
The VAT 407 form is used by non-EU visitors to the UK to claim VAT refunds on goods purchased during their visit. The form can be filled out online and printed, but photocopies of the form are not accepted. The completed form, along with the goods and receipts, must be shown to customs when leaving Northern Ireland or the EU. Customs will approve the form if everything is in order. To receive the VAT refund, the approved form can be taken to the VAT refund desk at the airport or sent to the retailer or refund provider. Previously, VAT refunds could be claimed at the airport immediately in cash, but this is no longer an option. The VAT 407 form is not available at airports, but it can be downloaded and filled out in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| VAT 407 form availability at the airport | Unavailable |
| VAT 407 form submission | At the VAT refund desk at the airport, or via email/fax/mail to the retailer or refund provider |
| VAT 407 form purpose | Claiming VAT refunds for non-EU visitors |
| VAT 407 form requirements | Completed form, goods, and receipts |
| VAT 407 form process | Contacting the VAT Helpline, downloading, or filling out online |
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What You'll Learn

VAT 407 form availability at the airport
VAT 407 forms are available to retailers by contacting the VAT Helpline. The form can be downloaded, edited, and filled out online, and then printed. The completed form, along with the goods and receipts, should be shown to customs when leaving Northern Ireland or the EU. Customs will approve the form if everything is in order.
To get your VAT refund, you can take your approved form to the VAT refund desk at the airport, or send it to the retailer or refund provider with evidence of where you are travelling to. Previously, VAT refunds could be claimed at the airport in cash, but this is no longer an option. You can get paid immediately at a refund booth at the airport, or send the approved form to the retailer or their refund company.
The VAT Retail Export Scheme (VAT RES) has been abolished in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) since 1 January 2021. As a result of post-Brexit arrangements, Northern Ireland continues to operate under the previous EU rules regarding trade and customs. The previous rules for non-EU residents visiting Northern Ireland still apply.
If you lose your VAT 407 form, you can ask the retailer for a replacement.
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VAT 407 form submission process
The VAT 407 form is used for VAT refunds on goods purchased in the UK under the VAT Retail Export Scheme. The form is only available to retailers, but customers can fill it out online or print and fill it out manually. Here is a step-by-step guide to submitting the VAT 407 form:
Step 1: Research Country-Specific Deadlines
Each country has its own deadlines for filing the VAT 407 Form. It is important to be aware of the specific due dates prescribed by the respective countries involved in the trade. The time allowed to submit the form can vary; some countries require immediate filing after goods have crossed the border, while others allow a specific period, typically up to six months from the end of the year in which the VAT was incurred.
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documentation
When completing the VAT 407 form, you will need to provide supporting documents such as original invoices, receipts, and evidence of eligibility. This may include passport copies, business registration documents, tax identification numbers, and other relevant invoices. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork ready before submitting.
Step 3: Complete the Form
Carefully complete the VAT 407 form by providing accurate information. Double-check all the fields to avoid any mistakes or discrepancies. You can download the form from the website and fill it out manually, or fill in an electronic version directly on the website. Online submission simplifies the process and is offered by several countries.
Step 4: Attach Supporting Documents
Attach all the required supporting documents to your completed form. If you are submitting a physical copy, you may need to print and sign the form.
Step 5: Submit the Form
Submit the completed form and supporting documents as instructed on the website. This may involve mailing the form or uploading it online through a designated portal. Keep a copy of the submitted form for your records, along with the date of submission.
Step 6: Await Confirmation
After submitting the form, you will typically receive a confirmation or acknowledgment from the relevant tax authority. This confirmation may be sent via email, mail, or made available through an online portal.
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VAT 407 form approval process
The VAT 407 form approval process involves several steps that must be followed to claim a VAT refund when leaving Northern Ireland or the EU. Here is a detailed outline of the process:
Obtaining the Form
Firstly, the VAT 407 form can be obtained by contacting the VAT Helpline. It is important to note that this form is only available to retailers. The form can then be downloaded, printed, or filled out online using platforms such as DocHub, which allow for easy editing, signing, and sharing.
Filling Out the Form
When filling out the form, it is crucial to include only the goods that you are taking out of the country. Any goods left behind, used, or returned should not be listed. Additionally, the form must be accompanied by the corresponding receipts for the items.
Submission and Approval
Upon completion, the VAT 407 form, along with the goods and receipts, must be presented to customs when exiting Northern Ireland or the EU. Customs officials will review the documentation and approve the form if everything is in order. It is important to note that photocopies of the form are not accepted.
Receiving the Refund
Once the form has been approved by customs, there are two options to receive the VAT refund:
- At the Airport: Take the approved form to the VAT refund desk at the airport and receive the refund immediately.
- Through the Retailer: Send the approved form to the retailer or their refund provider, along with evidence of your travel destination. The refund will then be processed by the retailer or their designated refund company.
It is important to remember that VAT refunds are only applicable if the goods are taken out of the taxable area (outside the EU) and not just to another country within the European Union. Additionally, not all retailers offer VAT refunds, and there may be specific eligibility criteria for claiming refunds, such as the time frame for taking the goods out of Northern Ireland or the EU.
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VAT 407 form and tax-free shopping
VAT 407 is a tax refund form for tourists in the UK. Previously, only non-EU travellers could take advantage of tax-free shopping in the UK. However, since 1 January 2021, all overseas visitors, including EU nationals, can benefit from VAT-free shopping. This means that retailers can offer VAT-free purchases directly to all overseas visitors.
The VAT Retail Export Scheme (VAT RES) has been abolished in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). As a result, travellers visiting Great Britain will no longer be able to obtain a VAT407 form in stores. Previously, the form would be issued by the retailer and would list your purchases, along with the name of the refund operator company used by the retailer.
The new procedure requires travellers to first find out if the retailer provides VAT-free shopping, which may involve shipping the goods directly to their overseas address. If the shop has arranged for the items to be shipped directly to the customer's home address, no further action is required at the airport. Previously, travellers would have needed to go to a counter, such as Travelex at Heathrow, to have their goods inspected and tax-free form stamped.
To claim a VAT refund, travellers must complete the VAT 407 form, including only the goods being taken out of the country. The form must be presented to customs, along with the goods and receipts, when leaving Northern Ireland or the EU. Customs will approve the form if everything is in order. The approved form can then be taken to the VAT refund desk at the airport or sent to the retailer or refund provider as evidence of travel. It is also possible to get paid immediately at a refund booth at the airport. Photocopies of the form are not accepted.
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VAT 407 form and Northern Ireland
If you are visiting Northern Ireland, you may be able to claim a VAT refund when you leave Northern Ireland or the EU. This applies if you:
- Live outside Northern Ireland and the EU.
- Work or study in Northern Ireland but normally reside outside the region and the EU.
- Reside in Northern Ireland but are leaving for at least 12 months.
You can only claim a VAT refund if you take the goods outside of Northern Ireland and the EU within three months of purchasing them. Not all retailers offer VAT refunds. If you travel from Northern Ireland to Great Britain through any EU country, including the Republic of Ireland, you will not receive a VAT refund.
To claim a VAT refund, you must complete the VAT 407(NI) form. Only include the goods you are taking out of the country. Do not include any goods you are leaving behind, any goods you have used, or any goods you have returned. Present the goods, the completed form, and your receipts to customs when you leave Northern Ireland or the EU. Customs will approve your form if everything is in order. To receive your refund, either take your approved form to the VAT refund desk at the airport or send it to the retailer or refund provider with proof of where you are travelling to. If you are changing planes in an EU country and checking in your goods with your luggage, you must go to the VAT refund desk in Northern Ireland when you check in. If you misplace your VAT 407 form, you can request a replacement from the retailer.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot get a VAT 407 form at the airport. Form VAT407 is only available to retailers by contacting the VAT Helpline. You can, however, submit your completed VAT 407 form at the VAT refund desk at the airport to get paid.
You can download the VAT 407 form online and fill it out. The form can be filled out online on DocHub, where you can add text, images, and redact the form. You can then save the modified document on your device, export it to the cloud, or print it out.
After filling out the VAT 407 form, you must show the goods, the completed form, and your receipts to customs when you leave Northern Ireland or the EU. Customs will approve your form if everything is in order. You can then get paid either by taking your approved form to the VAT refund desk at the airport or by sending it to the retailer or refund provider with evidence of where you are travelling to.









































