Claim VAT back on tax-free shopping in Northern Ireland

How to use the service

You must be in the shop yourself when you buy the goods (although somebody else can pay for them). Make sure that you are allowed to shop tax-free (see section 3 ) and that you understand what you need to do. Tell the shop assistant that you want to use tax-free shopping and show your passport or national ID card or other evidence to show you normally live outside Northern Ireland and the EU or evidence you are emigrating Ask the shop assistant to explain the scheme to you. Discuss: how the refund will be made if needed, what evidence of destination will be acceptable when you’ll get the refund what the charge is, this should be written on your refund form The shop assistant will give you the form VAT407. Fully complete and then sign the customer sections of the form in the presence of the shop assistant. You must sign the form yourself. The only exception to this rule is for people who cannot sign the form themselves for reasons directly related to disability. The shop assistant will fill in and sign the shop’s part of the form while you’re in the shop. They may give you a reply-paid envelope so you can post the form back after you’ve had it stamped by a customs officer. Take the form (and the envelope) and the goods and all your receipts with you to show to customs when you leave Northern Ireland and the EU. You will not get your VAT back if you only have till receipts.