QUESTION & ANSWER

 

TAX Reclaim is the facility whereby companies based outside Europe can obtain a refund on some or all of the VAT they have paid. It was introduced by the EU 13th VAT directive.

 

On what expenses is V A T reclaimable ?

VAT is most commonly reclaimed on Hotels, Restaurants, Car hire, Training courses, Exhibitions & Conferences. Click here to know what is reclaimable from each country.
 

Is my company entitled to obtain a V A T refund ?

Yes it is as long as

  • Your company is registered in Qatar

  • The expenses being reclaimed relate to business expenditure

  • The person who incurred the expense is an employee/owner of the company
 

Can an individual make an application for a business VAT refund?

No, your application has to be forwarded through your company
 

Can my company apply for a VAT refund if it has a parent or affiliate subsidiary operation within the EU ?

Yes, as long as the company that is making the application is based outside the country where the expenses occurred. It is irrelevant where other operations within the group are based.

 

What documentation is required to make a refund application ?

Three items are required.

  • Original invoices (The European VAT authorities will not accept photocopies or credit card receipts},
  • An application form ( View sample).
  • A certificate of status ( View sample)
 

Will my original invoices be returned ?

Yes, all your original invoices will be returned
 

Are there any up front charges for making a refund application ?

No. You will only be charged upon successfully obtaining a refund.

 

If my refund application is unsuccessful, will I be charged ?

There is no fee whatsoever if your refund application is unsuccessful.

 

Is there a minimum VAT amount per application ?

No, but there is a minimum charge of £ 100 for each successful application.

 

Is there a limit to the number of refund applications that my company can make each year ?

Yes, each company is entitled to a maximum of four applications each year. But you may submit invoices as often as it is convenient to you and we will manage your four applications for you.
 

Is there a limit to the number of business trips / number of employees entitled to be included in a single application ?

No, as long as the invoices are received before the application deadlines.

 

How soon after the expenses are incurred do I have to make my refund application ?

For the UK

The application period runs from July lst to June 3Oth of the following year. Invoices dated within this period mustt be received before December lst. Example: Bills dated July lst 1998 must be received before December lst 1999.  
 

For all other EU countries

The application period runs from January lst to December 31st. Invoices dated within this period must be received before June 1st. of the following year. Example: Bills dated January lst 1998 must be received before June lst 1999.

 

How long does it take to get my refund ?

It takes approximately 180 days for European VAT authorities to issue a refund