Question 1

In what countries can I use SI Tax Free?

Accepted Answer

You can use SI Tax Free for VAT refunds of any purchase made in Portugal, provided the goods are eligible for VAT refund.

Question 2

Is everyone eligible for a VAT refund?

Accepted Answer

If you are 18 or above, and reside in a country outside the European Union, you are eligible for a VAT refund.

Question 3

Is there a minimum amount to request a VAT reimbursement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Portugal, the legal minimum amount has been set by the Tax authorities at a minimum of 61,50€ (50,00€ plus VAT at the standard rate of 23%). This is applicable for goods for personal use. With SI Tax Free you can combine your purchases across different shops and request a refund as soon as you reach a combined total of 61,50€ in purchases.

Question 4

What steps should I follow to get the VAT reimbursement?

Accepted Answer

1. Download the SI Tax Free App 2. Register your profile 3. Use the billing details of SITF Global LDA (tap the “Shopping Cart” icon on the app home screen) 4. Submit each invoice in the app 5. Once all invoices are validated, submit the reimbursement claim 6. Get authorization from Customs Authorities (or no reimbursement will be made) 7. Wait for processing to your selected reimbursement method Note: If Customs systems are down, you may be asked to print proof of your Tax Free submission.

Question 5

How should I request the purchase invoice?

Accepted Answer

You need to request the store to generate the invoice with the billing details of SITF Global LDA available in the "Shopping Cart" icon in the home screen of SI Tax Free app. Depending on the store where you are purchasing the goods, they may only allow you to indicate the NIF (Portuguese Fiscal Identification Number). In that case, make sure the invoice contains the tax number of SITF Global LDA.

Question 6

How can I submit a purchase invoice?

Accepted Answer

All submissions can only be made via SI Tax Free app. You can find a "Submit Invoices" button in the home screen. Alternatively, you can open the "My Invoices" tab and press in the "Plus" button.

Question 7

How can I submit a reimbursement request?

Accepted Answer

You can submit a reimbursement by requesting a claim in the app. In the "My Invoices" tab, you will find in Ready status all the invoices validated by SI Tax Free team. Then, you can select all invoices and press the button at the bottom of the screen to start a claim.

Question 8

How long it will take to receive the refund?

Accepted Answer

Once the Customs authorities validate the process, we will take a maximum of 15 days to process the transfer. Please consider that depending on the reimbursement method selected, you may not see the transfer immediately reflected in your balance. The details of the transfer will be available in the SI Tax Free app by opening the "Claims" tab and then pressing "View Details".

Question 9

What should I do if my invoice was rejected?

Accepted Answer

If an invoice is rejected, we will provide you a reason for rejection. You need to act accordingly to the rejection reason. Common cases for rejection are: - Invoice contains items that are not acceptable for Tax Free, and if so you should not submit again the invoice. - Invoice contains the wrong billing details, and if so you must request the store to correct the information. Then, you should submit in the app the new invoice with the correct billing details. - Picture submitted of the invoice does not contain all the invoice information or it is not possible to read the details. Then, you should submit a new picture of the invoice with all details and/or better quality.

Question 10

What are the possible reasons for an invoice to be rejected?

Accepted Answer

There are multiple reasons for an invoice to be rejected. Find below some of the possible reasons: - Item in the invoice is not entitle to be claimed as Tax Free; - Billing information in the invoice do not contain SITF Global LDA billing details; - Billing information of SITF Global LDA in the invoice is wrong; - Submitted picture of the invoice do not show all the invoice or item details; - Submitted picture of the invoice is not readable. See “What should I do if my invoice was rejected?” for more details and information on how to proceed in such events.

Question 11

Can I request VAT reimbursement on all purchases?

Accepted Answer

The VAT reimbursement is only possible when purchasing goods. You cannot claim reimbursement of the VAT charged on services. Additionally, it is not possible to claim Tax Free on the below type of purchases: - Capital goods; - Fuel supply for sports and recreational boats, tourist planes or any other means of transport for private use.

Question 12

Do I need to take any special precaution before I leave the European Union?

Accepted Answer

The goods have to leave the European Union unused in your personal luggage. Therefore, the goods should be in the original boxes, with the price tag and without any evidence of use. If the goods have been used, the Customs authorities can reject your Tax Free request. Additionally, Customs will not validate the Tax Free request if you do not carry the goods with you.

Question 13

How long do I have to finalize the Tax Free process?

Accepted Answer

You have a total of 90 days to obtain from the Customs authorities the certification that you and the goods left the European Union. After that you cannot request the Tax Free process.

Question 14

I did not obtain validation from Customs Authorities. Can I still receive the VAT reimbursement?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. The Customs Authorities are the one authorizing the VAT reimbursement after validation that the person left the European Union with the goods. Without this validation, no reimbursement will be authorized.

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