VAT / IVA in Spain

[grant]

I am a non-resident. I just placed an order for goods from Spain, and was charged the 21% IVA (VAT).

Am I not entitled to not pay this amount as a non-resident? Some sites (notably Perry, one of the best) automatically exclude VAT as soon as country is picked.

Any assistance appreciated.

Grant

[robh]

Same as in the UK,  it depends on the registration/incorporation of the business. For sales outside EU (or to here in Canaries) some of the bigger businesses are geared up for deducting it but most of the smaller ones do not.

[grant]

Same as in the UK,  it depends on the registration/incorporation of the business. For sales outside EU (or to here in Canaries) some of the bigger businesses are geared up for deducting it but most of the smaller ones do not.

Interesting. I've emailed the retailer to ask for the refund - which should happen, in theory. It should be consistent! (I ran back about three pages and found the last thread, too).

21% is a LOT of money! In my case it's 24EU, x 1.4 for $C = $33 give or take. That's worth asking for.

I shall never complain about 5% GST again ...

[grant]

Intriguing! Thanks for that. Very confusing stuff, VAT. There is definitely a VAT number on the invoice.

Will advise when I hear back.

[robh]

IVA (and for me in Tenerife: IGIC) regulations are a nightmare. I have to admit to generally finding it cheaper to buy from UK or USA rather than mainland Spain as I will pay tax but not import duties, whereas bizarrely from within Spain I always end up paying IVA, plus IGIC plus import duties and Admin charges.

Absolute madness 

[grant]

So good news: VAT refund in full. Vendor was fantastic to deal with, and has a way to do it.

Superb!