The following is provided for your information only. Please note that it remains your responsibility to verify and familiarise yourself with the VAT Refund process and any additional requirements the South African Revenue Authority may add from time to time prior to commencing a VAT Refund claim. 

How to Claim Your VAT Refund in South Africa

A summary of the VAT Refund process is provided below BUT please refer to https://vatrefundagency.co.za/ for detailed and up-to-date information. Rabinowitz Photography will not be held liable for the accuracy of this information.

1. Preparation

Prepare all the required documents and familiarise yourself with the process.

• Eligibility: Only non-resident visitors, foreign enterprises, diplomats, and tourists qualify. 
• Tax Invoice: Rabinowitz Photography will provide customers with an original tax invoice. Should you require an electronic copy, please email sales@rabinowitz-photography.com.
• Proof of payment: Retain your proof of payment, in the form of your credit card receipt, as this will be required if your invoice is over R10,000.
• Passport: Present your original passport with entry stamp. Unfortunately South Africans residing abroad cannot claim VAT refunds.
• Invoice Details: Please provide your name (as per your passport) as well as your residential address in your home country, at the point of sale. These details have to be added to your tax invoice for it to be valid.
• Goods: Your purchase will need to be presented for inspection at both the customs office and the VRA office. These offices may be located before or after security check points. Please confirm this with airport information prior to checking in your luggage.

2. Inspection

Present your goods for inspection before departure.

• Where to claim: For a list of ports where you can claim please refer to: https://vatrefundagency.co.za/locations/
• Present items at the Customs Office and again at the VAT Refund Agency office after inspection. These offices may not be in the same location. Allow sufficient time prior to your flight as waiting periods may vary.
• Failure to Present Goods: If customs inspection isn’t possible, you must provide an “export declaration form” stamped by customs upon arrival in your home country.

3. Submission

In-Person or Postal Submission:

• In-Person: Visit the VAT Refund counter at your departure airport. 
• Postal Submission: Complete the VAT refund application form, attach original tax invoices, a certified passport copy, and mail it to the VRA office.

Note:

• Claims must be submitted within 90 days of purchase.
• VAT Refund payments are via bank transfer, with a 1.3% processing commission deducted.
• Accepted Currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, ZAR, and more. Make sure bank details and Swift Code are accurate for smooth transactions.