Feb 4, 2025

One advantage of being in Social Media groups … is that we get to see what people are concerned about from their questions … like :

How Do I Get My VAT Tax Refund from Mexico?
First … Mexico has no VAT taxes like Europe & Canada, we have a 16% IVA. Next … even if you meet all 7 or so requirements, you likely only get part (say 8%) of the IVA tax refunded to you.

Next… Notice that many shops & businesses likely do NOT participate in the IVA-Refund scheme … When buying anything, make sure the vendor or store IS A MEMBER of Mexico’s tourist tax refund scheme. NOT ALL STORES OFFER TAX-FREE SHOPPING, so look for the tax-free sign or ask the cashier to confirm.

To be eligible for Mexico’s tax free shopping, you must ALSO meet these conditions:

~ You are a non-resident of Mexico, typically on a TOURIST – Visitante visa … RESIDENTE VISA HOLDERS likely need not apply for IVA refunds.

~ For TOURISTS buying stuff, you will take your purchased goods with you in your personal luggage;

~ Your purchase must be at least 1,200 MXN, and must be made in one store with credit card, debit card or services issued abroad by only FOREIGN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

~ You can also pay in cash as long as they don’t exceed 3,000 MXN in total.

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Next: You have to use an official Registered Agent, to handle your claim.

You can apply for your IVA refund in Mexico either offline or online. If you would like to apply for a IVA refund online, you should download the mobile app from one of the registered tax agents in Mexico. But before receiving your IVA refund in Mexico, you must follow the steps below:

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Get Your Tax Exemption Form(s) … every time:
When shopping, make sure the store IS A MEMBER of Mexico’s tourist tax refund scheme. NOT ALL STORES OFFER TAX-FREE SHOPPING, so look for the tax-free sign or ask the cashier to confirm.

Once you verify that the store is part of the Mexico VAT refund scheme, ask the sales assistant for a tax-free form. You’ll need this form and the original invoice to claim your IVA refund in Mexico. Without these documents, you will not be able to receive your IVA refund. The sales assistant may also request to see an officially recognized identity document, so remember to bring one (e.g., your passport) when you go shopping.

If you choose to process your Mexico tourist tax refund online, you can upload these documents and the migration form to the app’s platform.

Have the Forms Stamped:
Before leaving Mexico, you must validate your tax-free form and goods. At the airport, go to the designated tax-free station to present your goods, passport, tax-free form, and original receipts. If you’re processing your IVA refund at Mexico City Airport (MEX), you can easily find IVA refund counters in both terminals.

For goods valued at 5,000 MXN or more (including tax), customs validation is mandatory. However, keep your goods with you even if their value is below this threshold, as an officer might still need to inspect them.

Obtain an IVA Refund:
Now comes the most exciting part of the process: receiving your IVA refund in Mexico. If you’re working with a tax refund agent, visit their designated counter to claim your IVA refund. If you don’t want to go with any agents, you can follow the instructions on your tax-free form to get your money back.

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If you choose to claim your IVA refund through an app, enter your credit card information to process the refund.

The IVA refunds will be paid in MXN directly to your credit card, debit card or other financial services that you use to purchase. You can also choose to receive in cash up to a maximum of 50% of the amount to be paid to tourists (not to exceed 10,000 MXN). The remainder of your IVA refunds in Mexico are deposited electronically in the bank card you provide.



Cheers,
Dr. Steven M. Fry


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