(NAPS)—When you shop overseas, you’re paying more than manybelieve you should. The rea- son is value-added tax (VAT), which is automatically charged at point-of-purchase on most of the goods you buy in more than 90 countries around the world. Ls} (eres ashy eeret] It's a lot easier to get a refund of value-added tax than many people realize. When you leave for home, you're entitled to a refund of the VAT you paid. However, few know how to get this money back. In fact, an organization called Global Refund estimates that $50 million in VAT annually goes unclaimed by Americantravelers. Fortunately, with only three steps you can claim the refund: e At stores displaying “tax-free shopping” signs, ask for a Global Refund Cheque when you buy an item. When you leave at the foreign airport, have customs stamp the cheque. At home, cash the cheque at a nearby Cash Refund office—or mail it in and receive a check or credit on yourcredit card. Before you go shopping in Europe or elsewhere on holiday or business, consult Global Refund, which is active in 29 countries, to find out how you can get money back on your purchases abroad. To receive a useful brochure, call 1-800-KNOW-VATorvisit the Web site at www.globalrefund.com.
