Deadlines for receiving payments via tach free. Minimum purchase price

In simple terms, the term Tax Free means the procedure for refunding tax on goods purchased abroad.

general information

Tax free– this is a cash return to a foreigner tax included in each product. In our state this tax is called or abbreviated VAT. In England - VAT, in France TVA, in Spain - IVA, etc.

For some reason in our country tax included in the goods named value added tax and thereby confused ordinary people. The terminology “value added tax” is completely incomprehensible without external explanation. Either they translated tracing paper from other languages, or they “had” to make something simple complicated.

It is customary to return tax free due to the fact that VAT is a tax, the proceeds of which are used to support the lives of its citizens. Considering that most tourists from other countries come for a short time, they do not have time to take advantage of these social benefits. So it’s fair to give them this money. This is where one of the rules follows. You may be denied tax free if you have stayed in the country for more than a certain period of time. Usually more than 90 days. Or you have a residence permit in this country.

The Tax Free amount varies from one state to another and on average ranges from 10 to 20 percent.

Each country has restrictions on the minimum amount of goods after which you are entitled to a tax free refund.

Tax free is refundable for clothing, household appliances, jewelry and some other types of goods. There are exceptions, for example, in Norway you can return tax free for money spent on food if it is more than 285 kroner (about 20 euros).

How to return Tax free

1. The product must be purchased in a store operating under the Tax Free system. Company logos of tax refund companies may be pasted on store windows or inside the store. In the store you can ask the sellers if they have tax free.

There are several companies involved in tax free refunds. The most famous and with the widest network is Globalblue. In fact, it doesn’t matter who exactly is responsible for returning your money. Just remember their icons. When you see it in the store, it will become clear to you without words that you can get tax free here.

2. When making a purchase in such a store, ask for tax free. You should be given special Tax Free Checks.

3. The tax free check must be filled out (not necessarily in the store), you must indicate your data: full name, passport number, residential address, email address, and also sign. Keep in mind that if you want to receive money at the airport upon departure, then the checkbox should be next to Cash (cash).

4. Put a customs stamp at the airport on the tax free receipt. This is done either in special offices that are available at the airport (sometimes before going through customs). Or, if they are not there, then the stamp must be placed where they make a note in your passport about going through customs, i.e. at the border guards. Very important: without this stamp you will not get your money back!

According to the rules, you must show: a completed tax free receipt, a regular sales receipt, and the product in its original packaging. Sometimes customs officers may neglect the latter, but they have every right to refuse to print you on a tax free check if you are already using the item or you don’t have it with you.

5. Collect the money by giving a stamped check to special tax free points, which are called Tax Free cash Refund.

Sometimes tax-free points at the border run out of cash. In this case, you will be given an envelope in which you place the completed tax free check. The tax free check must indicate with a tick that you want to receive the money on a plastic card and indicate which one. After which the envelope must be placed in a special box, which, as a rule, is located here. And forget about it for a couple of months. Money can take up to 4 months.

You can also use this method (send an envelope) if you do not have time to receive money at the point of issue due to a long queue. A special envelope for sending, where stamps are not required, is usually given in the store along with a tax free check.

For each place (country or city), it is better to find out in advance how the procedure for issuing tax free is carried out. Each place may have its own rules. For example, sometimes you need to stamp a tax-free receipt before passing through any checkpoints and get cash there nearby. And if you go through customs, you will either have to go back or get money in another way.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Forgot to put a tax free stamp at the border

In this case, there are several options. Get stamped at customs on your next trip. As mentioned above, you must have the product with you in its original packaging. Or, in your own country, go to the embassy of the country where the purchase was made and get a stamp. There is a commission of around 20 euros for this process.

Where can I return tax free in Moscow?

Banks that return tax free are listed on the website www.globalblue.ru. You can also look there for other cities.

Deadlines for receiving tax free

Each country has its own deadlines for obtaining tax free. There are two deadlines:
– Tax free check period is the time during which you need to put a customs stamp on the check. On average 3 months, but there are exceptions up to 30 days or six months.
– The validity period of the customs stamp on this check. From 2 months and unlimited.

Minimum amount to apply for Tax Free and more

The data in the table is for informational purposes only and may not reflect recent changes, if any. If you need absolutely accurate data, contact tax free refund companies or other official sources for information.

The Soviet era of total shortages is long gone. Domestic counters are literally “groaning” from imported abundance. The era has passed, but the harmful bacillus, which encourages our compatriots to look for exclusive items in the West, has taken root in our consciousness forever. And it doesn’t matter that you have to overpay for this “exclusive” (which has ceased to be such for 20 years now). Do the math: air tickets, visas, hotels, transfers - all this ultimately results in solid numbers. Maybe that’s why (in order to sweeten the expensive pill), the leadership of the EU countries came up with the idea for the Russians, Chinese, Japanese TAX FREE?

And the EU leadership is also making sure that we remember for a long time the long tails of queues “for something” in the wonderful Soviet times. After all, it is almost impossible to get a refund after a shocking shopping spree in Italy without tedious waiting. But, jokes aside, our story is on a serious topic. So…

Dedicated to all Russians shopping in Italy...

What is TAX FREE?

International VAT refund system for people not residing in EU countries. This means that Russians (Chinese, Arabs, Japanese) making a trip to Italian stores can soften the bitterness of losing their money by returning a small percentage.

What is the refund amount?

The percentage of TAX FREE varies from country to country. Tax free in Italy - 22%. It's official. In fact, its value varies greatly. Stores enter into unfavorable agreements with intermediaries for tourists, which we will talk about later. As a result, a Russian citizen receives 11-13%, instead of 22%. The exception is exclusive stores (jewelry, fur). In them, the returned amount sometimes reaches several thousand euros.

Minimum purchase price

The total amount of purchases is above 155 €. They must be completed during the day and certainly in one store, less often - in one trading house. For example, Milan Center La Rinascente At the Global Blue office, a general tax free invoice is issued for all purchases in different boutiques.

Which stores offer Tax Free?

We noticed shop windows with a logo or Global Blue, or Tax Refund or Premier Tax Free- that way. There are more than 18,000 such outlets in Italy.

How to ask a seller about Tax Free?

After choosing a product and going to the checkout, say: "Tax Free, per favor". Say the phrase before making a purchase.

What documents are required?

Personally, you need a passport. For large purchases, branded equipment (for example, Apple) without a passport, a discount will not be issued.

The store is obliged to issue:

• Fattura- a special invoice, which indicates: the purchase amount (as in the receipt) and the return amount (without this figure, customs officers will not put the required stamp). Sellers may fill out your personal information themselves or ask you to do so.

Return methods

1. In the city before leaving.
2. At the airport of Rome, Milan, Naples, Rimini, Verona, Pisa, Bologna.
3. In Moscow.

Return in the city

Without waiting for the return flight, you can return the taxi free at the city offices of the return points. A list of Global Blue offices is available on globalblue.ru. A list of TAX Refund points is available on the website taxrefund.it. When going for money, take:

1. Product.
2. Fattura.
3. Passport.
4. Return ticket.
5. Credit card.

The tax-free return procedure looks like this. Employees, after checking the checks, pay the money, while recording the credit card details. You undertake, in turn, to send stamped checks to the office address on time. Otherwise, the amount paid and a fine for failure to fulfill the agreement will be debited from the card.

Expensive fur and jewelry boutiques provide a similar service without intermediaries. This is the most profitable return for the buyer. Such stores return the maximum percentage (22%). That is, you are buying a product that is “cleared” of value added tax (VAT).

There are special boxes at the airport for stamped checks in a branded envelope (issued along with the fattura). The envelope can be sent from Russia by post, affixing the necessary stamps.

Standard return procedure at Italian airports

1. Take your boarding pass.
2. Approach the dogana (customs point) with documents (coupon, passport, checks, fattura) and with things purchased in the country. Do not cut off labels from products.
3. The customs officer, after checking the purchases and receipts, puts a stamp.
4. Find items Global Blue, or Tax Refund or Premier Tax Free and present stamped receipts.
5. You receive the money in cash or leave your credit card details, to which the entire amount will be transferred in 3-5 days.

Yaroslav, St. Petersburg:

“I left my card details at the Rome airport (in January 2019). I waited 2 weeks in vain. I thought my blood was crying! It’s good that I kept the piece of paper with the phone number from Premier Tax Free. I called. I had to “growl” in Italian-English. I received mine after 3 weeks. Unpleasant story."

Rome. Tax Free at Aeroporto di Fiumicino

There are 2 customs offices in the building. The first is intended for passengers wishing to send items purchased in Italy as luggage. Huge queues, in which it is easy to lose 2 hours, are 100% inevitable. The undoubted advantage of this item is a superficial inspection of purchases.

Olga, Petrozavodsk:

“I once received TAX FREE by showing a used Naf Naf dress instead of a purchased Max Mara outfit.”

You will see the second dogana behind the store Salvatore Ferragamo after going through passport control. This dogana undergoes the procedure for those who “prefer to carry everything they own with them” rather than check it in as luggage. The queue here is small, but things are examined more carefully.

Opposite this customs house there is a crowd of people at the window Global Blue. Direct refunds occur in this window. Be patient and take time (the final step will take another 40 minutes).

Milan. Tax Free at Aeroporto di Milano - Malpensa

The first customs office (registration hall) checks checks more quickly than the passport control point. In the window Premier Tax Free(return) for some reason there are always fewer people than in the other two. Experienced shopping lovers in Milan know this and initially look for stores that have entered into contracts with this intermediary company. Return office hours are available at airportmalpensa.com.

Vera, Tula:

“The worst airport in terms of refunds! Active Arabs and disciplined Chinese visit Milan with the only mission - to collect more goods. Three-hour queues, noise, hassle. You wouldn't wish it on your enemy! Passengers who get lost in queues are often called over the loudspeaker, and they drop everything and run to the plane.”

Rimini. Tax Free at Aeroporto di "Federico Fellini"

Map of Federico Fellini airport.

Customs is located next to the check-in counters for planes flying to Russia. Customs officers are extremely picky: they open the boxes, check the letters on the store receipt with the letters on the product label. The inspection takes 20 (at least) minutes.

Cash pick-up points are located on the second floor. You need to get to them before going through passport control.

Moscow. Return Tax Free

In Moscow, refunds are made by:

• First Czech-Russian Bank;
• SMP Bank;
• Intesa;
• Promsvyazbank;
• MDM Bank.

Not all Moscow bank branches can make payments., therefore, before you go for hard-earned money, call and check the address of the desired branch. The receipts you present must be stamped by Italian customs officers.

Do not forget!

• TAX FREE checks for Italian purchases are valid for 3 months. Make sure you meet this deadline!
• For each Fattura, upon receipt of cash, a commission of 3 € is charged.

Farewell parable

At the planning meeting, the director of the holding instructs managers:
- Ask the client what he wants more: a discount or the product itself. If a discount is more important to him, offer the product for triple the price with a 50% markdown - let him be happy!

Sometimes, when picking up an item worth more than 155 €, an excited shopper does not notice that she is choosing an unnecessary item (skirt, trousers). At home, she sighs in disappointment: “Why did I grab this?” The resulting benefit is zero. Don't make mistakes!

When shopping in Europe, you often see a blue Tax Free sticker. Those who go abroad for the first time usually do not attach any importance to this sticker, although with the help of this system you can return up to a quarter of the cost of purchases. In this article we will talk about the return system and the benefits of using it.

What is Tax Free?

Tax Free is a specially designed system that allows you to return value added tax, which you, as a taxpayer of another tax zone, are not required to pay.

When a tourist or businessman bought certain goods and decided to take them outside the country where the purchase was made, he has the right to return a percentage of the amount that is allocated for VAT. This system has mutually beneficial aspects for both parties, namely:

• for a tourist/businessman there is a chance to really save money;
• For the country where the goods were purchased, it is advantageous to stimulate exports, as a result of which demand and trade turnover increase.

In most European countries, VAT is 20%. If the amount on the price tag is 100 €, then you should understand that the real cost of the product is 83.5 € and another 16.7 € is added to the price due to value added tax (83.5 x 20%= 16.7 €). It is this tax (16.7 €) that you can return if the check amount exceeds the minimum, which is different for each country.

So, with this tax refund system, you can get an additional discount of around 10-20% on all your overseas purchases.

Minimum amounts

Each member country of the system sets its own limits for the minimum amount that a tourist must spend in order to be able to return part of the funds. As for the most ideal tariffs, it is profitable to buy in Germany, since the minimum amount to use the system is 25 €. Switzerland is the most unprofitable in this regard - you need to spend 400 €.

Below you will find a list of countries that have a tax refund system, the tax rate and the minimum purchase amount for a refund.

EU countries:

• Belgium (21%., 125 €)
• Bulgaria (20%, 200 lev)
• Cyprus (19%, 50 €)
• Denmark (25%, 300 kroner)
• Germany (19%, 25 €)
• UK (20%, £30)
• Estonia (20%, 38 €)
• Finland (24%, 40 €)
• France (20%, 175 €)
• Greece (23%, 120 €)
• Hungary (27%, 5000 forints)
• Ireland (23%, no minimum)
• Italy (22%, 155 €)
• Latvia (21%, 44 €)
• Lithuania (21%, 58 €)
• Luxembourg (15%, 74 €)
• Malta (18%, 55 €)
• Holland (21%, 50 €)
• Austria (20%, 75 €)
• Poland (23%, 200 zloty)
• Portugal (23%, 60 €)
• Romania (24%, 250 lei)
• Slovakia (20%, 175 €)
• Slovenia (20%, 50 €)
• Spain (21%, 90 €)
• Czech Republic (21%, 2000 CZK)
• Sweden (25%, 200 CZK)
• Croatia (25%, 500 kn)

Other countries:

• Indonesia (10%, $440)
• Japan (10%, 5000 yen)
• Korea (10%, 30,000 won)
• Malaysia (6%, 5000 rupees)
• Singapore (7%, SGD 100)
• Switzerland (8%, CHF 300)
• Taiwan (5%, NT$3,000)
• Thailand (7%, 5000 baht)
• Türkiye (8-18%, 100 liras)

How to return Tax free

The refund procedure consists of 2 or 3 stages:

Check and receipt

For example, we went to a store that works with the Tax Free system and bought goods for 150 €. We approach the seller and ask for a special check. It indicates purchases, cost, VAT and the amount not included in the treasury of a particular state.

After being told that you need to apply for tax free, the seller must issue a special receipt in your name (you will need to show your passport). You will need to provide your details and sign.

According to the rules, you do not have the right to use the purchased goods until they are exported from the country. To do this, the seller can seal your product with special tape. In this form you must show the goods to customs. Not all countries take this point seriously, but it can be an official reason to reject your application. Remember this.

It is also worth remembering that you cannot total checks. You can get a tax refund on each check, but its value must be greater than the minimum value for a refund.

Customs stamp

After you have purchased the goods and received a completed receipt, we go to register at the airport, seaport or other place where there is customs control. There you need to approach customs officers with a request to issue a tax refund. A wet stamp is placed on a receipt made in a store.

Refund

You can usually receive a commission refund at the same airport, seaport and other places where there are points for accepting commission refund checks. You need to take into account the fact that in some places check processing takes place behind passport control, but most often before it, so that you do not need to carry your purchases as hand luggage. It is imperative to ask customs service consultants how the procedure for receiving funds goes. A tourist can choose a currency convenient for himself. You should also remember that commissions are deducted upon payment.

If you have a late flight and the “Tax Free” option no longer works, you need to ask the customs officer to put an exit stamp on your check (show the receipt and say “tax free”). Upon arrival in your country, within 3 months (that’s how long the check is valid) you will need to find the office of one of the companies involved in the return and provide them with the check, a copy of the passport and visa during which the purchase was made. Within a few business days, the funds minus the commission will be transferred to your bank account.

Tax Free or Tax-Free is an international system for refunding value added tax, known in our country as VAT. It is returned from purchases made by foreign citizens in 46 countries when leaving their territories. You can return up to 20% of the total purchase amount (depending on the country).

Several operators act as intermediaries between states and foreign buyers: Global Blue , Premier Tax Free, Eurorefund, VP Tax Free, GB Taxfree, Vatfree.com and Tax Refund, Yvesam Tax Refund Services and others.

All of these operators help tourists receive VAT refunds, which is why you should look for their badges on the doors of stores - on the doors, checkouts and display windows.

In general, if you comply with simple requirements and complete the necessary formalities during purchases and when leaving the country, then shopping abroad will become not only a very pleasant experience, but also economically profitable.

For VAT refund Only foreign buyers can count who do not have a residence permit for the country in which they are making purchases.

Also, foreigners who are in the country on a work visa and those who stay here for more than 90 days will not be able to take advantage of Tax Free.

That is, a Russian citizen can count on Tax Free when purchasing in any European country, but, for example, a Frenchman will not be able to recover VAT when purchasing goods, for example, in Spain.

While shoppingYou must obtain a Tax Free Form receipt at the store(another name is Global Refund Check). It must be filled out correctly in printed Latin letters: enter your passport details, purchase amount, VAT amount and refund amount.

Both the cash receipt and the Tax Free Form receipt are very important, so keep them until you return to your home country.

In the store, your purchases will be packaged and sealed with special tape, the integrity of which must not be damaged.

Need to purchase goodsfor a minimum amount in one of the stores operating under the Tax Free system. The amount of such a minimum purchase varies in different countries - it is better to check it in advance on the website of one of the operating companies or they will tell you about it in the store.

For example, in Italy, a foreign buyer is required to buy goods for at least 154.94 euros on one Tax Free Form receipt, and in Finland - only 40 euros (this can be one thing or several).

When leaving the country, you must obtain a stamp at customs on a Tax Free Form (Global Refund Check) receipt, presenting purchases, a cash receipt and a passport.

Also, do not forget that the Tax Free Form receipt has its own validity period. Basically this is 3 months from the date of purchase. But there are exceptions; they need to be clarified on the websites of operating companies. For example, in Austria there are no validity restrictions at all, but in Switzerland it is only 1 month.

It is important to consider that different states have their own conditions for returning Tax Free purchases. Therefore, before traveling abroad, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the VAT refund rules in the country in which you plan to make purchases. This can be done on one of the websites of operating companies.

In which countries does Tax Free work?

What products can I get Tax Free for?

VAT is not refundable on goods purchased online, as well as on alcohol, cigarettes, books, food and services (hotels, restaurants, etc.).

Can I use purchased items before leaving the country?

How and where can I get Tax-Free?

Secondly, you can seal the receipt with the customs stamp and the cash receipt in a Tax Free envelope and put it in a special Tax Free box at the airport. In this case, the money will be returned to you on the credit card, the number of which you indicate in the documents. Money arrives on average from 3 to 8 weeks.

Thirdly, money can be obtained from one of the Russian banks that works with Tax Free. To do this, while in Russia, contact such a bank with documents: internal Russian passport, international passport, Tax Free Form and cash receipt.

Didn't manage to get the Tax Free Form stamp at the border?

How is the Tax Free refund amount calculated?

And in the case of a non-cash refund in a currency that differs from the Tax Free Form currency, a conversion fee (on average 3-5%) will also be deducted from the amount of your refund.

In order to find out the exact amount of compensation, it is better to use the calculator on the website of the operator company.

Can Tax-Free be refunded to any bank card or only to the one with which the purchase was paid?

You can receive a refund to any bank card, even to a card that you do not own.

How to find Tax Free return points in Russia?

What is the easiest way to get Tax Free?

To do this, we advise you to arrive at the airport (port or train station) in advance: the fact is that the check-in counters may be quite far from the customs and Tax Free cash Refund counters, plus there may be queues there. Well, if the airport is huge, then an extra hour of extra time will definitely not hurt you.

Before checking in for your flight, you need to go to the customs counter with the Tax Free Form, cash receipt, passport and your purchases so that the customs officer will stamp the receipt. Don't forget to make sure all your purchases are packaged and tagged with price tags in advance.

After the stamp from the customs officers has been placed on the Tax Free Form, go to the Tax Free Refund or VAT Refund cash return point (or to the counter of an operating company, for example Global Blue, if you processed through it), present there a receipt with a stamp, a cash receipt and passport. Such return points are usually located next to Duty Free.

Tax Free is a system for refunding value added tax on purchases made by a foreign citizen.

Value added tax is included in the final cost of the product. This money is transferred by the seller to the state budget, from where it is distributed to various social programs. Foreigners are not involved in the social mechanisms of the country, and therefore are exempt from paying taxes. This right is formalized not through a discount, but through the return of overpaid money after leaving the country.

How much can you save?

The amount of money refunded depends on the amount of value added tax established in the specific country where the purchase was made. The minimum share is , this is exactly the amount of Tax Free established in Japan. Hungary remains the most generous in the list of countries providing Tax Free: by default, they return 27% of the price.

Moreover, the amount returned in reality may be significantly less than what the tourist expects. The money is usually returned through a third party with which the store has a contract. For the services, the intermediary will keep part of the funds for himself. The largest companies working with Tax Free are Premier Tax Free, Global Blue, Innova Tax Free.

What to buy to get Tax Free

In most countries, you can get a tax refund on purchases of clothing, shoes, household and electronic appliances, watches and jewelry.

At the same time, books, food products, medicines, souvenirs and services may not be subject to regulations on VAT refunds to foreigners.

How to get Tax Free

To make a purchase

A corresponding sticker is placed on the door or window of a store that provides Tax Free refund receipts. The information is usually in English, so you don't have to be a polyglot to understand it.

The sticker will also indicate the name of the company through which you will be processing your return.

Issue Tax Free checks

To return Tax Free, the seller needs to issue special checks. In any country, they can be requested using the keywords Tax Free check or Tax Free form. This document is attached to a standard cash receipt. To complete the paperwork, you will need a passport or a photocopy of it. Make sure that all personal data is transferred to the form correctly, as errors may become grounds for refusal of a tax refund.

Easytaxfree.com

Each country has a minimum amount for which Tax Free checks are issued. For example, in Germany it is 25 euros, in France - 175 euros, in Holland - 50 euros, in the UK - 30 pounds sterling, in Argentina - 70 Argentine pesos, in Japan - 5 thousand yen.

Purchases for this amount must be made in one check. Large shopping centers sometimes have special departments that will collect data about your purchases from different stores into one common document.

Food and non-food items cannot be included in one check.

Put a stamp at customs

When leaving the country where purchases were made, you must get a stamp at customs to confirm the export of your items. To do this, service employees need to present receipts and goods in packaging, without signs of use. To be more convincing, you can keep branded store packages.

The states of the European Union are considered a single zone, so you must put an export stamp in the country through which you are leaving the EU.

The stamp is affixed in a special office at customs; you should look for it using the Tax Free office sign. If it is located before the check-in counters, simply contact it and get the appropriate stamps. Sometimes the Tax Free customs office is located behind the check-in counters. In this case, put the items purchased in the country into your hand luggage so that you have something to prove the fact of purchase.

Checks have their own expiration date, during which they must be stamped by customs. Most often, documents should be stamped within three months from the date of purchase. In Switzerland, Norway, Morocco, the period is reduced to one month.

Get money

There are three ways to return VAT in material terms:

1. At the airport

With checks stamped by customs, contact the Tax Refund office of the intermediary company listed in your documents. The required amount can be given in cash or transferred to a card whose details you provide.

For issuing taxes in cash, the company can deduct a percentage; the funds will be credited to the card without deductions.

Some companies install special mailboxes at airports where you can drop a check with a customs stamp and the number of the bank card to which the funds will be received.

2. When crossing the border by land

The Tax Refund office may be located at the checkpoint. In this case, you need to get a stamp from department employees and then apply for a refund.

3. Via mail

Send the receipt with a customs stamp to the intermediary company by mail. The address must be indicated on the document itself. Don't forget to enter your bank card number in the form. The money will arrive in your account on average in 1–2 months.

4. At the bank

In some cases, you can return the money to one of the banks that cooperates with an intermediary company for Tax Free payments. Global Blue issues money in Kaliningrad, Moscow and St. Petersburg through the Intesa bank, in Pskov - through AKB Slavia; Innova Tax Free - through SMPbank in Moscow, Chelyabinsk, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Yekaterinburg. A complete list of financial institutions that issue money can be seen on the website of your intermediary.

In rare cases, the tax may be refunded to you in the store immediately after purchase. However, then you will definitely need to send a Tax Free check by mail with a customs stamp, otherwise the issued amount will be debited from your card.

Why may a tax refund be denied?

1. The Tax Free form is filled out with errors.
2. You did not put a stamp at customs about the export of things from the country where you bought them.
3. The dates on the cash receipt and the Tax Free form do not match. This rule is not followed in all countries. For example, in Spain, purchases made in one store on different days are summed up.
4. According to the instructions, you can apply for VAT with a receipt stamped by customs within a period of three months (Belgium, Greece, Morocco, etc.) to infinity (Netherlands, Lithuania, Lebanon). In practice, it is better not to delay applying for money, otherwise you may be refused.