Why we ask for information

A VAT refund is a regulated process. To process a claim, we need to confirm who you are, whether you are eligible, what you bought, where you live and where your refund should be paid.

We believe you should understand why each piece of information is needed before you provide it.

Information

Why we ask for it

How it is used

Email address

To create and manage your account and contact you about your claim.

Account access, support and service communications.

Phone number

To verify your account by SMS and help protect against misuse.

SMS verification and account security.

Passport

To confirm your identity and eligibility for VAT refunds.

Identity verification and VAT refund claim processing.

Selfie / facial verification

To confirm that the person creating the account matches the passport provided.

Fraud prevention and identity verification through a specialist provider.

Residential address

To confirm eligibility and support Customs and VAT refund requirements.

Eligibility checks, address verification and claim processing.

Payment card for address verification

To help confirm that the address provided matches the address held by the card issuer.

Address verification via Stripe. VatCake does not receive or store card details.

Sales receipts

To prove what was purchased, where it was purchased, how much VAT was paid and whether the goods may be eligible.

Receipt capture, OCR extraction, claim preparation and audit trail.

Travel information

To support Customs validation and confirm export of goods from the relevant territory.

Claim preparation and Customs workflow.

Refund payment details

To pay your VAT refund after the required Customs validation.

Refund payout through supported payment providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you need my payment card if you are paying me a refund?

We use payment card details only for address verification. This helps confirm that the address you provide matches the address held by your card issuer. The check is performed by Stripe. VatCake does not receive or store your card details, and the card used for address verification does not need to be the account used to receive your refund.

Why do you need a selfie?

We use facial verification to help confirm that the person creating the account is the same person shown on the passport. This helps prevent identity fraud and protect the integrity of the VAT refund process.

Why do you need receipts?

Receipts show what you bought, where you bought it, the amount paid and the VAT amount. This information is needed to prepare a VAT refund claim and support Customs validation.