In Como, tax-free shopping continues to grow thanks to Ticino customers (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

Last year saw a 6% increase. Those arriving from Ticino mainly shop at large retailers.

Contesto

TL;DR - Tax Free purchases in Como grow 6% thanks to Ticino customers. - Lugano, Chiasso, Mendrisio buyers spend 20% more than previous year. - Ticino buyers can save up to 22% on purchases in Como. - Requirements: Swiss residency, income <120k CHF, min purchase 154.94 EUR. ## Key facts - Main customers: Customers from Ticino, particularly from Lugano, Chiasso, and Mendrisio. - Growth rate: 6% increase in Tax Free purchases in the Como area. - Average spending: Buyers from Ticino spent 20% more than the previous year. - Lugano spending: Lugano customers made Tax Free purchases worth around 1.2 million euros in 2022. - Chiasso spending: Chiasso customers made Tax Free purchases worth 900,000 euros in 2022. - Residency requirement: Buyers must be resident in Switzerland with an annual gross income of less than 120,000 Swiss francs. - Minimum purchase: Minimum purchase of 154.94 euros (over 25 years old) or 175.82 euros (under 25 years old). - Refund deadline: VAT refund must be requested within 3 months from the date of purchase. Tax Free continues to grow in Como thanks to Ticino customers The Tax Free phenomenon continues to grow in the Como area, mainly thanks to customers from Ticino. According to last year's data, there was a 6% increase in Tax Free purchases. Most of these purchases come from people arriving from Ticino, particularly to shop in large-scale retail. In particular, the Ticino municipalities of Lugano, Chiasso, and Mendrisio are among the main contributors to this increase. The data show that buyers from these areas spent an average of 20% more than the previous year. For example, in 2022, Lugano customers made Tax Free purchases worth around 1.2 million euros, while those from Chiasso reached 900,000 euros. The city of Como has become a benchmark...

Dettagli operativi

The Reasons Behind the Increase 📊 Growth in Tax-Free purchases can be attributed to the convenience offered by lower prices compared to the Ticino region. Many products, particularly those from the large distribution sector, are bought in greater quantities by Ticinese customers. The geographical proximity and ease of reaching Como make it a preferred destination for many cross-border shoppers. The growth in Tax-Free purchases in Como is also due to the presence of large shopping centers and the variety of products available. According to available data, in 2022 Tax-Free purchases in Como recorded a 15% increase compared to the previous year, with a total of 12 million euros spent by foreign customers. The majority of these purchases come from Swiss clients, particularly from border areas such as Mendrisio, Chiasso, and Lugano. A concrete example of how lower prices can influence purchases is the case of coffee. A kilogram of coffee can cost up to 10 Swiss francs in Switzerland, while in Italy it can be purchased for 6-7 euros, which is approximately 10-15% less. This can be an important factor of attraction for Ticinese customers seeking to save money. In addition, Italian Tax-Free regulations stipulate that foreign customers can request a refund of the 22% VAT on purchases exceeding 154.94 euros. This can be an additional incentive for Ticinese customers to make purchases in Como. To take advantage of Tax-Free, customers must: - Be non-resident abroad - Have a valid passport - Make purchases exceeding 154.94 euros - Request a VAT refund at the store or shopping center In comparison, the Tax-Free system in Switzerland provides a VAT refund of 7.7% on purchases exceeding 300 francs, but only for non-EU foreign customers. As stated by the director of a shopping center i...

Punti chiave

[object Object] Check tax deadlines for cross-border workers: returns, Swiss declarations, rebates — all dates in one interactive calendar. Source: laregione.ch

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How many Tax Free purchases were made in Como by Ticino customers in 2022?","a":"In 2022, customers in Lugano made Tax Free purchases worth around €1.2 million, while those in Chiasso reached €900,000."},{"q":"What is the annual gross income limit to be able to use the Tax Free in Como if you are a resident of Switzerland?","a":"The limit is 120,000 Swiss francs (about 112,000 euros) gross."},{"q":"Which shops in Como offer the fastest Tax Free refund for Ticino customers?","a":"Large shopping centers in Como, such as the Como Nord Shopping Center and the Viale Como Shopping Center, have dedicated Tax Free counters that process the refund in about 10-15 minutes. Electronics chains (MediaWorld, Unieuro) and fashion boutiques (Zara, H&M) also offer counters with average waiting times of less than 20 minutes, ensuring a quick procedure for Ticino customers."},{"q":"What is the minimum spending threshold to obtain the Tax Free refund in Como for those under 25 years of age?","a":"For cross-border commuters under 25 years of age, the minimum expenditure required is 175.82 euros in a single transaction. This threshold is set by the Italian legislation on Tax Free and applies to all participating shops, both in large retailers and in small businesses, as long as the customer presents a valid identity document."},{"q":"How much average savings in euros can a Ticino cross-border commuter obtain by buying electronics in Como with Tax Free?","a":"The Tax Free refund returns 22% VAT. A cross-border commuter who buys a 500 euro television in Como can recover about 110 euros, while for a 1,200 euro laptop the saving is about 264 euros. On average, Ticino customers save between 100 and 250 euros per purchase, depending on the value of the product."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
How many Tax Free purchases were made in Como by Ticino customers in 2022?
In 2022, customers in Lugano made Tax Free purchases worth around €1.2 million, while those in Chiasso reached €900,000.
What is the annual gross income limit to be able to use the Tax Free in Como if you are a resident of Switzerland?
The limit is 120,000 Swiss francs (about 112,000 euros) gross.
Which shops in Como offer the fastest Tax Free refund for Ticino customers?
Large shopping centers in Como, such as the Como Nord Shopping Center and the Viale Como Shopping Center, have dedicated Tax Free counters that process the refund in about 10-15 minutes. Electronics chains (MediaWorld, Unieuro) and fashion boutiques (Zara, H&M) also offer counters with average waiting times of less than 20 minutes, ensuring a quick procedure for Ticino customers.
What is the minimum spending threshold to obtain the Tax Free refund in Como for those under 25 years of age?
For cross-border commuters under 25 years of age, the minimum expenditure required is 175.82 euros in a single transaction. This threshold is set by the Italian legislation on Tax Free and applies to all participating shops, both in large retailers and in small businesses, as long as the customer presents a valid identity document.
How much average savings in euros can a Ticino cross-border commuter obtain by buying electronics in Como with Tax Free?
The Tax Free refund returns 22% VAT. A cross-border commuter who buys a 500 euro television in Como can recover about 110 euros, while for a 1,200 euro laptop the saving is about 264 euros. On average, Ticino customers save between 100 and 250 euros per purchase, depending on the value of the product.

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