Simpler way to get foreign VAT back

RECLAIMING VAT on goods or services bought from another EU country is now to be easier.

Firms should now be able to log into their professional "espace abonnés" on the site www.impots.gouv.fr in order to claim back VAT from such countries as the UK – the French authorities will then contact the tax authorities in the country concerned.

This measure follows a new EU directive and is meant to simplify the reclaiming procedure, which previously involved filling in a form from the tax authorities of the other EU country and sending it to them with various accompanying documents.

The measure concerns only VAT-registered businesses, which in France would be able to reclaim VAT by deducting it from their VAT payments to the state, but which are not established in the country they have bought from and carry out no taxable activities there.

EU law allows that where you have bought something from such a country you can apply to be reimbursed.

You can get further information (in French) from the Enterprise Europe Network: see www.een-france.fr

To find your regional branch (they are likely to have English speakers on the staff) or for all tax matters call the tax helpline on 08 10 467 687