You see signs for it everywhere, but you’re not quite sure what a VAT is. Well, you’re not going to get a full answer here. Frankly, unless you happen to be an economist, the answer is way too complicated. VAT – or Value Added Tax – isn’t a sales tax, per se, but when you’re buying something with a 19.6% tax added on to the total price, who cares. The thing you need to know about the VAT – also known as the TVA in France – is that it’s something the French pay automatically. But, if you’re not a citizen of the EU (European Union), you might be entitled to a refund. And that’s called the “détaxe.”
In Paris, this is generally handled in one of two ways:
Some stores – mainly the tourist shops lining the rue de Rivoli and around Opéra – don’t impose the VAT at purchase. These are “duty-free” shops, and you’ll need to show your passport at the time of purchase, along with your airline ticket. You’ll still be required to mail back forms from the U.S., and if you don’t, the VAT will be charged to your credit card after three months.
If you spend a minimum of €175 on the same day in the same store, you can ask for a “Tax Free Shopping France” invoice when making your purchase at any department store or boutiques with a “Tax Free for Tourists” sign. The amount to be refunded is displayed under “Montant de la détaxe” heading. When leaving the EU, you’ll need to have your invoices stamped at airport customs and return the validated pink copies within three months using the stamped envelop given to you at the time you made your purchases. At CDG, the customs office is located in Terminal 2 by Sortie (Gate) 5.
You can actually receive a cash refund while still in Paris at the Madelios Department Store located at the corner of bd de la Madeleine and rue Duphot (Métro: Madeleine). The Cash Refund Department is on the second floor (which is the third floor, for Americans). While they’ll provide you with the appropriate refund, you still need to go to Customs at the airport and mail back the forms.
