Spain
- Tourist
Information - Taxes
IVA, or the impuesto sobre el valor aņadido, is is a general consumption
tax which is a general tax on all commercial activities involving
the production and distribution of goods and the provision of services.
It is a consumption tax because it is borne by the final consumer.
IVA is calculated at a rate between 7% and 16%. On accommodation
and restaurants the flat rate is 7%, but on retail goods, alcohol
and electrical appliances IVA is 16%. IVA is usually included in
the ticket price of goods though it pays to check before paying
for the goods.
Travellers from countries that are not member states of the European
Union can take advantage of the Tax Free shopping arrangement. Under
this agreement they do not have to pay IVA on goods of a value more
than 90.15 EURO. This is not available in every store, check for
the Tax Free Shopping sticker in the store before you buy.
When you make your purchase, ask for a Tax Free Cheque which you
must get endorsed as you leave the EU. Once at home present the
cheque to the Global Refund Office which will arrange for reimbursement
by cash, credit card or international money order.
If leaving the European Union from Barcelona Airport you can have
the Cheque stamped at customs and cash it at the Banco Exterior
de Espaņa branch in the airport.
