Vatfree.com provides a digital VAT refund platform for non‑EU travelers that captures receipts via web or mobile, validates export at customs, and automatically files claims with tax authorities. The service uses OCR and compliance algorithms to maximize refunds and transfers payouts directly to the traveler’s bank account, while offering retailers a QR‑coded digital receipt (POPr) to streamline tax‑free checkout.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Non‑EU travelers must navigate a cumbersome, paper‑based VAT refund process that relies on physical receipts, airport cash desks, and manual validation, often resulting in low refunds and delayed payouts.
Solution
Vatfree.com delivers a fully digital tax‑free service that lets travelers capture receipts instantly via a web portal or mobile app. The platform extracts purchase data, validates export at customs (including optional photo upload of a physical stamp), and automatically files the claim with the relevant tax authorities. Advanced compliance algorithms maximize the refundable amount, and the service guarantees a higher payout than traditional airport cash providers. Refunds are transferred directly to the traveler’s bank account, with status updates sent by email. The solution supports both online EU webshop purchases and in‑store transactions, providing a seamless experience across channels. Retailers can adopt the POPr digital receipt (QR‑coded) to streamline checkout and tax‑free processing.
Target Audience
The primary customers are non‑EU travelers who shop in the European Union and seek a faster, higher‑value VAT refund, as well as EU retailers that want to offer a streamlined tax‑free checkout experience.
Features
- Mobile and web receipt capture with OCR to extract transaction details automatically
- Digital export validation at customs, including optional photo upload of physical stamps
- Automated claim filing and compliance checks that optimize refund amounts
- Direct bank transfer of refunds and real‑time email notifications of claim status
- Unified workflow for online EU webshop purchases and brick‑and‑mortar store transactions
- POPr™ digital receipt for merchants: QR‑coded receipt that closes the loop at transaction level and reduces paperwork
- End‑to‑end data encryption and GDPR‑compliant handling of personal and transaction information