does my head in, and EU VAT even more so! However, with the help from everyone at SimplyVAT - from the initial client call, to signing up, to registering with the EU for VAT - I've had excellent support.

Especially the calls I have had with Tamara and Debbie have been priceless, they walked me through my VAT return step-by-step, using language I could understand (translating TAX-lingo whenever needed).

With their guidance and reassurance I feel confident my business will run smoothly, with all EU VAT requirements met. Can't recommend SimplyVAT enough

Michael

“Their tailored advice streamlined our VAT processes significantly.”

SimplyVAT provided exceptional service from day one. Their team took the time to understand our business needs and offered tailored advice

SimplyVAT provided exceptional service from day one. Their team took the time to understand our business needs and offered tailored advice that streamlined our VAT processes. Communication was always prompt, and their support made a complex task feel straightforward.

Emma

“SimplyVAT’s expertise helped us expand confidently into new markets.”

As a small business looking to expand internationally, we were overwhelmed by VAT regulations. SimplyVAT’s team guided us through every step

As a small business looking to expand internationally, we were overwhelmed by VAT regulations. SimplyVAT’s team guided us through every step with confidence and professionalism. Their expertise gave us the assurance to enter new markets without worrying about compliance issues.

James

“SimplyVAT’s responsive team kept our VAT filings on schedule.”

Working with SimplyVAT has been a game-changer for our business. Their team is incredibly responsive, ensuring all our VAT filings are submitted on time without any hassle.

Working with SimplyVAT has been a game-changer for our business. Their team is incredibly responsive, ensuring all our VAT filings are submitted on time without any hassle. They’ve taken a huge weight off our shoulders, allowing us to focus on growth.

Sarah

“Their clear guidance turned VAT complexity into a manageable task.”

I was dreading dealing with VAT for our growing e-commerce business, but SimplyVAT made it so much easier. T

I was dreading dealing with VAT for our growing e-commerce business, but SimplyVAT made it so much easier. Their team provided clear, step-by-step guidance and was always available to clarify doubts. It’s rare to find a service that combines expertise with such approachable support.

Mark

“SimplyVAT’s proactive support saved us hours on VAT compliance.”

SimplyVAT has been a fantastic partner for our business. Their team is always proactive, answering questions before we even ask them, and their expertise

SimplyVAT has been a fantastic partner for our business. Their team is always proactive, answering questions before we even ask them, and their expertise has saved us countless hours on VAT compliance. Highly recommend their services to any business looking to simplify their tax processes.

SimplyVAT customer

“SimplyVAT’s platform made VAT compliance simple and stress-free.”

Really smooth process from start to finish. I represent a Kiwi company entering the EU market and looked around at options for helping sort VAT.

Really smooth process from start to finish. I represent a Kiwi company entering the EU market and looked around at options for helping sort VAT. SimplyVAT were excellent right from the start - making what would have been a very complicated process simple and clear. Clear communication and a nice backend portal made the process run smoothly.

Ajay

“Liza and Sonja delivered flawless VAT compliance support.”

Flawless service, by SimplyVAT have had excellent service first by Liza and then Sonja. Both have been amazing

Flawless service, by SimplyVAT have had excellent service first by Liza and then Sonja. Both have been amazing

Christoffer

“SimplyVAT quickly understood our needs for seamless e-commerce VAT solutions.”

Amazing experience! This is a game changer for those in the E-commerce space etc. They quickly understand your needs and finds the best approach.

Full Review: Amazing experience! This is a game changer for those in the E-commerce space etc. They quickly understand your needs and finds the best approach. Would highly recommend

David

“Vittoria’s exceptional care ensures our VAT filings are always on track.”

We have been working with Simply VAT for years now. We always get a great service from them and Vittoria always looks after our account really well.

We have been working with Simply VAT for years now. We always get a great service from them and Vittoria always looks after our account really well.

Anthony

“Vittoria’s thorough communication restored our faith in SimplyVAT’s service.”

Our account manager, Vittoria, provides a consistently high level of communication and service, which. She is very quick at replying and is very thorough in her responses as well.

Our account manager, Vittoria, provides a consistently high level of communication and service, which. She is very quick at replying and is very thorough in her responses as well. Our previous account manager wasn't great and we were considering leaving SimplyVAT, but to her credit, Vittoria came in and restored our faith in the company. Thanks again 🙂

Your Questions Answered

How do I get an EORI number?

We can get you an EORI number and help you decide which country you should register in. We’ll need some details about your business, so book a call and we’ll get things started.

How do I get an EORI number

What’s the cost of an EORI number?

EORI number processing time:

We can get you an EORI number and help you decide which country you should register in. We’ll need some details about your business, so book a call and we’ll get things started.

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Can I reclaim EU VAT after Brexit?

Yes! If you’re based in the UK and have made purchases in the EU in the last 12 months you might be eligible for a refund. When the UK was in the EU this was done through the 8th Directive. Now, as a non-EU country, this refund is available via the 13th Directive.

Can I reclaim VAT on EU purchases/expenses?

If you don’t have any obligation to pay VAT in the EU, you might be able to reclaim the VAT you paid on your purchases. We can help you do this through the 13th Directive.

How to reclaim VAT from EU?

There are three ways you can reclaim VAT you’ve paid in the EU. If you’re registered for VAT in an EU country you can reclaim VAT you’ve paid there on your VAT return. If you’re based in the EU but not registered there you can use the EU Refund Scheme. Non-EU companies not registered for VAT can use the 13th Directive.

Who can reclaim EU VAT?

Any taxable person who has made qualifying purchases is eligible for a VAT refund. In the EU a taxable person is a business, sole trader or professional, responsible for VAT.

What is a VAT refund?

A VAT refund is the way you can reclaim VAT which you paid to an EU member state.

How long does a VAT refund take?

It varies from country to country, and depending on how complex your claim is. Some cases can take several months, some several years.

What’s the 13th Directive Deadline?

Depending on the country you’re claiming a refund from, the deadline for submitting a claim is usually either the 30th of June or the 30th of September of the year following your purchase. For example, you order packing materials in July 2024. You have until the 30th of June or September 2025 to claim the VAT on that transaction.