VAT FORM POLICY

VAT Form Policy at Skitch Skate Shop

At Skitch Skate Shop, we’re stoked to support our U.S. military community in Germany! As a Core Skate Shop, we offer everything you need to build your dream deck or buy a complete skateboard, alongside our unique selection of products. As part of the U.S. Forces Tax-Relief Program, we accept VAT forms (NF1 and NF2) for tax-free purchases of €250 or higher (including VAT) for eligible U.S. Forces personnel and their dependents with Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) status. This offer is available exclusively for in-person purchases at our physical store and is not available for online orders or local art gallery purchases.

Why Shop Tax-Free with Skitch?

The VAT (Value Added Tax) program allows eligible U.S. military members to avoid paying Germany’s VAT (19% or 7%, depending on the item) on personal purchases. At Skitch Skate Shop, this means you can save on our curated selection of spray paint, paint markers, apparel, imported hot sauces, stickers, vape products, spirits & moonshine, and everything you need to build your dream skateboard deck or purchase a complete skateboard. Whether you’re customizing a deck, grabbing bold apparel, or trying our unique hot sauces, tax-free shopping helps you get more for your money!

Eligible Products for VAT Relief

We accept VAT forms for the following products, provided the purchase totals €250 or higher (including VAT):

• Spray paint and paint markers for your creative projects.
• Apparel, including streetwear and skate-inspired clothing.
• Imported hot sauces for a spicy kick.
• Stickers to customize your gear.
• Vape products for enthusiasts.
• Spirits & moonshine, our exclusive offering.
• Skate Shop products, including decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, and complete skateboards etc.

Note: VAT forms are not accepted for purchases of original art from local artists in our gallery section.

 

Who Is Eligible?

Only U.S. Forces personnel and their dependents with valid SOFA status can use VAT forms. This includes active-duty members, civilian employees, and authorized family members stationed in Germany under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement. You’ll need to present a valid military ID and a VAT form at the time of purchase to confirm eligibility.

Which VAT Forms Do We Accept?

We accept two types of VAT forms based on the purchase amount:

• NF1 Form: For purchases between €250 and €2,999.99 (including VAT).
• NF2 Form: For purchases of €3,000 or more (including VAT). Note: NF2 forms may require additional documentation, such as a cost estimate or proof of payment capability (e.g., cashier’s check or financing approval).

Step-by-Step Guide to Using VAT Forms at Skitch Skate Shop

Follow these steps for a seamless tax-free shopping experience at our store:

1. Verify Your Eligibility: Bring your valid U.S. military ID (or dependent ID) and a VAT form (NF1 or NF2) to the store. Check the form’s “VALID ONLY FROM/TO” dates in Block 3 to ensure it’s not expired, as we cannot accept expired forms.
2. Shop In-Person: Browse our eligible products in-store (spray paint, paint markers, apparel, imported hot sauces, stickers, vape products, spirits & moonshine, or Core Skate Shop products like decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, and complete skateboards) and select items totaling €250 or more (including VAT). Our staff can help you find the perfect gear or build your dream deck. VAT forms are not accepted for online purchases or local art gallery items.
3. Present VAT Form at Checkout: Inform the cashier that you’re using a VAT form before the transaction is finalized. VAT relief cannot be applied retroactively after the purchase is complete. Ensure you have the correct form (NF1 for €250–€2,999.99 (including VAT), NF2 for €3,000 or more (including VAT)).
4. Complete the Purchase: The cashier will ring up your eligible items, excluding the VAT (19% or 7%). Your receipt will reflect the net price (the amount before VAT) and may show the exempted tax amount. Each purchase requires its own VAT form; we do not combine multiple purchases on a single form.
5. Fill Out the VAT Form: Together, we’ll complete the carbon-copy VAT form (yellow, pink, and white copies). Key details include:
   • Block 4 (Amount of Purchase): We’ll enter the net price (the amount before VAT).
   • Block 12 (Description of Goods): We’ll list a brief description, e.g., “spray paint,” “apparel,” “hot sauce,” “stickers,” “vape products,” “spirits & moonshine,” or “skateboard deck/components.”
   • Block 13 (Vendor’s Stamp, Signature, and Date): We’ll stamp the form with our store’s official stamp, sign it, and add the transaction date. If no stamp is available, we’ll write our store’s name and address.
   • Blocks 7/10 (Signature) and 8/11 (Order Date): You’ll sign and date these sections to confirm the purchase.
   Double-check the form for accuracy, as errors (e.g., missing signatures or stamps) may cause issues with the VAT office.
6. Receive Form Copies: After completion:
   • Yellow Copy: Skitch Skate Shop keeps this for our records.
   • Pink Copy: You keep this for your personal records.
   • White Copy: You submit this to the VAT office to finalize the tax relief.

Important Guidelines and Restrictions

To comply with the U.S. Forces Tax-Relief Program, please note:

• In-Person Only: VAT forms are accepted only for in-person purchases at Skitch Skate Shop. Online orders, including click-and-collect or delivery, are not eligible for VAT relief.
• Minimum Purchase: Your purchase of eligible products must total €250 or more (including VAT) to qualify for VAT relief.
• Single Purchase Per Form: Each VAT form applies to a single transaction. We do not combine multiple purchases or receipts on one form, even within the same month.
• Local Art Excluded: VAT forms are not accepted for original art from local artists in our gallery section.
• Prohibited Uses: VAT forms cannot be used for:
  • Long-term contracts (e.g., subscriptions).
  • Vehicles registered in the German system (tax-free vehicles must be registered with USAREUR).
  • Purchases for non-SOFA individuals (e.g., German nationals or non-military visitors).
  • Real estate or major renovations (minor repairs up to €2,999.99 including VAT may qualify).
  • Items intended for resale or commercial purposes.
• Large Purchases (NF2): For purchases of €3,000 or more (including VAT), you must use an NF2 form and may need to provide a cost estimate or proof of payment (e.g., financing approval). Splitting a single purchase over €3,000 into multiple NF1 forms is not permitted.
• Accuracy Matters: Incomplete or incorrect VAT forms may result in the customer being required to pay the VAT later. Our staff is trained to assist, but please review the form before leaving the store.
• Spirits & Vape Products: Ensure compliance with U.S. Forces regulations for purchasing alcohol (spirits & moonshine) or vape products, as restrictions may apply based on quantity or intended use.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Bring All Documents: Have your military ID and VAT form ready at checkout to avoid delays.
• Check Form Validity: Confirm the form’s expiration date before shopping. Expired forms cannot be processed.
• Ask for Help: If you’re new to the VAT process, our staff is ready to guide you. Ask questions at the register or customer service desk.
• Plan Your Purchase: Ensure your in-store purchase of eligible products (spray paint, paint markers, apparel, imported hot sauces, stickers, vape products, spirits & moonshine, or Core Skate Shop products like decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, or complete skateboards) meets the €250 minimum (including VAT) and uses the correct form (NF1 or NF2).
• Avoid Art Gallery Purchases: Remember that original art from local artists is not eligible for VAT relief, so plan your purchase accordingly.
• Contact the VAT Office: For questions about VAT forms, eligibility, or regulations, reach out to your local VAT office:
  • Wiesbaden: CIV +49 (0)611-143-548-9107
  • Stuttgart: CIV +49 (0)7031-15-3368

Why Choose Skitch Skate Shop?

Nestled near U.S. military communities, Skitch Skate Shop is your Core Skate Shop and creative hub, offering everything you need to build your dream skateboard deck or buy a complete skateboard, plus spray paint, paint markers, apparel, imported hot sauces, stickers, vape products, and spirits & moonshine. We’re more than a store—we’re a vibe for skaters, artists, and flavor enthusiasts! By offering VAT relief for in-person purchases of €250 or more (including VAT), we make it easy for SOFA-status customers to shop tax-free. Our friendly team is trained to process VAT forms quickly, so you can focus on creating, riding, and enjoying bold flavors.

Ready to shop tax-free? Stop by Skitch Skate Shop in person with your VAT form and save on eligible purchases of €250 or more (including VAT). From custom decks to spirits & moonshine, we’ve got what you need to shred and stand out. For more info, visit us or ask our team in-store. Let’s create, spice it up, and roll!

What Does This Mean for You?

It’s simple: pick out all the eligible products you want at Skitch Skate Shop, like spray paint, apparel, imported hot sauces, spirits & moonshine, Skateboard items or Vape. When you’re ready to check out, if your total is €250 or more (including VAT), present your valid VAT form, and we’ll accept it to make your purchase tax-free. This means you’ll save the VAT amount—typically 19% or 7% depending on the item. For example, if you ring up a skateboard deck, trucks, and some apparel totaling €250 (including VAT), you’ll save €47.50 (19% VAT), paying only €202.50. It’s an easy way to keep more money in your pocket!