French VAT Refund Claim Tool

Eligibility check

Answer a few questions to determine if your business qualifies for a French VAT refund.

Is your business established in France? Do you have a fixed establishment, head office, or registered seat in France?

Yes

Where is your business established? This determines which directive applies (8th for EU, 13th for non-EU).

EU country

Non-EU country

Is your business VAT-registered in its home country? You must be a taxable person (VAT-registered) in your country of establishment.

Yes

Did your business make taxable supplies in France during the refund period? This includes selling goods or services subject to French VAT. Certain exempt transactions (like intra-Community supplies or exports) don't disqualify you.

Yes

Exempt only

What type of expenses did you incur in France? Select the main category. You can specify amounts in the next step.

Entertainment expenses (client entertainment, gifts) and certain vehicle-related expenses are not recoverable under French VAT law, regardless of the directive. We'll factor this into your estimate.

Estimate your refund

Enter the VAT-inclusive amounts you spent in each category. We'll calculate the recoverable VAT based on French rules.

Expense category Recovery rate Amount (EUR)

+ Hotels / Accommodation

100%

+ Restaurants / Meals

100%

+ Conferences / Trade fairs

100%

+ Fuel (diesel)

80%

+ Fuel (petrol / EV)

+ Tolls / Parking

100%

+ Professional services

100%

+ Office supplies / Equipment

100%

— Entertainment / Gifts

Estimated recoverable VAT EUR 0.00

Minimum claim amounts: EUR 400 for quarterly claims (3+ months), EUR 50 for annual claims (full calendar year). Claims below these thresholds will be rejected.

Your estimated refund

Total recoverable VAT EUR 0.00

How the refund process works

1. Gather invoices

Collect all original invoices showing French VAT. Each invoice must include the supplier's French VAT number, your business details, and a clear VAT breakdown.

2. Submit the application

For EU businesses (8th Directive): submit electronically through your home country's tax portal. For non-EU businesses (13th Directive): submit directly to the French tax authorities (DRESG in Noisy-le-Grand).

Deadline: September 30 following the expense year

3. Processing by French authorities

France has 4 months to process 8th Directive claims (extendable to 8 months if additional info is requested). 13th Directive claims typically take 6+ months.

4. Receive your refund

The refund is paid directly to your bank account. Interest is due if the French authorities exceed the processing deadline.

Required documents

Original invoices with French VAT shown (digital copies accepted for 8th Directive)
Certificate of taxable status from your home country's tax authority (valid for 1 year)
Completed refund application form (electronic for 8th Directive)
Power of attorney if submitting through a representative
Bank account details (IBAN) for refund payment
Description of your business activity

Let Cyplom handle your claim

The refund process involves strict deadlines, specific documentation requirements, and correspondence with French tax authorities. Cyplom specializes in VAT recovery for international businesses.

Get started with Cyplom

Taxelo is built by the same tax attorney behind Cyplom

Claim back VAT paid in France

Eligibility check

Estimate your refund

You likely qualify for a French VAT refund

Your estimated refund

How the refund process works

1. Gather invoices

2. Submit the application

3. Processing by French authorities

4. Receive your refund

Required documents

Let Cyplom handle your claim

You may not qualify for a French VAT refund

Why you may not qualify

Not sure? Get a professional assessment

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