Italy VAT refund for tourists
In short: non-EU tourists can reclaim Italian VAT (22% standard) on goods taken home. Use the calculator above (Remove VAT) to see the VAT portion of a gross price. The actual refund is lower after the operator's fee.
Who qualifies
You must be resident outside the EU, buy goods for personal use, and export them in your luggage. The minimum spend is generally 70 euros (incl. VAT) per shop, per day, from 2024.
How to claim, step by step
- At the shop, ask for a tax-free form and show your passport.
- Keep goods unused with receipts and the form.
- At the airport, get the form validated by customs before check-in (show goods if asked).
- Get the refund at the tax-free desk (cash or card), minus the operator's fee.
How much you get back
Italian VAT is 22%, so the VAT portion of a 122 euro gross item is about 22 euros. After the tax-free operator's commission you receive less than the full 22 euros — often roughly 12–15% of the price.
Examples (VAT portion)
- Gross 122 euros at 22% → VAT 22 euros (refund is part of this).
- Gross 500 euros at 22% → VAT ~90.16 euros.
- Gross 1,000 euros at 22% → VAT ~180.33 euros.
FAQ
Do EU residents get a refund?
No. Tax-free shopping is for non-EU residents exporting the goods.
Is the refund the full 22%?
No. The operator keeps a fee, so the net refund is lower than the VAT amount.
Related
Open the full Italy VAT calculator →