International business trips are not just an expense item for companies, but also a recoverable value. A significant portion of the VAT paid for services such as accommodation, car rental, and fair participation, especially in European countries, can be recovered if the correct processes are operated. However, many Turkish companies leave this money on the table due to complex bureaucracy and lack of information. Let's examine how you can turn these processes in your favor with Kurumsal.pro.
What is Foreign VAT Refund?
Even if your company is a taxpayer in Turkey, you have the right to reclaim the 7% or 19% VAT (Mehrwertsteuer) paid by your staff for the hotel they stayed in Germany. This is a right granted under "prevention of double taxation" agreements and EU directives.
However, to receive this refund, the invoice must be issued correctly, original documents must be kept, and an application must be made to the tax office of the relevant country within the time limit. This is exactly where the "mistake" begins.
Common Mistake: Wrong Invoice
If the staff has the invoice issued in their own name when checking out of the hotel or if the company title is written incompletely on the invoice, it becomes impossible to get a VAT refund. It is mandatory that the invoice be issued to the full company title and address.
Automatic Process Management with Kurumsal.pro
Kurumsal.pro uses technology to maximize the VAT refund potential in your international travels:
Correct Invoice Information
In reservations made through the system, your company's official invoice information is automatically transmitted to the hotel or car rental company. There is no need for the staff to have an invoice written at the reception.
Digital Archiving
All invoices are archived digitally. Documents required for VAT refund are collected in a single folder and the risk of loss is eliminated.
How Can You Accelerate the Refund Process?
VAT refund is a technical issue and requires expertise. As Kurumsal.pro, we work integrated with our global "Tax Refund" business partners. We automatically scan suitable invoices in our system and report those with refund potential to you.
- Accommodation: Hotel invoices.
- Transportation: Car rental, taxi, fuel.
- Event: Fair, conference, training participation fees.
- Food & Beverage: (In some countries) Representation and entertainment expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries can I get a VAT refund from?
You can get refunds from many countries that apply the VAT system and operate the reciprocity principle, especially EU countries (Germany, UK, France, etc.), South Korea, Japan, Canada.
Is VAT refund available for flight tickets?
International flights are generally exempt from VAT (0% VAT). However, VAT paid on domestic flights (e.g., domestic flights in Germany) can be refunded.
How long does the refund process take?
Depending on the country and the workload of the tax office, it may take between 3 and 12 months for the refund to be deposited into your account after the application.