VAT in EU online shops.

[Otto.Skorzeny]

I tried to place few orders in european 1/6 online shops, and i noticed that all prices are included 19% VAT. VAT is a tax ONLY for people who live in European Union. I live in Russia, and when i asked shops' owners to deduct VAT at checkout, they didn't. I had to cancel orders, as i beleive it's kinda fraud. All US online shops have state tax only if customer is from same state where shop is located. What guys do you think about it? Is there any way to nail those VAT crooks?

[Paladin]

As far as i know the VAT can only be deducted if the shop sells to a business, not a private person. At least that's how it is in germany.

[lurpdog101]

Actually it is no. You do not have to pay VAT on the goods. However the deduction of VAT from prices appears to be voluntary and not offered by all shops. This is just what I've googled so could be shi**

[Otto.Skorzeny]

As far as i know the VAT can only be deducted if the shop sells to a business, not a private person. At least that's how it is in germany.

Well i was in Berlin on August 2010, bought different things, like close, electronic, toys, i kept all receipts and in Tax-Free office in Schönefeld they returned to me all money i paid as VAT. I'm a private person So i beleive all sellers MUST return VAT if they sell their stuff outside of EU, no matter is it Germany or any other EU country...

PS Few years ago a friend of mine bought used car in Germany. He got 19% back when he left EU with car...

[Chelseaboy]

I'm sure you are correct....it may well be worth your while trying to find out if you can claim the V.A.T back by post and sending your receipt.
Chelseaboy

[onesixthpolice]

I once purchased some Hornby electric trains from a shop in the UK, and I'm in Canada. They took the VAT right off of the price for me, and I just paid the retail price of the trains.