Tax-free shopping
for retailers,
without operational complexity
Tax Back Europe helps retailers offer tourist VAT refunds through
a controlled digital workflow, with retailer visibility, optional claim
approval and no advance funding of tourist refunds.
WHY RETAILERS CHOOSE TAX BACK EUROPE
Designed around the Retailer
Clear visibility, optional control and a simple tourist experience —without retailer-funded refunds or POS integration.
✓ No POS integration required
The pilot can start without a full point-of-sale integration.
✓ Simple tourist experience
The tourist follows a guided process on their own device
✓ Optional claim approval
Review claims where useful, or keep the workflow lighter.
✓ Full visibility for retailers
Track claims and status updates in one place.
✓ No retailer funding required
Refunds are not advaned by the retailer.
✓ Competitive commercial terms
Pilot participation is supported by commercial terms.
RETAILER WORKFLOW
See the retailer workflow in two minutes
The process is simple for both Retailers and Tourists.
HOW IT WORKS
Retailer VAT Refund Blueprint
Tourist purchase
Nothing changes at the till. The sale happens as normal. All the tourist needs is the sales receipt. No forms, no extra steps for staff.
Claim capture
The tourist snaps their receipt and submits the claim in the app after purchase. If they do not already have the app, they can install it later — it does not need to happen in-store.
Retailer visibility
The retailer can see the status in real time and, if desired, approve before it moves forward. It stays simple: check in only when it matters.
Validation
We validate the customers identity and eligibility, while Customs approve the export when the tourist leaves the country.
Refund
Once Customs have approved the export, we automatically refund the tourist to their chosen account, card, or digital wallet.
PILOT
Our pilot programme
Test the product in practice without disturbing your existing setup.
✓ Small number of participating stores
✓ No long-term commitment required
✓ Pilots in Ireland, France, Spain and Italy
✓ Pilot-friendly commercial terms
✓ No complex integration at the start
OUR PRESENCE IN THE EU
Offices in four cities. One European network
ABOUT US
Management Team
Brian O’Sullivan
Jean O’Sullivan
FOR TOURISTS
Guide for tourists
No complex setup required for the pilot. Retailers retain visibility over claims. The tourist journey is designed to be simple and trackable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to integrate with our POS?
Not for the initial pilot. The pilot can operate without deep POS integration.
Will our staff need training?
Very little. Staff simply show the touristthe in-store poster and QR code for the app, or tell them the app name so theycan install it later. The tourist then just needs to snap their sales receipt.
Will this create extra work for staff?
The pilot is designed to minimise in-store burden. The sale happens as normal, andany required staff guidance can be provided during onboarding.
What does the tourist have to do exactly?
The app guides the tourist through identity verification and receipt upload in a simple step-by-step way. Tax Back Europe then manages the rest of the workflow. The tourist can also track claim status in the app.
Does the tourist need to install the app in-store?
No. If the tourist does not already have the app, they can install it later before leaving the country.
Do retailers fund tourist refunds?
No. Retailers are not asked to advance tourist refunds.
Can retailers offer VAT-off at the checkout?
Not yet. We know this is important to many retailers and we plan to add this feature in the future.
Can we see claim status?
Yes. Retailers can view claim progress through the platform if they wish.
Can we approve claims?
Yes. Optional retailer approval can be included depending on the agreed workflow.
Does the retailer have to monitor or approve claims?
No. Monitoring and approval rights are completely optional for the retailer.
What happens if a claim is rejected?
The claim status is updated and the claim does not proceed to refund under the normal validated process.
How does the pilot work?
The pilot starts with agreed stores, limited initial volumes, on boarding supportand a controlled operating workflow.
Does this replace our existing receipt or invoice process?
No. The retailer sale remains the normal retailer sale. Tax Back Europe supports the tourist VAT refund claim workflow alongside it.
Is this an official customs or EU service?
The service is provided by Tax Back Europe under the EU Retail Export Scheme framework. Our operating model is designed around applicable export-validation requirements and integration with relevant Customs processes and systems.
Is this suitable for small retailers as well as multi-store operators?
Yes. The pilot is designed to work for smaller retailers as well as multi-store operators, without onboarding cost or complex POS integration at the outset.
Register interest in a retailer pilot
* By submitting this form, you agree that Tax Back Europe may contact you about retailer pilot participation.