How to get tax refund in Taiwan? How much & how does tax refund work in Taiwan

What is tax-free shopping in Taiwan, what are the conditions and procedures, how much is tax refund in Taiwan, how does tax refund work in Taiwan, how to get tax refund in Taiwan? Find detailed answers through the article below!

With countless bustling shopping centers, branded stores and bustling markets, Taiwan is a shopping paradise that everyone wants to explore. Not only that, the tax-free shopping program in Taiwan will help you save significantly. This is an opportunity for you to own quality products without having to worry about costs. Let’s find out more about this attractive promotion program with us, so you can be ready to “sweep” all the shopping spots in Taiwan!

Overview of Tax Refunds for Shopping in Taiwan (#How to get tax refund in Taiwan)

Taiwan, with its dynamically developing economy and strong attraction to international tourists, is an ideal destination for those who love shopping. The Taiwanese government has implemented a tax refund program to encourage tourists to spend more during their sightseeing and shopping. This program not only provides tourists with the opportunity to save money but also enhances their shopping experience in this island nation.

How to get tax refund in Taiwan: What is Tax-Free Shopping and Tax Refund Shopping in Taiwan?

Although both tax-free shopping and tax refund shopping help tourists save money, they differ in their mechanisms and implementation.

Duty-free shopping: This is a form of shopping that applies to products sold at duty-free shops at airports or border areas. These products are exempted from import tax as soon as you buy them, so you do not need to go through any tax refund procedures. However, the selection of goods at duty-free shops may be more limited than shopping at stores in the city.

Tax Refund: This is a form of tax refund applicable to goods purchased at stores participating in the Taiwan government’s tax refund scheme. When you make a purchase, you will have to pay the full tax, but when you leave Taiwan, you will receive a refund of some or all of the tax you paid. This allows you to shop more freely at many different stores throughout Taiwan, not just limited to duty-free areas.

Can Tourists Shopping in Taiwan Get Tax Refunds?

If you are an international tourist and meet the requirements of the Taiwanese government, you can absolutely participate in the tax refund program when shopping. When you submit all the documents and complete all the procedures, you will be refunded some or all of the tax you paid in advance. Sounds interesting, right? Keep reading to learn how to get a tax refund!

Eligible for tourists to get Tax Refund When Shopping in Taiwan

Tax Refund Requirements for Tourists in Taiwan

To take advantage of the tax refund policy in Taiwan, international visitors need to meet some basic conditions. First of all, you must be a foreigner entering Taiwan with a passport (not from Taiwan) or other documents such as a travel document, temporary entry permit, and your stay must not exceed 183 days from the date of arrival. If you meet this criterion, you will be eligible for the value-added tax (VAT) refund program.

The next important condition is to shop at stores with the “Taiwan Tax Refund” sign and spend at least NT$2,000 on the same day at the same store. After shopping, you need to request a “VAT Refund Application” from the store. Please note that the tax refund procedure must be completed at the airport or port of departure within 90 days of the purchase date, and the goods must be taken with you when leaving Taiwan.

Goods Not Eligible for Tax Refunds in Taiwan

When participating in the tax refund program in Taiwan, visitors should note that not all goods are eligible for tax refunds. Some goods are excluded from this list due to safety reasons or special regulations.

Items prohibited from being carried on aircraft or ships such as flammable substances, corrosive substances, magnetic materials, toxic substances, explosives, built-in alarm devices in suitcases, oxidizers, or radioactive materials are not eligible for tax refunds. In addition, goods that violate the regulations on carry-on baggage or are not allowed to be taken with visitors when leaving the country are also not eligible for this policy.

In particular, items that have been returned, opened, consumed, or exchanged before leaving Taiwan are also excluded. In addition, expenses such as hotel bills, restaurant meals or duty-free goods purchased at the airport are not eligible for tax refunds.

How much is tax refund in Taiwan? VAT Refund Limit When Shopping in Taiwan

Taiwan applies a 5% VAT on goods over NT$2,000. When shopping, you will receive a partial tax refund. However, there are some limits to note in order to receive a direct tax refund at stores or other tax refund points outside the airport.

Refund calculation formula:

• Refunded VAT = invoice value (including tax) ÷ 1.05 × 0.05 (rounded to the nearest whole number)
• After that, this amount will be deducted by a 20% administrative fee and rounded down to the nearest whole number. Specifically: VAT refunded – (VAT refunded x 0.2).

For example, if you purchase NT$10,000 worth of goods, the tax refund amount you will receive will be around NT$380 after deducting the fee.

In addition, the tax refund limit in Taiwan depends on where you claim your tax refund:

• In-store tax refund: If you get a tax refund directly at the store, the limit is NT$48,000 per store. If you shop at multiple stores, the total purchase value cannot exceed NT$240,000. For shopping at a shopping mall, the limit is NT$120,000.
• Exceeding the limit: If your total purchase value exceeds the above limits, you will need to use the electronic tax refund (E-VAT) service or VAT refund service centers at ports.

How to Identify Stores That Offer Tax Refunds?

To identify stores that offer tax refunds in Taiwan, you need to rely on a few simple and convenient ways. First, look for stores with the “TRS” logo – this is the clearest sign that the store supports VAT refunds for tourists.

If you want to be more specific, you should visit Taiwan’s official tax refund website (https://www.taxrefund.net.tw/ttr/shop?lang=en_US#). Here, you can filter the list of supporting stores by product category (such as clothing, household goods), city, or search by store name. In addition, the search feature for stores near you is also very useful if you are on the go and need to find the nearest shopping place.

When shopping at large shopping malls, pay attention to the mall map to determine the location of VAT refund counters. Note that small shops or souvenir shops often do not apply this policy, so check before making a purchase to ensure that you will receive a tax refund after leaving Taiwan.

Taiwan Duty-Free Shop Suggestions

Taiwan is an attractive destination with a variety of duty-free shopping centers, suitable for all visitors. Below are some outstanding duty-free shops for you to explore on your journey.

Ever Rich Duty-Free

Ever Rich is the largest duty-free business group in Taiwan, with a system of stores present at most airports, seaports and Taipei city. A special feature is the service of ordering in the city, receiving goods at the airport before departure, bringing maximum convenience to visitors.

Since 2006, Ever Rich has actively participated in the planning of public spaces at Taoyuan Airport, using Taiwanese cultural symbols such as tea, ceramics, and musicals for decoration. This not only creates a unique space but also brings a rich Taiwanese cultural experience.

Tasa Meng Duty-Free

Located in Area D, Terminal 2 of Taoyuan International Airport, Tasa Meng not only offers duty-free items such as cosmetics, gemstones, wine and Taiwanese specialties, but also has a unique cultural and artistic exhibition area. Online shopping and airport pick-up service is one of the plus points of Tasa Meng, helping visitors save time and enjoy a convenient shopping experience.

Mitsui Outlet Park Linkou

Located near Taoyuan Airport MRT A9 station, Mitsui Outlet Park Linkou is a large-scale shopping mall with 220 stores. It is famous for international brands and nearly 50 exclusive outlet stores in Taiwan.

The space is designed in Southern Style with 4 floors, providing a variety of products from fashion, sportswear, to cuisine and entertainment. This is an ideal destination for those who love shopping combined with cultural experiences.

Gloria Outlet

Just one street away from Taoyuan Station, Gloria Outlet has an American style with 102 stalls. The first floor focuses on high-end fashion products and accessories; the second floor is sportswear and a food court; the third floor has many restaurants and a children’s play area. The family-friendly space and support services for mothers and babies such as nursing rooms and strollers make Gloria Outlet a suitable destination for family trips.

Lihpao Outlet Mall

Lihpao Outlet Mall, located in the Lihpao amusement park, is the largest outlet center in central Taiwan with an area of ​​5 hectares. The center has 120 stalls, of which nearly 40 are sportswear, along with a food court with a capacity of up to 1,000 seats. In addition to shopping, visitors can also experience the WonderPet pet park – a unique highlight not to be missed.

How to Get a Tax Refund When Shopping in Taiwan?

When shopping in Taiwan, international tourists have the opportunity to get back the value-added tax (VAT) paid on the purchased goods. However, to get a successful tax refund, you need to understand the specific process and requirements. Below is a detailed guide to the popular tax refund methods in Taiwan.

Tax Refund Procedures at the Airport or Seaport

The electronic tax refund process at the airport or seaport is designed for the convenience of tourists before leaving Taiwan. Before departure, you must check at the E-VAT Refund machine or tax refund service counter to determine whether the goods need to go through customs inspection.

There are three ways to receive a tax refund:

• Cash: Receive a tax refund at the Cash Counter and can exchange foreign currency if needed.
• Credit Card: The refund amount will be transferred directly to the credit card (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, or UnionPay).
• Check: Get the refund envelope at the service counter, fill in the address information, and return it to the refund mailbox.

If the goods meet the standards, the system will print out a tax refund confirmation slip. In case the goods do not meet the customs inspection requirements, you will not receive a tax refund or will have to refund the amount received. To avoid missing your flight or train, please arrive at the airport or seaport at least three hours before departure.

Tax Refund Procedures at Designated Service Counters (#How to get tax refund in Taiwan)

In addition to airports and seaports, you can also get a tax refund at designated service counters in Taiwan. After shopping, request an “Application Form for VAT Refunds” from the store. To get a refund, you will need to present your passport, original purchase receipt, tax refund form, and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, or UnionPay) at the tax refund service counter. You will also need to make a security deposit of 7% of the purchase value (including tax) via credit card.

The goods must be taken out of Taiwan within 20 days of completing the tax refund procedure. Before checking in your luggage, you will need to check at the E-VAT Refund machine or the tax refund service counter to determine whether customs inspection is required. If the goods are not required to be inspected, the service counter will cancel the security deposit and provide a tax refund confirmation slip.

Please note that the deposit will not be refunded if you fail to take the goods out of Taiwan within the specified time limit, fail to declare the goods, or refuse customs inspection. If you receive a tax refund in cash at domestic service counters, please ensure that you comply with the cash limit when leaving Taiwan.

On-Site VAT Refund for Small Transactions

For small transactions worth NT$2,000 to NT$48,000 (including tax), you will be refunded at the same site if the store offers this service. Request the “Application for Confirmation of a Small Sum VAT Refund at the Same Site” form from the store and apply for a refund on the same day of purchase.

The goods must be taken out of Taiwan within 90 days of purchase. This tax refund service is not available if the total purchase value exceeds NT$120,000 in one transaction or NT$240,000 in multiple transactions within the same year. If the purchase value exceeds this amount, you will need to apply for a tax refund at the E-VAT Refund machine or the tax refund service counter at the airport/seaport.

Duty Free Shopping in Taiwan: Important Notes

• Please double check the necessary documents before applying for a tax refund, including your passport, purchase receipts, and relevant forms.
• Be sure to arrive at the airport or seaport early to avoid delays as the tax refund process can take time.
• Goods that are not inspected or do not meet the requirements at customs will not be refunded, and you must return the amount received (if any).
• For tax refunds at domestic service counters, the deposit will not be refunded if the regulations on time limits or customs inspections are violated.
• If you receive a tax refund in cash, please comply with the regulations on cash limits when leaving Taiwan.

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Refunds in Taiwan

What Are the Conditions for a Tax Refund?

To qualify for a tax refund, visitors must make a minimum purchase of NT$2,000 at the same store with the “TRS” (Tax Refund Shopping) logo on the same day. The products must be taken out of Taiwan within 90 days of purchase.

Where Can I Get a Tax Refund?

You can get a tax refund at the E-VAT Refund Machines located at the airport or at the Tax Refund Service Counter. Some duty-free stores also offer on-site tax refunds for small transactions.

What Documents Do I Need to Prepare for a Tax Refund?

You will need to present your passport, the original receipt from the store, and the “VAT Refund Application” form provided by the store. In some cases, flight information or boarding passes may also be required.

Do I Need to Inspect My Goods at Customs?

Some items require inspection at customs before a tax refund is issued. Check the instructions at the E-VAT Refund machine or the refund counter to see if your goods are eligible.

How long does it take to get a refund?

To ensure you do not miss your flight, you should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure to complete the refund procedures.

If the goods do not meet the requirements, can I get a refund?

No. If customs determines that the goods are not eligible, you will not be entitled to a refund and must return the amount received if you have previously received a refund.

Traveling to Taiwan is not only an opportunity to explore unique culture, cuisine and scenery, but also offers an exciting tax-free shopping experience. When you know how to take advantage of this offer, you not only save money but also own quality items from famous brands. Hopefully, through this article, you have clearly understood the conditions and procedures for tax refunds when shopping in Taiwan. Take advantage of useful information to make your trip more complete and memorable.

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