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Tax Refund Problems
Jun 22, 2016 @ 13:58

Hi,


I ran into some problems today at Gar Cornavin. I bought a bike in Paris which I brought to Geneva on the train. I had asked for a tax refund at the store where I bought (which is one of the few retailers in Europe for the particular bike I wanted and there is none in Switzerland). Unfortunately they do not handle VAT returns. 


I was ok with paying the French VAT and not claiming a refund, but when I tried to pass customs at the train station, they stopped me and had me pay the Swiss VAT anyhow. I explained my situation but they didn't allow me to pass without paying. 


Now, I don't want to pay VAT in two countries. But I also don't know how I can get a refund in France if the store doesn't provide the forms. The receipt has already been stamped by Swiss customs now. Does anyone know what I can do now?


 

The text you are quoting:

Hi,


I ran into some problems today at Gar Cornavin. I bought a bike in Paris which I brought to Geneva on the train. I had asked for a tax refund at the store where I bought (which is one of the few retailers in Europe for the particular bike I wanted and there is none in Switzerland). Unfortunately they do not handle VAT returns. 


I was ok with paying the French VAT and not claiming a refund, but when I tried to pass customs at the train station, they stopped me and had me pay the Swiss VAT anyhow. I explained my situation but they didn't allow me to pass without paying. 


Now, I don't want to pay VAT in two countries. But I also don't know how I can get a refund in France if the store doesn't provide the forms. The receipt has already been stamped by Swiss customs now. Does anyone know what I can do now?


 


Steffen NJun 22, 2016 @ 13:58
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Re: Tax Refund Problems
Post 1
Jun 22, 2016 @ 14:05

You can't do anything.  Shops in the EU choose whether or not they operate the VAT reclaim cheme for foreigners, they dont have an obligation to do so.  So you simply paid a price for a good in France and then the Swiss customs people followed their procedure for taxing imports.  Sorry....

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You can't do anything.  Shops in the EU choose whether or not they operate the VAT reclaim cheme for foreigners, they dont have an obligation to do so.  So you simply paid a price for a good in France and then the Swiss customs people followed their procedure for taxing imports.  Sorry....


hucklewoo, Jun 22, 2016 @ 14:05
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Re: Tax Refund Problems
Post 2
Jun 22, 2016 @ 14:18

There's also no way to at least reclaim the VAT charged by the Swiss customs? I didn't think they would tax me in the first place.. It's not like it hasn't been used or anything.. but I was carrying the receipt in my bag and they were extremely insisting and didn't allow me to pass...

The text you are quoting:

There's also no way to at least reclaim the VAT charged by the Swiss customs? I didn't think they would tax me in the first place.. It's not like it hasn't been used or anything.. but I was carrying the receipt in my bag and they were extremely insisting and didn't allow me to pass...


Steffen N, Jun 22, 2016 @ 14:18
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Re: Tax Refund Problems
Post 3
Jun 22, 2016 @ 14:21

Pay. And next time simply, make the bike look "used". Worked for me at the airport, bought a brand new bike in the US in 2014, took out all the stickers, made it dirty with mud, et voila "ca c'est vieux"....:)

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Pay. And next time simply, make the bike look "used". Worked for me at the airport, bought a brand new bike in the US in 2014, took out all the stickers, made it dirty with mud, et voila "ca c'est vieux"....:)


Gennaro S, Jun 22, 2016 @ 14:21
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Re: Tax Refund Problems
Post 4
Jun 22, 2016 @ 14:25

I've done some more search online and there only seems to be re-export way of getting back the swiss VAT (http://www.ezv.admin.ch/zollinfo_privat/04342/04359/04360/index.html?lang=en). But I have my doubts they will follow through with it and I might just end up paying more. They were already threatening me with fines at the station. 


I guess the money is gone.. 


But thank you both for the replies, it's appreciated.

The text you are quoting:

I've done some more search online and there only seems to be re-export way of getting back the swiss VAT (http://www.ezv.admin.ch/zollinfo_privat/04342/04359/04360/index.html?lang=en). But I have my doubts they will follow through with it and I might just end up paying more. They were already threatening me with fines at the station. 


I guess the money is gone.. 


But thank you both for the replies, it's appreciated.


Steffen N, Jun 22, 2016 @ 14:25
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Re: Tax Refund Problems
Post 5
Jun 22, 2016 @ 21:47

My problem was a bit different, I have not got what was supposed to be refunded. It should be back to my credit card, but I do not think I finally have received it, luckily it was not a big amount but I am hesitant of getting the detax benefit when I think of buying something in France. Any clue of tracking it why not?


Another question is that: if I  only do detax at France customs, without paying the tax to Swiss, does Swiss know?? Thank you

The text you are quoting:

My problem was a bit different, I have not got what was supposed to be refunded. It should be back to my credit card, but I do not think I finally have received it, luckily it was not a big amount but I am hesitant of getting the detax benefit when I think of buying something in France. Any clue of tracking it why not?


Another question is that: if I  only do detax at France customs, without paying the tax to Swiss, does Swiss know?? Thank you


Jessica G, Jun 22, 2016 @ 21:47
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