The European Union tax system allows you to return part of the purchase price - value added tax (VAT). Let's figure out how to refund VAT and apply for tax free in Prague.
COUNTRIES WHERE TAX FREE OPERATES
Tax free is a special document that is issued when purchasing a product. Subsequently, it can be used to refund VAT.
This system operates in all major cities of the European Union (as well as in certain Asian and Latin countries), including Prague. In these countries, only their citizens or foreigners living there for more than 6 months must pay VAT.
Who is entitled to tax free purchases and for what amount. VAT rate
The service can be used by foreign citizens who have been in Prague for less than six months and have made a purchase worth more than CZK 2,000.
Groups of people who do not fall under the VAT refund program:
- foreigners staying in the country on a work visa;
- foreigners with a residence permit of the country where the purchase is made;
- when purchasing in the European Union - citizens of EU countries;
NB! The tax is not refundable after 3 months from the date of purchase.
Tax reimbursement is subject to goods that are purchased for personal use and transported in your own luggage.
The VAT rate in Prague is not always the same:
The exact rate can be seen on the receipt, where VAT is usually indicated in a separate column.
The following goods are NOT covered by the tax free system in Prague:
- services sector;
- food and alcohol;
- fuel;
- weapon;
- means of transport;
- products from online stores.
It is impossible to return the full amount of tax in Prague, since an administrative fee (5-7%) is charged during the transaction. In addition, issuing companies also take a small percentage for their work. Therefore, the final proceeds will be equal to 14-16% of the total VAT.
How to get tax free in the Czech Republic: general information
In Prague, you can obtain the relevant documents only in stores operating in the Tax Free system. They can be distinguished by a sticker pasted at the entrance with the corresponding inscription. However, even if there is no sticker, you should always ask the sellers about it.
There are several VAT refund schemes. Therefore, when purchasing and issuing a check, it is better to take a booklet with instructions and addresses of tax free sales points. Or ask the seller how to get tax free in Prague if he speaks Russian or English.
VAT can only be refunded on completely new, unused items. Therefore, in order for the tax refund to proceed without complications, you must keep all receipts, do not rip off tags and do not unpack the goods.
COMPLETE GUIDE
Two large issuing companies work with tax free in Prague - Global Blue Premier Tax Free and Premier Tax Free. They have representative offices both in the city itself and at the airport.
There are several options on how you can return tax free in Prague:
- at the place of purchase;
- at the office of an intermediary company;
- in an Aeroport;
- upon returning to your country.
How to fill out the tax free form
Tax free forms are provided to the buyer at the checkout. They come in several types and are usually already partially filled with the store.
The buyer must fill in the empty columns himself in printed Latin. If difficulties arise with this, it is better to ask the seller for help. Everything must be completed correctly, since if you issue tax free in Prague with errors, then the buyer will be denied a VAT refund.
The standard form, as a rule, contains the following information: full name, residential address, identification document number, E-mail, bank card number, personal signature.
What to do with the tax free form at customs
Regardless of how and where the tax free will be cashed - on the spot in Prague or upon return - the documents in any case must be properly processed at customs.
To do this, customs officers need to present your purchases, receipts for them and correctly filled out tax free forms.
Goods that are subject to VAT refund must be readily and directly available. That is, things should not be in a suitcase packed in film, and should not be folded to the very bottom.
When reconciling the receipt and form, the customs officer may ask you to present the goods “in person.” A prerequisite is full compliance of goods and receipts. Also, do not forget about the presence of labels and packaging.
After comparing the goods and inspecting the integrity of the packaging:
- checks are stamped,
- tax free documents officially become valid.
TAX FREE REFUND POINTS IN PRAGUE AND RUSSIA
Tax free refunds in Prague are carried out by the offices of intermediary companies at the following addresses:
Global Blue:
- Global Blue Prague, Vodičkova 1935/38, Nové Město, Prague 1;
- Bohemia Travel System, Panska 895/6, Nové Město, Prague 1;
- Abrahám, Namesti Republiky 656/8, Staré Město, Prague 1;
- Erpet, Staroměstské náměstí 27 , Staré Město, Prague 1.
- Manufaktura, Melantrichova 17, Prague 1;
- Urban Store, Václavské náměstí 18, Prague 1;
- Shi-Bon, Týn 3/1049, Ungelt – Botanicus, Prague 1.
Tax free refund to a bank card in a store
Tax free in Prague can be returned directly at the point of purchase, if the store provides this. To do this, you must show your passport with a visa at the checkout. Then the tax amount will not be taken into account when paying, or will be immediately returned to the card.
However, even with this method of VAT refund, the form will still have to be filled out, the receipts will have to be sealed at customs and all this will have to be sent to the issuing company.
At Prague airport
You can receive the tax amount directly at Vaclav Havel Prague Airport in terminals 1 or 2. The issuing company's location can be easily found using the appropriate signs.
Algorithm of actions:
- Arrive at least 1 hour before your planned check-in – there are usually long queues near the Tax Free counters.
- Go through customs inspection and receive a receipt with stamps - for this, things must be on the surface and presented upon request;
- Check in for your flight and enter the Duty Free zone. The tax refund point is located near the currency exchange office. To receive money, you must present a passport, a check and a form with a stamp previously placed at the customs control point.
Next, the tax free form and checks are put into an envelope and handed over to an employee of the intermediary company or dropped into a special box at the counter. After which the VAT amount will be transferred to the card. The company may charge an additional fee for cash advances.
The envelope must reach the company's office within 21-30 days from the date of payment to the buyer. Otherwise, this amount will be blocked on the card.
Unfortunately, there are glitches in this system and sometimes the envelope gets lost along the way. Therefore, just in case, it is better to have copies of all documents on hand.
Additional offices of the company global blue tax free
In addition to Prague, there are other points in the Czech Republic where tax free amounts are refunded:
- Pardubice Airport, transit hall.
- Karlovy Vary:
- Duty Free store, Karlovy Vary Airport, departure hall;
- information center Karlovy Vary, Lazenska 14;
- Pharmacy St. Maria, Zamecky vrch 423/18.
Refund of tax free in Russia
In Russia there are 2 ways to cash out VAT:
1 way:
- In a store in Prague, take a form with an envelope on which the address of the issuing company is already printed.
- Upon returning to Russia, enclose copies of tickets, a tax free form, and checks with customs stamps in the envelope. When filling out the form, be sure to enter the details of your international bank card and make a note “to the bank card account.” It is better to keep copies of stamped checks and forms.
- Send the envelope by registered mail or courier delivery.
Method 2:
Make a refund through partner banks:
- Czech-Russian Bank (cooperates with Premier);
- Banca Intesa (collaborates with Global Blue).
The bank must provide stamped checks, a tax free form, as well as a domestic and foreign passport. Documents are checked on the spot, after which the required amount is paid at the cash desk. The bank sends the form and check to the issuing company independently.
The Tax Free return system in Prague has long been established and regulated for the convenience of travelers. However, you should be careful when filling out documents. If you do everything right, shopping in Prague will become more profitable.
Post Views: 10,584
Today we will tell you about the popular VAT refund service, or TAX FREE, outside Ukraine and the CIS countries. We have already written what TAX FREE is, and this article is dedicated to. When purchasing goods in the Czech Republic, you can return 21% of the cost of the goods if the total purchase price is 2001 crowns (CZK).
Recently, our long-time dream came true - so we were able to fully appreciate shopping in this country. I can say that the choice is large and varied. If we talk about Prague, shopaholics have a place to roam. A huge number of boutiques are located on Wenceslas Square. Looking into stores we often saw signsTAX FREE. Therefore, the article is on the topic.
Standard rate: 21%
Books, medicines and glasses: 15%
Please remember items that cannot be refunded:
- Food
- Weapon
- Vehicles
Who is eligible to make TAX FREE purchases?
- Citizens not residing in the countries of the European Union.
Validity TAX FREE The receipt is valid for 6 months, the customs stamp is valid for 3 months, during which it is necessary to export the goods outside the Czech Republic.
Current TAX FREE systems in Prague
You can apply for a VAT refund using Global Blue systems. Identification signs are located at the entrance to stores or at the cash registers; ask sellers whether the store participates in the TAX FREE program.
How to get TAX FREE in the Czech Republic
1. Get a receipt
When paying for your purchase, ask for a Tax Refund form. If you would like to receive a refund on a credit card, please write its number to TAX FREE check.
2. Get a stamp from customs
When you leave the country, take your purchases, receipts and passport to the customs counter where your tax refund receipt will be stamped. If you continue to travel within Europe, the stamp must be affixed in the last country in the EU.
3. Cash your receipt
You can cash your receipt only at Global Blue Customer Services points in your country or in the EU (upon re-entry).
Show your stamped receipt, passport and credit card (if you want a refund on your card) to the manager at Global Blue Customer Services or your VAT refund program partner company.
How to fill out TAX FREE form
Document processing center address
TAX FREE forms are processed at Global Blue's document processing center in Slovakia. Submit a valid, correctly completed and stamped TAX FREE form at the following address:
For regular and registered letters:
Global Blue Slovakia
P.O.BOX 363
810 00 Bratislava
Slovakia Europe
How to get TAX FREE in the Czech Republic at Prague Airport
VAT refunds are carried out at Prague Airport, in the first and second terminals. See special signs. It's almost impossible to get lost.
To make a return TAX FREE , you will need to present the Globle Blue form to the Customs office (Celnice), they must stamp the form (Customs and Border Control are different agencies). We do not recommend checking in luggage before check-in. TAX FREE . All this is done before check-in and boarding. Only after all these procedures can you go through the control service.
Key points you need to know
1.Find out the location of the customs office. You must be stamped on the check (form). Ask a worker customs shirt where you can get money.
2. Present all purchased goods with tags and labels.
3.If the seller has not filled out the check (form), then do it yourself in advance (instructions). Present them along with your passport and air ticket.
4. We recommend receiving the money immediately at the airport. Transfer to a card will be convenient only for residents of large cities. In addition, problems often arise with bank transfers. Here you decide for yourself what is convenient for you.
Steps to take to receive TAX FREE Czech Republic
- Customs (Celnice)
- Check-in for flight (baggage drop-off)
- Passport control
- Getting Tax Free
Prague. Terminal 1.
Cash Point
Vaclav Havel Airport Prague PIER B, transit area, North Terminal 1, K Letisti 6/1019, 16008, Prague 6
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 06:00 - 22:30
Sat: 06:00 - 22:30
Sun: 06:00 - 22:30
Cash Point
Vaclav Havel Airport, departure hall, K Letisti 6/1019, 16008, Prague 6
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 06:00 - 22:30
Sat: 06:00 - 22:30
Sun: 06:00 - 22:30
Prague. Terminal 2.
Vaclav Havel Airport, North Terminal 2, K Letisti 6/1019, 16008, Prague 6
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 06:00 - 22:30
Sat: 06:00 - 22:30
Sun: 06:00 - 22:30
Any Global Blue Tax Free forms are accepted for payment. If the refund is received in cash, a fee (80 CZK) will be charged for each “form”. There is no fee for transfers to a credit card.
TAX FREE refund in Prague
Go to the Tax Refund Counter with the Global Blue logo at any of these locations:
Erpet
Staroměstské náměstí 27, 11000, Prague 1
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:00 - 19:00
Sat: 10:00 - 19:00
Sun: 10:00 - 19:00
VAN GRAAF
Václavské náměstí 17, 11000, Prague 1
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:00 - 19:00
Sat: 10:00 - 19:00
Sun: 10:00 - 19:00
FASHION ARENA PRAGUE OUTLET
Zamenhofova 440, 10800, Prague 10
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:00 - 20:00
Sat: 10:00 - 20:00
Sun: 10:00 - 20:00
NC PALLADIUM
Namesti Republiky 1, 11000, Prague 1
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 09:00 - 21:00
Sat: 09:00 - 21:00
Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
NC Novy Smichov
Plzeňská 8, 15000, Prague 8
Opening hours:
Mon-Fri: 09:00 - 21:00
Sat: 09:00 - 21:00
Sun: 09:00 - 21:00
Provide a completed receipt with a stamp in order to receive a refund on a card or in cash.
Only early returns are possible, only Global Blue Tax Free forms issued in the Czech Republic
TAX FREE refund to card
A prepaid Global Blue envelope received in store can be sent free from anywhere in the world. Please note that the envelope is sent by regular mail. If you did not receive an envelope, you can use a standard envelope (paid for by you).
To avoid loss of documents, we recommend using more reliable postal services (for example, registered mail or courier services paid for by you).
Before sending documents, please make copies of them or write down the number of each TAX FREE forms (DOC ID).
To ensure your refund is processed correctly, please send to Global Blue Tax Free a fully and correctly completed Tax Free form.
Thank you for reading our blog. See you soon on the pages of our
Every shopaholic is familiar with the concept of “tax free”, because... This service is beneficial for everyone who makes purchases abroad.
Tax free (from the English “without collection”) is a VAT refund that occurs when leaving the country. Each country has its own return rules, so before applying for tax free, make sure that all the conditions for receiving a refund are met.
For example, in the Czech Republic, VAT = 19% from the cost, but a refund will only be possible if you purchased for more than 80 euros.
The tax free check is valid for 5 months, but the goods you purchased must be exported within 3 months.
There are several Tax free systems in Prague. Here you can issue a return using the system Premier Tax Free And Global Blue. In boutiques where returns are available, you will see an icon with the name of the system and an indication of the place where you can arrange the service.
Tax free at Prague airport
To make a VAT refund, tourists need to go to. If you spent more than 80 euros, you will need Terminal No. 1. The terminal area is small, so the necessary manipulations will be quick and easy. Special signs will prevent you from getting lost.
To make a return, you must present the purchased product at the checkout and customs. Do not check your luggage until your tax refund is processed or pack your purchase in your carry-on luggage. In each case, tax refund processing will occur differently.
If you checked your purchases in your luggage:
1. Check in without checking in your luggage
2. Go through customs
3. Issue a return
4. Check your luggage
5. Go through passport control
If the purchase is packaged as hand luggage, the algorithm is as follows:
1. Check in and check in your luggage
2. Go through customs
3. Go through passport control
4. Issue a return
If you want to get the most out of your tax refund, check the exchange rates.
It is often more profitable to receive money in crowns and spend it in Duty free. The second place among currencies is the euro, the third is the dollar.
1. Acron Duty Free Shop
from Mon. to Fri: from 6:30 a.m. until 11:00p.m.
Sat: from 6:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: from 6:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
2. Cash Point
from Mon. to Fri: from 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Sat: from 6:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Sunday: from 6:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
3. Cash Point
from Mon. to Fri: from 6:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Sat: from 6:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Sunday: from 6:00 a.m. until 10:3 0p.m.
4. Travelex
5. Travelex
from Mon. to Fri: from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Sat: from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Return Tax free in Prague to the address:
Global Blue Prague
Vodickova 38, 11000 Prague 1
from Mon. to Fri: from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00p.m.
Closed: Sat., Sun.
