Question about VAT for US residents

[Neo]

This is a question for those with knowledge of laws of the European Union (Belgium specifically.) was under the impression that VAT is not required if the item is exported outside of Europe. Is this correct or am I misinformed? Thank you in advance for any insight provided.

[Chrissy]

You are correct. No-one outside the EU needs to pay VAT on purchases

[Neo]

Thank you Chrissy, can you please direct me to a document of some sort. I am unfortunately having an issue with a merchant. He is very insistent he is in the right.

[Robert]

Another American user had a similar problem a few weeks ago. He purchased a Conid and was charged VAT. He was (politely) disputing the charge, but I haven't heard how it turned out. Here's the thread:

http://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread....628#post117628

[Dreck]

Huh. I paid the VAT when I ordered a bottle of ESS Registrar's Ink. Even then, I thought the price very fair, and I'm sure the additional money barely covered their shipping costs.

[Neo]

Dreck, That may be the case for a bottle of ink, but it's quite a different case for a Conid,and they charged for shipping separately.

[carlos.q]

VAT is a thorny issue in Puerto Rico. Because of rising public debt the government imposed a 7% sales tax in 2006. Since that didn't work out (and the public debt is much higher) now the governor wants to change to a VAT of 16%.

[Chrissy]

I have found this document issued by GOV.UK, but it applies to all EU Countries. You need to scroll down to the part that is entitled VAT on exports to non-EU Countries.

VAT is an EU only Tax. Non-member Countries are exempt

[Neo]

I have found this document issued by GOV.UK, but it applies to all EU Countries. You need to scroll down to the part that is entitled VAT on exports to non-EU Countries.

VAT is an EU only Tax. Non-member Countries are exempt

Thank you very much Chrissy, I really appreciate it.

[Neo]

Another American user had a similar problem a few weeks ago. He purchased a Conid and was charged VAT. He was (politely) disputing the charge, but I haven't heard how it turned out. Here's the thread:

http://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread....628#post117628

Not sure about anyone else's experience but my last message sent on the 11th has been met with stony silence from the other side of the pond. Are there any other US residents with a similar issue?

[Chrissy]

Not sure about anyone else's experience but my last message sent on the 11th has been met with stony silence from the other side of the pond. Are there any other US residents with a similar issue?

This guy can be prosecuted for fraud for charging foreign buyers VAT that he doesn't have to pay to the authorities. If it was me, I would advise him that I would be sending his full name and address details to his Revenue and Customs department and telling them that he was charging US buyers VAT for VAT free goods

[Chrissy]

Here is a list of all of the Country codes for VAT purposes. Which one is he using for the USA?

[Neo]

I don't know, I'll ask when/if he responds

[Robert]

Not sure about anyone else's experience but my last message sent on the 11th has been met with stony silence from the other side of the pond. Are there any other US residents with a similar issue?

Have you thought about contacting the nearest Belgian consular office? One of the key functions of a consular office is to promote trade between Belgium and the host country. With luck, a friendly consular official may point you towards "chapter and verse" of the official regs that exempt goods shipped to the U.S. from VAT. FWIW, here is a link to Belgian consular offices in the U.S.:

https://belgium.visahq.com/embassy/united-states/

[Neo]

Thank you Robert, I will try that.

[tandaina]

Yeah, what everyone else has said. US residents having good shipped to the US from Europe can *not* be charged VAT. If you buy the goods in country (IE while visiting) you will be charged VAT but when leaving there are customs offices (in airports) where you can take your passport and your receipt and they will refund the tax.

[Neo]

FYI for those who are interested, I called the number for the Maryland consulate and was told by the person who answered the phone.....well, they may be a small company and may have already paid the tax to the government. It would be a hassle for them to get it back. When I expressed that this response was unsatisfactory, I was given the number to the main consulate in DC 202-333-6900. Then a transfer to the economic dept.(extension 810) where I left a voicemail. No callback after several days from anyone.

So I had my credit card company open a case and they've temporarily refunded me the amount of the VAT pending a response by the merchant. I should have done this in the first place several months ago.

This has soured me on any future transactions with this company and this country but your YMMV. I am using this post as a cautionary tale. The pen is great but the shopping experience was most certainly not.

[Laura N]

What company was it that charged you VAT although you live outside the EU?

[Neo]

What company was it that charged you VAT although you live outside the EU?

Conid

[Chrissy]

What company was it that charged you VAT although you live outside the EU?

Conid

Wow really? That's amazing. They should know better