How to claim value added tax refund?

Since April 1, 2000, foreign visitors to the Czech Republic can apply for value added tax (VAT) refund. Usually it is 22% of the total sum paid for the goods.

In order to get VAT refund foreigners must fulfil the following conditions:

The price of the goods including VAT must exceed 1,000 CZK. Goods must be purchased in one day from a retailer marked by TAX REFUND sign. You must ask a retailer for the TAX REFUND FORM and the receipt. The purchased goods must leave the country within 30 days after the day of purchase. VAT refund must be claimed (1) with the same retailer in person or (2) through a specialized collecting agencies (such as Global Refund, VAT MAX).

How to get VAT refund:

1. Buy goods for more than 1,000 CZK in one day from a retailer marked by TAX REFUND sign.
2. Request the envelope, the VAT REFUND FORM and the receipt.
3. Have the VAT REFUND FORM filled out, indicating the VAT amount, and have it stamped by the retailer.
4. Have your VAT REFUND FORM validated at the border or at the airport by the Czech Customs Office. If you travel by train you must ask for a Customs officer.
5. (a) Stop at any of the specialized collecting agency's refund office at the border and get the cash; or (b) return home and mail your VAT forms and receipts to any of the specialized collecting agencies, requesting the refund; or (c) keep all the forms and receipts and claim the refund with the same retailer during your next trip to the Czech Republic (within 90 days from the day of purchase).

IMPORTANT !
Neither a person who is Czech citizen nor a person who is residing in the Czech Republic can apply for VAT refund.
Nor the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chicago nor the Czech Embassy in Washington, D.C. validate VAT refund forms or refund VAT

For more detail information, you may contact the Customs Administration of the Czech Republic.