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VAT Exemption Program

We Aim To Save & Serve!

The Value Added Tax (VAT) office provides a notable benefit to Team Mildenhall saving money and improving quality of life. The VAT program supports eligible military and civilian personnel for purchases of materials and/or services for personal use only (private organizations are ineligible to use the program).

Members who meet the eligibility requirements may make VAT-free purchases from suppliers in the United Kingdom, where purchases exceed £100.00 inclusive of VAT.

Schedule Your Appointment

Customer Process for VAT Free Purchase Program

Step 1

Identify item(s) or services for purchase. The selling price must be £100 or greater (VAT included).

Step 2

Determine if the supplier is willing to participate in the program; a letter explaining the program to the supplier is available at your local VAT office.

The program is voluntary for vendors and they must accept payment via check.

Do not pay the vendor before receiving the check. The check issued should be given to the vendor to receive item/s or services on the invoice provided.

Step 3

Obtain a cost quote/invoice addressed (customer) to the FSS Fund or other service agency equivalent (e.g. 100 FSS). The cost quote must contain the following information:

  • Name of the Supplier (business or individual) Address
  • Phone Number
  • Listing of each Item/Service
  • Total cost of Purchase (excluding VAT)
  • Date of Quote (must be within 30 days)

Step 4

Go to your authorized VAT office with your cost quote/invoice, Valid ID Card and Valid Ration Card: (items are required at each appointment, regardless if patron has used the program before)

  • Make Payment by Credit Card or Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) for the amount of quote/invoice price without VAT including a 2% administrative fee.
  • The processing fee can be paid in USD cash or GBP cash equivalent.
    • E-1 to E-6 / GS-1 to GS-6 = $8.00
    • E-7 & above / O-1 & above / GS-7 & above = $10.00
    • We charge credit cards in US Dollars at the NAF Rate for that day at the Central Cashier.
  • Pound Sterling Cashier’s Check made payable to 100 FSS can be accepted.

Step 5

The VAT Free Purchase Program will have the check and two VAT Free Purchase Certificates ready for same day pick up in office from 3:00 to 4:00 PM Room 123; or can be mailed to your Mildenhall Base Postal Box for same day check pick up after 3:00 PM by request.

  • Have the supplier complete (Print Name, Sign, and Date) both VAT Free Purchase Certificates
  • The vendor will keep a copy for their records and provide you with the second signed copy to return back to the VAT Free Purchase Program Office within 10 days.
  • Certificates may be dropped off at the VAT office (or Room 123 in Bldg 450), or mailed using the return addressed envelope provided, or emailed to 100fss.fsra@us.af.mil. If mailing, please mail using the RAF Mildenhall on-base Post Office.

Notes and Reminders

  • Failure to return the vendor signed VAT Free Purchase Certificate may result in your exclusion from future participation.
  • No item purchased under this program may be given, sold, or otherwise transferred to any person not eligible for the program.
  • All invoices are subject to approval.
    • Material and/or services must be for personal use only.
    • Private organizations are ineligible.
    • Home refurbishments are strictly prohibited.
    • Unit/going away Gifts prohibited.
    • Photos may be requested to validate eligibility of certain items.

Customer Process Details

Below you can find links, information, and downloads to stay informed and complete the process. If you need any further assistance which cannot be found on this page, click on our contact info below.

VAT Free Purchase Handout
Memorandum for UK Suppliers
VAT Program Application

What is the VAT-Free Purchase Program?

Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on the sale of goods or services by UK businesses. The VAT Free Purchase Program is open to all eligible personnel authorized a valid DoD ID card and valid ration card. The program enables personnel to purchase goods or services without paying the VAT. Purchases should only be made after vendor agrees to participate in the program and issues an invoice addressed to 100 FSS or FSS Fund. Payment to the vendor is made by check. Due to bank charges, some businesses will not accept checks for payment and do not participate in the program.

The following are some examples of the most common goods or services the VAT Free Purchase Program is used for:

  • Vehicle Rental
  • Vehicle Repairs
  • Furniture
  • Veterinary Treatment
  • Window Replacement
  • Solicitor’s Fees
  • Heating Oil (Kerosene)

There are some exceptions for goods or services that you are unable to use the VAT Free Purchase Program. For example:

  • Purchasing a vehicle
  • Purchasing a house
  • Utility Bills (Electric, Phone etc.)
  • Renovations or refurbishments
  • Unit/going away gifts

All invoices are subject to approval. Photos may be requested to validate eligibility of certain items.

If you have any questions regarding the eligibility of goods or services authorized for the VAT Free Purchase Program please call:

Commercial: 4401638.54.3822
DSN: 238.3822

VAT Free Purchase Program Process

Goods or services cost must be £100.00 or more including VAT.

Find out if the Vendor is willing to participate in the VAT Free Purchase Program. The program is voluntary for vendors and must accept payment via check. A letter explaining the program to the Vendor is available from the VAT Free Purchase Program Office.

Obtain an invoice addressed to 100 FSS or FSS Fund. The invoice must contain the following information:

  • Name of the Vendor (business or individual)
  • Vendor Address
  • Vendor Phone Number
  • Detailed listing of each item & price per item and/or service
  • Total Cost of Purchase (excluding VAT)
  • Date of Invoice (must be within 30 days)

VAT Free Purchase Program Payment

The VAT Free Purchase Program Office accepts all major Credit Cards and Debit Cards. We charge credit cards in US Dollars at the NAF Rate for that day at the Central Cashier. Pound Sterling Cashier’s Check made payable to 100 FSS can be accepted.

Personal checks are not accepted.

Go to your VAT Free Purchase Program Office with your invoice made payable to 100 FSS, payment method (to include processing fee) valid DoD ID card and valid ration card.

In addition to the fees below, customers paying with credit/debit cards will incur a 2% fee.

The processing fees for each VAT Free Purchase Program transaction is:

  • E-1 to E-6 / GS-1 to GS-6 = $8.00
  • E-7 & above / O-1 & above / GS-7 & above = $10.00

This covers the cost of processing the card transaction.

Contactless payments are available.

The processing fee can be paid in USD cash or GBP cash equivalent.

Check Pick-Up

  • RAF Mildenhall on-base Post Office box: same day after 3:00 PM.
  • In-office check pick-up is available upon request. Pick-up hours are 3:00 – 4:00 PM in Bldg 450, Room 123.
  • The VAT Free Purchase Program will deliver the VAT Check and VAT Free Purchase Certificates (with return Envelope) to your APO Post Office box. Available to RAF Mildenhall box holders from 3:00 PM the same day.

Complete the Process

Once received, please take the Check and VAT Free Purchase Certificates to the Vendor to purchase goods or services.

Please have the Vendor sign and date each copy of the VAT Free Purchase Certificates. The vendor will keep a copy for their records and provide you with the second signed copy to return back to the VAT Free Purchase Program Office within 10 days. Certificates may be dropped off at the VAT office (or Room 123) or mailed using the return addressed envelope provided or emailed to 100fss.fsra@us.af.mil. If mailing, please mail using the Base Post Office.

Notes and Reminders

  • Failure to return the vendor signed VAT Free Purchase Certificate may result in your exclusion from future participation.
  • No item purchased under this program may be given, sold, or otherwise transferred to any person not eligible for the program.
  • All invoices are subject to approval.
    • Material and/or services must be for personal use only.
    • Private organizations are ineligible.
    • Home refurbishments are strictly prohibited.
    • Unit/going away Gifts prohibited.
    • Photos may be requested to validate eligibility of certain items.

Book Your Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an appointment for the VAT-Free Purchase Program?

You can use the Calendly application provided on this page. An Appointment may be scheduled through the VAT Office as well.

Commercial: 4401638.54.3822
DSN: 314.238.3822

When are appointments available?

There are appointments available every 15 minutes from 8 am to noon. As time slots are booked they will be removed as an option on the appointment scheduler.

Please keep in mind the VAT Office is closed on US Federal Holidays, UK Holidays, Goal & Family Days. The online scheduler will not allow any appointment bookings for these days.

I don’t have a ration card. How do I get a ration card issued?

Ration cards are issued by your squadron’s Commander’s Support Staff (CSS). If CSS is unable to issue the ration card you may reach out to the Military Personnel Flight (MPF).

Can I request more than one VAT Free Purchase request on the same day?

Yes, but there will be a processing fee charged for each check issued.

Is there a limit on the amount the invoice can be?

No, provided you have the funds to pay for the transaction.

Can I pick up checks from the VAT Office?

Yes, same-day check pick-up is available upon request. Pick-up hours are 3:00 – 4:00 PM in room 123 (Resource Management) in bldg. 450.

Does RAF Lakenheath offer the VAT Exemption Program?

Yes, their VAT Free Purchase or VAT Exemption Program is located in Bldg. 977 (inside MPF building, ground floor to the right), RAF Lakenheath.

RAF Lakenheath VAT Office Information: lakenheathfss.com/vat-relief-program

Schedule your appointment online: calendly.com/48fss-vat 

What information do I need to use for the online appointment scheduler?

You will only need to enter your name and email address. A confirmation email will be sent to you immediately after you confirm your appointment booking.

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