What Is the VAT in Paris?

By Anna Duncan

Paris, the city of love, is a popular tourist destination for people all around the world. The city has a rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food.

However, as a traveler to Paris, it’s important to understand the tax system in place. One such tax that you may come across is VAT or Value Added Tax.

What Is VAT?

VAT or Value Added Tax is a tax on goods and services that are consumed in Europe. It’s a type of consumption tax that’s applied to the value added at each stage of production or distribution. In simple terms, it’s a tax that’s added to the price of goods and services.

How Does It Work In Paris?

In Paris, VAT applies to most goods and services with a standard rate of 20%. This means that if you’re buying goods or services in Paris, you’ll have to pay an additional 20% on top of the price displayed.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, certain essential items like food products have reduced VAT rates of 5.5%. Similarly, books and newspapers have a reduced rate of 2.1%.

Refund

If you’re a non-European Union resident and you’ve made purchases in Paris during your trip, you may be eligible for a VAT refund. To qualify for this refund, your purchases must be above a certain amount (usually €175) and must be made from retailers that participate in the VAT refund scheme.

To get your VAT refund, you need to present your purchases along with your passport at the airport when leaving Europe. You’ll also need to fill out some paperwork provided by the retailer at the time of purchase.

Conclusion

In conclusion, VAT is an important tax system in place in Paris that applies to most goods and services with a standard rate of 20%. However, there are exceptions to this rule for certain essential items.

As a non-European Union resident, you may also be eligible for a VAT refund on your purchases made in Paris. Understanding the VAT system in place will help you plan your trip better and avoid any surprises when it comes to paying for goods and services.