Digital solution for tourists to check and track VAT refunds
DUBAI, November 14, 2021
Planet, the international payments service provider, launched its new digital solution to help tourists who are eligible to refund VAT amounts to understand purchases that qualify for tax refunds through the Automated Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme.
The 'Shopper Portal' will be launched in the UAE first, in collaboration between the Federal Tax Authority and Planet, the company commissioned by the FTA to operate the Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme.
The portal uses the latest digital technologies to provide tourists with accurate and timely information about their VAT refundable purchases through simple steps and enables them to understand the refund process and track the status of their refunds.
Tourists can access the Shopper Portal by pointing the camera of their mobiles or smart device to scan the QR code reflected in their tax-free tags issued by merchants registered in the scheme.
Accessing the portal provides tourists with several options, including knowing the net VAT amount they can refund, relevant terms and conditions, local rules, tracking their refund process, in addition to changing the VAT refund method from cash to card if not already claimed.
Planet General Manager Eyad Al Kourdi said: “We are pleased to launch Shopper Portal, the smart digital solution which will allow tourists to learn more about tax-free shopping in the UAE and the required steps for a hassle-free refund process, from shopping to submitting refund requests to collecting the tax amounts they paid before leaving the country."
Over 13,000 merchants in the UAE are now registered in the Automated Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme.-TradeArabia News Service
