Tax refund when leaving India

Hello my friends,

is there a possibility to get the VAT (on items bought in India) back when I leave the country? If yes, do I have to claim it at the airport?

Thanx

why do you expect to get the VAT back ?..its just like the sales tax..everyone has to pay it..

In most countries (e.g. whole Europe, Australia, USA) the VAT tax can be claimed by non-citizens when leaving the country. It's called tax refund or cash back.

I heard it is also possible in India.

oh..this is something new to me..I am sure other learned members would have some knowledge about this..

Yes, I've done this when bringing stuff from UK to India, they have a special counter at Heathrow. It is outsourced, so they charge you a percentage handling charge, but at least you get some back.

However, the process begins in the shop, where they will register your claim and give you documentation to produce at the airport. You cannot just turn up at the counter with a list of the stuff you bought. It is, consequently, only available at shops that operate the scheme, and you will see Tax-Free Shopping advertised by them.

I never heard of such a scheme in India.

Oh, wait... of course I did!

It's called paying in cash and not being charged the tax in the first place! Many shops operate that scheme.



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I have not come across any such shop in India..or atleast I do not remember the same..

Claiming any tax back in India will usually be impossible.

Whatever documentation you have will always be wrong...

Oh! Sorry, yes... I must have imagined it.

I've certainly forgotten now!