Value Added Tax refund on hotels in UK?

Question

Wow, that's a nice size tax for the UK Government.

Can I get a VAT Return on hotels and things I buy in the shops?

If so, how do I do that?

Cheers,

-Rob

Answer 1

You can only reclain the VAT on things you take out of the UK which you have not used. As you can't take out a hotel room, you can't reclaim the VAT.
For goods, you can't open the packing or use them while you are here. You must buy from a store which operates the VAT scheme. These often have minimum purchases (£50). You need to fill in the form the store gives you and then show that and the goods to the VAT reclaim desk at the airport.

Answer 2

Generally, no, you personally cannot get your hotel VAT refund....

However, I've been told that if your company pays for the hotel, your company can submit a formal VAT refund when you get back to the US to try and claim VAT (helps if you are self employed).

I have not had to use this because more and more websites booking hotels in the UK are doing 'VAT inclusive' rates or 'No VAT' (i.e. http://www.lastminute.com/).

As for thing you buy in the store, there is a VAT refund desk in Heathrow where you can a) fill out a form and b) show them the item you purchase (i.e. you can't check it in your luggage). They'll process the paperwork for your refund right there.

Answer 3

There are 2 monetary motives for it. One monetary reason is so as that the overseas travellers will spend more beneficial in the country. the different monetary reason is so as that more beneficial foreigners visit the country.