The App for Tax Free Shopping

Meet Refundit , the app for tax free shopping:

Founded in 2017 and led by Ziv Tirosh and Waze cofounder Uri Levine, the Tel Aviv-based startup offers a digital solution for tourists to apply for a VAT refund. In Europe, VAT on clothing, electronics and toys ranges between 17% to 27%, and to get a refund, tourists must go through a lengthy process which can include standing in line at the airport, and filling out complex forms that require paperwork not readily accessible.

With around 90% of EU VAT refunds (~€23b) never making it back to tourists’ pockets, Refundit is looking to offer a more convenient way to help tourists get their money back. Using the app, tourists can scan their receipts and apply for the refund. Tax authorities will then send a digital approval, and under special circumstances some tourists will be asked to go through the customs counter at the airport. At the end, tourists receive the full amount due, minus Refundit’s commission which is around 9%-10%.

The startup is launching a joint pilot of the service in several European countries, and according to its site, it’s currently working in cooperation with the Belgian government.

Bottom Line: Your next travel insurance partner.