Frequently asked questions

1. Will I receive TAX FREE document in paper from the seller after 1 January 2022?

After 1 January 2022, sellers are no longer required to issue paper TAX FREE documents. If you inform the seller that you would like to receive TAX FREE document in paper, you get printed electronic TAX FREE document.

Please note: you need a paper printout of the TAX FREE document if you intend to take goods purchased under TAX FREE system in Poland out of the European Union via border crossing point of the European Union Member State other than Poland. On this printed TAX FREE document you receive confirmation at the border that the goods left the EU.

2. How can I obtain confirmation of export at the border if I only have an electronic TAX FREE document?

The method of confirming the export of goods by stamping TAX FREE document in paper by the customs official is replaced by electronic confirmation of the export of goods from 1 January 2022. If you export goods purchased in Poland outside the European Union through Polish border crossing the seller receives electronic confirmation from Polish customs authorities in TAX FREE system that the goods were exported.

Confirmation of export on TAX FREE electronic document printout is done by the customs official at the tourist's request with ‘Polska-Cło’ stamp. Confirmation on TAX FREE electronic document printout without electronic confirmation in TAX FREE system will not entitle the tourist to tax refund.

3. If I am to receive VAT refund in a non-cash form, e.g. to my bank account or payment card, do I have to personally provide the seller with the TAX FREE document confirming the export of goods from the European Union?

If you export goods purchased in Poland from the European Union through Polish border crossing, the seller will receive electronic confirmation that the goods were exported and, on the basis of this, will refund the tax in the cashless form you chose when purchasing the goods and issuing the TAX FREE document, i.e. to your bank account number provided to the seller or to your payment card number provided to the seller. In this case, you do not need personally provide the seller with the TAX FREE document confirming the export of the goods, everything is done electronically, and choosing cashless form of VAT refund additionally shortens the time of receiving your tax refund.