VAT OFFICE
The VAT (Value Added Tax) Office is a wonderful way to save up to 19% on purchases made on the local economy.
There are two types of forms: one for purchases under €2,500 and one for purchases €2,500 and over. VAT forms can be purchased from your local VAT Office for a small fee.
To purchase a form, please bring your ID with you.
WHAT IS VAT?
• The VAT program allows eligible customers to not pay the German MWST (like Sales Tax) of 7% or 19%.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
ONE ACCOUNT PER HOUSEHOLD
• Eligibility for individual tax relief is derived from the SA NATO SOFA, Article 67, paragraph 3. **Must be assigned to Germany or on TDY to Germany.**
• US Military service members and dependents.
• GS / NAF / DoDEA Civilian employees with logistical support (NATO SOFA status).
• Contractor employees with SOFA status.
• NATO soldiers on SOFA status.
WHAT DO I NEED TO START AN ACCOUNT?
• DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION, then complete the “Personnel Registration Data” section and the 2nd page. Print it out and bring it with you to the VAT office when you are registering for the first time or if your contact information has changed.
• Copy of your Orders or letter of Logistical Support (Blue SOFA Card for Contractors)
• ID Card of sponsor and dependents
VAT FORM INFORMATION
• NF-1 for under €2500 purchases (without tax)
• NF-2 for €2500 and over purchases. With a purchase base price of €2500 at 19% Tax, you save €475.
• Method of accepted payment is credit card only
• You can have up to ten NF-1 forms issued at a given time and only 1 NF-2 form at a time. To purchase more, used ones must be turned in.
• You have up to 7 days from your arrival to Germany to purchase VAT forms for car rentals and TLF stays
• VAT Forms can be purchased at any of the VAT Offices Germany wide.
Ramstein Air Base, Spangdahlem, Geilenlirchen, Baumholder, Kleber Kaserne (Kaiserslautern), ROB (Kaiserslautern – in Java), Landstuhl, Ansbach, Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Garmisch, Stuttgart, Wiesbaden
VAT FORM INCORRECT USES
• Obtaining tax-relief for home repair is only for expenses that are typically a tenant’s responsibility. Regardless of whether the U.S. Forces member owns or rents the dwelling.
• Split purchases – more than €2499.99 at one vendor in a day.
• Real estate or construction of permanent structures and fees associated with them.
• Weapons purchases must comply with the USAFE Instruction 31-205.
• Purchases outside of Germany.
• Process tax-relief after the purchase is complete or ordered.
• Contracts exceeding 30 days.
• Someone using a form that is not generated on the form.
• Making purchase for someone else that is not on the form, whether they have SOFA privileges or not.
• If you are not sure if the purchase is authorized, contact the VAT Office.
The Ramstein VAT service is by walk-in only. Please have all required documents (Copy of your Orders or letter of Logistical Support, Blue SOFA Card for Contractors and DoDEA) and completed Application prior to coming in. You may also contact the VAT Office at 86fss.vatoffice@us.af.mil for assistance.
Contact information
DSN: 480-1680
COMM: 06371-47-1680
EMAIL: 86svs.vatoffice@us.af.mil
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday – Friday: 0800 – 1600
Weekends, Federal Holidays and Family Days: Closed
We stop taking enrollments & VAT Forms for €2500 and over at 1530
NO APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED
New Address
Inside Ramstein Enlisted Club
Building 2140, Lawn Avenue
Ramstein Air Base, DE