Texas charges sales tax of approximately 8.25 percent in the Arlington area. That adds up quickly on a multi-day trip with shopping. What most international visitors do not know is that Texas is one of the only U.S. states where foreign passport holders can reclaim a portion of that tax before leaving the country.
Texas is effectively the only U.S. state that currently offers a sales tax refund program for international visitors. The Texas program is administered by private companies operating as customs brokers, not by the state government directly.
You must hold a foreign passport. You must depart the United States within 30 days of your purchase. The items you purchased must be new, unused and exported out of the country with you.
Tangible goods purchased from participating retailers are eligible. This generally includes branded retail stores, shopping malls and outlet centers.
Items that do not qualify include food, beverages, hotel stays, rental cars, restaurant meals and services. Online purchases qualify only if shipped to a Texas address with proper documentation.
Bring your foreign passport, original itemized receipts (no photocopies, email confirmations or duplicates), proof of international departure (a flight itinerary or boarding pass showing departure from Texas to your home country) and your visa if your nationality requires one.
Most refund operators require a minimum of $10 to $12 in sales tax per store receipt. Membership warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club do not participate in the program.
TaxFree Shopping Ltd is the largest refund network in Texas with locations across the DFW area. Texas Tax Back is another operator. Each company has its own network of participating retailers and refund office locations.
There are two payout options. The cash option provides approximately 50 percent of the total tax processed, paid to you immediately at the refund office. The check or PayPal option provides approximately 65 percent of the total tax, minus per-store processing fees, with payment arriving in three to six months.
The difference between 50 and 65 percent is the cost of convenience. Cash is instant but takes a larger cut. The mailed check preserves more of your refund but requires patience.
Refund offices are located in major shopping areas including Grapevine Mills, the Galleria Dallas area and NorthPark Center area. Additional locations operate near DFW Airport. Check the refund operator’s website for current addresses and hours.
Shop at participating stores and keep every original receipt. Keep your merchandise unused and tags intact. Within the last one to two weeks of your trip, visit a refund office with your goods, receipts, passport and flight itinerary. Choose the cash or check option and complete the paperwork.
Using the merchandise before visiting the refund office. Bringing photocopies or email receipts instead of originals. Waiting more than 30 days between purchase and departure. Shopping at non-participating retailers. Trying to claim food, hotel stays or services.
The Grand Slam Team Store at Globe Life Field carries official Texas Rangers merchandise. The MLB Shop ships Rangers gear online. For shopping districts, NorthPark Center in Dallas is one of the largest malls in the country. Grapevine Mills near DFW Airport has outlet stores and Meow Wolf. The Fort Worth Stockyards have western wear and boot shops along East Exchange Avenue.
Keep your receipts from all purchases and check whether the store participates in the tax refund program before you buy.
Yes. Foreign passport holders can reclaim a portion of sales tax on eligible purchases through private refund operators.
The cash option returns approximately 50 percent of the tax processed. The check or PayPal option returns approximately 65 percent, minus per-store fees.
Participating branded retailers, malls and outlet centers. Costco, Sam’s Club and non-participating stores are excluded. Ask the store before purchasing.
No. You must visit a refund office in person before departing the United States, with your goods, receipts and passport.
No. Food, beverages, hotel stays, rental cars and services do not qualify.
Cash refunds are immediate. Check or PayPal refunds take three to six months.
