50mm APO

[MarkP]

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For reasons that I have never looked into -- perhaps someone can elucidate -- in my experience when good are purchased within EU and then VAT tax refund provided upon exit, the refunded amount is generally far inferior to the total VAT amount.

 

 

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My experience too!

[Cliff S]

My experience too!

Because the company that process the VAT takes a big cut. The only way to get the full amount is to not use Global or whomever they're using but to buy from a store that processes in house. Rare but Leica St. Honore in Paris and Bang and Olufesn Champs Elysées do.

[Kaiser Soshe]

"... judgemental people like you ..." That is exactly what you are saying about me. Hoist by your own petard.

The OP thanked me for my contribution. Please respect the fact that people are required to pay tax. The OP paid tax. He isn't a smuggler. I respect him.

 

None of your business. Enough said.

[Kaiser Soshe]

Actually I did not thank you. I pointed out to you that I pay all appropriate taxes. I took offense to your claim that I am a smuggler. That is illegal. I obey the rule of law, and I pay my taxes.

Shame on you for assuming the worst and for your groundless accusation.

[Guest]

For reasons that I have never looked into -- perhaps someone can elucidate -- in my experience when good are purchased within EU and then VAT tax refund provided upon exit, the refunded amount is generally far inferior to the total VAT amount. By contrast, if goods are purchased from abroad and shipped, the purchase price is reduced by the full amount of the VAT (and necessarily no refund necessary). Something to keep in mind for those seeking to take advantage of currently stretched currency relationships, in particular the USD-GBP cross

 

As far as I am aware this is the case for small purchases and when the refund is taken in cash. My experience has been the 20% VAT is fully refunded when  credited to a credit card.

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Alone in Bangkok essay on BURN Magazine

[Cliff S]

As far as I am aware this is the case for small purchases and when the refund is taken in cash. My experience has been the 20% VAT is fully refunded when credited to a credit card.

_______________

Alone in Bangkok essay on BURN Magazine

You'll get 12% max if handled by the third party that most stores use in the EU.

 

If the store processes directly, you get the full 20%

[Dirk Mandeville]

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I have to say that this is the most disappointing thread title ever! I come here for some juicy discussion of the 50mm APO, and all I get is an education on the fine nuances of VAT. Bleh. Just needed to say that. Carry on.

[NB23]

I have to say that this is the most disappointing thread title ever! I come here for some juicy discussion of the 50mm APO, and all I get is an education on the fine nuances of VAT. Bleh. Just needed to say that. Carry on.

Yeah!

 

Guys, let's go back to discussions about sharpness.

And about the Leica magic.

[Dirk Mandeville]

Yeah!

Guys, let's go back to discussions about sharpness.

And about the Leica magic.

Yeah, and don't forget the incredible microcontrast and spectacular bokeh and ... and ... Hey, wait a minute! You're just trolling me, aren't you?

[NB23]

Yeah, and don't forget the incredible microcontrast and spectacular bokeh and ... and ... Hey, wait a minute! You're just trolling me, aren't you?

The endless nuances of the unique Leica microcontrast levels is worth a good (endless) discussion. I'm all for it. Otherwise how is all our Leica gear gonna keep its resale value?

 

K E E P T H E M A G I C G O I N G O N

[pico]

I visited Germany last year and was feeling pretty good that I had avoided buying more Leica gear. Until my last night there... There was a Leica dealer next to my hotel. I looked at the 50mm APO, and given the price, I could not resist. It is an awesome lens that lives up to its reputation.

What clinched the deal was the significant discount vs US prices. $US 7800 vs $6500 after the tax refund. That said, actually making that discount a reality was a daunting, nail biting experience. The salesman at the Leica shop told me to take the tax receipt to customs at the airport to file for the tax refund of $1000 US.

 

So making a lens attractive is 'the art of the deal'?

[Kaiser Soshe]

Hey

Sorry everyone- I should have titled this VAT cluster****. I thought I'd let others know how difficult it was at that time to resolve the refund issue. Did not intend to hijack a thread.

 

Anyway, the lens is epic.Tack sharp at f2. Bokeh is great, it focuses well. All in all a more than worthwhile purchase. I will keep this lens the rest of my life.

[Dirk Mandeville]

No need to apologize, Kaiser Soshe. I was just introducing a little levity. Glad you like your 50 APO.

[Lord Lucan]

Hey

Sorry everyone- I should have titled this VAT cluster****. I thought I'd let others know how difficult it was at that time to resolve the refund issue. Did not intend to hijack a thread.

 

Anyway, the lens is epic.Tack sharp at f2. Bokeh is great, it focuses well. All in all a more than worthwhile purchase. I will keep this lens the rest of my life.

Just like I have to keep my wife rest of my life !

[Richardgb]

I believe it is normal to claim a VAT refund at the final point of departure from the EU. For the time being the UK is still in the EU.

 

Correct, at least from my experience, since otherwise you may just be taking the item from one EU country to another.

 

Just to clarify, in the UK, it's 'HM Revenue and Customs' who are the authority, so this may account for the confusion when the OP asked for the 'tax office'; at an airport the staff are much more familiar with 'customs'.

 

The procedure at airports is, in principle, the same - you have to contact Customs for the refund after checking-in and going through security, i.e. you're well and truly going fro your flight. However, the contact may only be a notice on the wall, a box for the completed forms, and a telephone in case of query - all easily missed when you're making your way through an unfamiliar environment. Understandably there isn't a staffed office in every terminal.

 

 

From memory, tax refunds are handled by a private contracter, Travelex,  which acts as an agent for five private sector Refund Agents: Global Blue, Premier, Tax Free Worldwide, GB and Innova.  Some details here:  http://www.heathrow.com/airport-guide/terminal-facilities-and-services/vat-refunds

 

Since the airport is really run as a shopping centre, tax refunding is a non-productive activity that is not given great priority, for obvious commercial reasons.

 

This is where the fun (doesn't) begin...

 

Strictly speaking, it's the retailer who refunds the VAT, since it's them who took it from you. These contractors act as middlemen, so they take a slice of the amount for their trouble. The refund chain begins with the retailer who uses their 'tax free refund' forms whereas (at least in the UK) there is an entirely separate form from HM Customs. (I once cancelled a transaction when I spotted the contractor's form being used as I didn't fancy losing part of the refund to the contractor).

 

Some retailers don't use either, but (again from experience) this need not prevent you getting a refund. Get customs to stamp a copy of the invoice to confirm the goods have been exported and post this back to the retailer, and await your refund. This, of course, means you have to make physical contact with Customs at the airport via their contact point (see above), and they'll send an officer over to stamp the paperwork - so it's not something to leave until the last minute.

 

If in doubt check the guidance on the HM Revenue and Customs website!