RCB/17/14 VAT Retail Export Scheme – HMRC's review
Revenue & Customs Brief, Issue 17. 14 April 2014
Purpose of this Brief
This Brief updates stakeholders on the progress of HMRC's review of the VAT Retail Export Scheme and sets out the next steps.
Who needs to read this?
Retailers, VAT refund companies and other individuals or bodies with an interest in the VAT Retail Export Scheme.
Background
The VAT Retail Export Scheme – also know as Tax Free Shopping – allows visitors from outside the European Union (EU) to claim a refund of VAT on goods they buy and export from the EU in their personal luggage.
It was announced at Budget 2013 that HMRC would review the scheme, with the key objectives of improving the customer experience and protecting VAT revenue. A formal consultation ran from 1 July to 30 September 2013.
In its response to the consultation, the Government acknowledged that a digital solution is the leading option for change and committed to continue exploring options for a digital solution. The Government is clear that to ensure value for money to the UK taxpayer,