VAT refund

Value Added Tax is a consumption tax added to most goods and services in many countries around the world. The national tax systems of Europe, Canada, Japan and Australia allow most non-resident business entities, worldwide, to a refund of VAT. If you are registered for VAT, you can generally claim back VAT on goods and services you buy, but only if those purchases relate to sales you make that are liable for VAT.

Value Added Tax is called different in different countries. In Canada is called GST and JCT in Japan. The refund rules vary from country to country. Most North American business entities will qualify for a refund. Sometimes, VAT registration may be necessary in order to get the refund.

Eligible Items

The VAT rates vary from country to country, and are currently 6 - 25% in Europe, 6% in Canada, 5% in Japan and 10% in Australia.

Typical Recoverable Expenses are :

• Hotel and Transportation
• Trade Shows and Conferences
• Movie and TV Production
• Logistics, and Warranty Products
• Drop-shipping,
• Installation and Maintenance Contracts Global Contracts
• Telecom and Network Services

VAT Reclaim Schedule

The above rates are examples as of January 2007. Additional EU members have substantial reclaimable VAT on non-travel expenses.

Dealing with the file to reclaim the VAT is long and tedious. BT Associates can look after this for you. BT Associates specialize solely in the management and recovery of foreign VAT. We undertake all the formalities to reclaim your TVA. From the registration at the tax offices right through to chasing the authorities to physically refund your VAT. We provide VAT reclaim services in all EU member states and a number of Non-EU member countries.Typical VAT refundable expenses include lodging, transportation, intercompany bills, professional and marketing cost (including film and TV productions) as well as participation in tradeshows and conferences.