What is the France-Switzerland Tax Refund?
The tax refund France-Switzerland is a procedure that allows value-added tax (VAT) to be refunded on purchases made in France by Swiss nationals. With this tax exemption, Swiss consumers can reclaim up to 20% of the price of their purchases.
What Are the Advantages of France-Switzerland Tax Exemption?
The France-Switzerland tax exemption allows you to recover a significant amount on purchases made in France. This can be particularly advantageous for Swiss nationals living near the borderwho often buy in France.
As products are often less If you add the France-Switzerland tax exemption, you can save a considerable amount of money. What's more, the zero-rating process has been simplified, and can be done entirely online.
Conditions to Benefit from Tax Exemption
In order to benefit from the France-Switzerland tax exemption, several conditions must be met conditions. First, you must be a Swiss citizen and be older than 16 years old. You must also have stayed in France for less than 6 months.
There is also a limit to the amount of purchases made in France. The amount of purchases must exceed 100€. You cannot claim back VAT at any time.
Purchases must have been made no later than 3 days before you file your tax refund claim. If you make your declaration at the border, don't forget your supporting documents and identification.
How do I Get a Tax Refund?
The Tax Refund Slip
Your purchases in France must be made in a store offering the France-Switzerland tax exemption. Not all French stores offer tax-free shopping. Find out at the time of purchase if you can benefit from tax-free shopping.
You will then need to ask the merchant for an export sales note (BVE). The latter must contain the purchases made, your contact details and those of the seller, as well as your respective signatures.
Customs Clearance
There are two ways to declare your purchases and benefit from tax-free sales:
- Go to a border employee
- Use a Pablo terminal
Whether at customs or at a Pablo terminal, you will need to bring your BVE and your identity card. At customs, an employee will work with you to clear the tax. The Pablo terminal simplifies the procedure.
These terminals are usually located in train stations and airports. With this terminal, you'll be able to carry out the tax-free transaction yourself more quickly. It should be noted that before the installation of these terminals, declaration boxes were used, which is no longer the case.
VAT Refund
The Pablo terminal notifies the merchant directly. The merchant can then refund the VAT. Please note that when you return to Switzerland, you will have to pay Swiss VAT (8.1%).
Example of Calculation for France-Switzerland Tax Refund
Let's say you've bought a pair of shoes for €250 in France, from a tax-free retailer. Once the tax has been applied, you can benefit from an exemption of up to €33.80:
French VAT exemption (20%) :
Purchase price: €250
Tax-free amount: €250 × 20% = €50
Price after tax: €250 - €50 = €200
Swiss VAT payable: €200 × 8.1% = €16.20
Calculating total savings :
Amount refunded (tax-free): €50
Swiss VAT payable: €16.20
Net savings: €50 - €16.20 = €33.80
Tax-free Purchases
Purchases made for commercial reasons cannot benefit from tax refund. For example, if you buy a large quantity of the same product, it will be considered as commercial and you will not be exonerated.
Certain purchases are not tax-free. Products containing tobacco or the medications are among the products for which you will not be able to apply for duty-free treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the France-Switzerland tax exemption?
The tax refund France-Switzerland is a procedure that allows value-added tax (VAT) to be refunded on purchases made in France by Swiss nationals. With this tax exemption, Swiss consumers can reclaim up to 20% of the price of their purchases.
How do I get my VAT refund?
To do this, you'll need a BVE (bordereau de vente à l'exportation). You can claim your refund either at customs or at a Pablo terminal.
Where can I find a Pablo terminal?
These terminals are usually installed at airports and railway stations.
Which purchases are eligible for tax relief?
Purchases must be made on a personal basis, in stores offering tax-free shopping. Products such as medicines and tobacco are excluded, but items such as clothing, electronics and food are eligible.
