FAQ VAT

Frequently asked questions about reclaiming VAT refunds

  • Why should Pincvision handle your foreign VAT refund reclaims for you?
    Because this can save you up to 20% on the costs you incur abroad.
  • When can you submit your foreign VAT refund?
    You may apply for a VAT refund if you satisfy the following conditions:
    - You are a business entrepreneur with registered office in the Netherlands.
    - You don’t report sales tax in the EU country where you submit the reclaim for VAT refunds.
    - You use the goods and services with VAT taxable business.
  • In which countries can Pincvision submit foreign VAT refund reclaims?
    Pincvision can do this in all EU member states plus Switzerland and Norway.
  • What is the deadline for submitting a claim for a VAT refund?
    The refund reclaim application must be submitted within nine months of the year to which the refund applies.
  • For which periods may the foreign VAT refund be reclaimed?
    The period for which Pincvision may submit applications is a minimum of three months and maximum of one year.
  • What is the minimum amount that you may reclaim?
    The tax amount you reclaim should be at least EUR 400 if the application relates to a period of at least three months, but not a full calendar year and EUR 50 if the application relates to a calendar year or the remaining part of a calendar year.
  • Which costs are not eligible for a VAT refund?
    In principle, a foreign VAT refund may be reclaimed for every business expense such as:
    - (Diesel)Fuel
    - Participation in trade shows
    - Hotel expenses
    - Restaurant expenses
    - Classes
    - Management expenses
    - Rental cars
    * Please note: the regulations, VAT percentage and exceptions vary considerably from one country to the next.
  • Is it still possible to reclaim VAT with paper invoices?
    VAT is only recovered with digital invoices. It is not possible anymore to recover foreign with VAT paper invoices.
  • Do I still need a confirmation of tax residence status (in Dutch: ‘verklaring van hoedanigheid’)?
    No this is no longer necessary. The Dutch tax checks -before sending the request- if you are an entrepreneur for VAT. They will pass it on to the country.
  • How long does it take to receive the VAT refund payment?
    According to European law, the foreign Tax and Customs authorities must refund the VAT within four months of receiving the application for the VAT refund. This period could be extended till eight months if the authorities have any questions about the application. If the authorities exceed the extended period they are obligated to pay interest over the amount you reclaim.

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