| Expense | Document to ask for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Invoice in your company's name, with VAT detail | The tourist tax appears on a separate line |
| Restaurant | Invoice or itemised bill with VAT | VAT on meals is not always recoverable: it varies by country |
| Taxi / ride-hail | Trip receipt or app e-mail | See taxis in Paris |
| Metro, RER | Ticket or statement | Rarely recoverable for VAT: see Metro and RER |
What to ask the hotel
- An invoice made out to the company, with its address and, if possible, its VAT number: give these before you leave.
- A breakdown by item: room, breakfast, tourist tax. VAT rates are shown on the invoice.
- One invoice per traveller if costs are split between departments.
The tourist tax
It is a local tax added on a separate line of the invoice. Our research found no clear source on whether it belongs in a VAT refund claim: ask your accountant. To compare hotels that issue invoices, see Booking in Paris and hotels by budget.
Reclaiming French VAT
- Gather the original invoices.
- File through your own country's refund portal (EU companies) or the French tax office procedure (non-EU).
- Respect the deadline and minimum amounts listed on impots.gouv.fr.
This page is for information and does not replace advice from an accountant.
Frequently asked questions
Is a card slip enough? Rarely: ask for an invoice.
Can I request the invoice after the stay? It is simpler on the day you leave.
Is restaurant VAT refundable? It depends on the rules: ask your accountant.
The Paris Authority editorial team
