Do any of you know if it is possible to file the VAT forms once you've returned to the US if they were not stamped at Customs in France? Unfortunately, US Air's slow processing of tickets did not allow us to get to the place we needed to have them stamped. I would appreciate any great advice because we have several hundred dollars of refunds if we can still submit them.

Steve,

I'm sorry to say I think you're out of luck

Your only option is to return to an EU country within 3 or 6 months of the purchase date - I forget which, check what it says on the forms - and get those buggers stamped

Hope this helps,
Andre

Andre:

Do you know if the documents have to be delivered to customs by us, or is it ok to have someone else get them stamped? Thanks.

Steve,

The forms have to be delivered by the person mentioned on those forms as the purchaser.

The customs official will check your passport and plans ticket to make sure they match the info on the forms.

Andre

Plus you are suppose to have the goods with you. In Paris recently they checked the goods of both people in front of me. Apparently mine was so small they could care less however.