Non-residents encouraged to seek invoice for VAT refunds

The Guyana Revenue Authority is urging members of the public, particularly non-residents who are interested in exporting goods as part of their luggage that a VAT-refund must be supported by documentary evidence.

A claim for a VAT refund may be honoured by the GRA, provided that:

  • The non-resident pays VAT on goods that amount to or exceed $20,000.00GY;
  • The goods are removed from Guyana as part the non-resident’s accompanying baggage; and
  • Documentary evidence is provided by the non-resident to support the claim.

The GRA further said:

A non-resident can make a claim for refund with the submission of the following:

  • An application using the “Application for VAT Refund Form for Use by Non Residents” also known as VAT Form 31;
  • A copy of the bio-data page of the non-resident’s passport;
  • The page showing the date of entry into Guyana; and
  • The tax invoices clearly showing the price and the amount of VAT paid on the items must be provided.

The documents referred to above can be submitted to a GRA Official at the airport or border where an examination of the items will be conducted in the presence of the claimant.