Invoices in the name of Airvat

For each purchase you must specifically request the store to issue a business invoice (or “facture” in French) addressed to Airvat.

Don’t mention anything about “VAT refund” or “tax-free” to the shop assistant to avoid confusion. Instead, simply ask “Please could I have an invoice / facture?” and insist on getting one.

In the app you will find a handy instructions screen to show to the sales assistant to help communicate the required invoice information.

Airvat details to be included on the invoice

Good to know

• We strongly recommend asking the shop assistant for the invoice before making a purchase as they would naturally be more helpful.
• Most shops will be able to issue an invoice instantly at the checkout by entering Airvat’s company details into their cash register system.
• You do not need to justify yourself when asking for an Airvat invoice. Shops have a legal obligation to issue invoices if requested or risk getting fined by the tax authorities.
• You don’t need to show your passport to the sales assistant as you will upload your personal details into the Airvat app instead.

What invoices are accepted

• There is no set format for an invoice, however, it must state the following required information about the purchase:
  • Show Airvat as the buyer, customer, or client, etc;
  • Retailer’s name, address, and VAT (or “TVA” in French) number;
  • Invoice date and number;
  • Goods description and quantity;
  • VAT rate and the total price;
  • Hand-writen manual invoice must be stamped and dated.
• Each invoice can be of any value, however, the sum of all your Airvat invoices must exceed €100 to qualify for a VAT refund in France.
• You must upload a full clear image of the entire invoice capturing all four corners. Screenshots and images taken from screens of other devices are not accepted.

Examples of valid invoices ✅

Examples of invalid invoices ❌

Shop’s own VAT refund forms, cash register or credit card receipts are not acceptable.

What can I buy tax-free

• Almost any personal goods, bought in a physical or online store.
• Most common tax-free purchases are clothes, fashion accessories, jewellery, electronics, watches, cosmetics, souvenirs, and edible gifts (e.g. chocolates).
• However, services are not eligible (e.g. hotel stays, restaurant meals, entertainment or transport tickets).

I'm having difficulties getting an Airvat invoice

Some shops may have older cash registers that are not capable of issuing instant invoices. Instead the retailer’s back-office would have to process your request, which may take longer.

At times your sales assistant might just not be familiar with the shop’s internal invoicing procedure. In this case ask to talk to the manager, or try another branch of the same retailer where the staff might be more helpful.

Occasionally luxury brands may misleadingly insist that they can’t issue an Airvat invoice or that they don't sell to companies. This is usually because retailers are incentivised to give you the tax form of their partner refund operator and receive a sizable cut from the high commission on your refund.

While such shops can’t legally stop you from using your preferred tax refund operator, such as Airvat, they might make it extra confusing. Remember that ultimately the shop wants to make a sale! If you are insistent on getting an Airvat invoice and prepared to walk away, a good sales assistant will always find a way to meet your request!

Why is the invoice in the name of Airvat required

An invoice is the official document proving the amount of tax paid to the government on each transaction. In order to refund VAT to you, we need to reclaim the same amount from the tax authority, which is why the invoices must be issued in Airvat’s name. Such an arrangement is part of our operating model approved by the authorities that granted us the licence.

Happy shopping!