ZappTax is a tax-free shopping mobile app that facilitates the way international travelers can obtain a refund of the value added tax (VAT) charged on the goods they purchase while traveling in the European Union (EU).
Each year, more than € 50 billion worth of goods are bought under this scheme across the EU, representing 100.000 transactions every day. The activity generates € 2,5 billion in fees for intermediaries (tax-free operators). The market, projected to grow by 10% annually in the coming decade, is however plagued by inefficiencies and under-utilization. Estimates show that only 15% of the 110 million non-EU residents traveling to the EU yearly make use of the VAT refund scheme.
ZappTax provides travelers with a seamless and convenient solution, allowing for tax refunds claims on all purchases in all stores across the EU. Travelers must simply upload pictures of their purchase invoices on the app. The ZappTax app is free to download.
ZappTax was incorporated in February 2017. After a 9-month test period, ZappTax started deploying various marketing initiatives and is now experiencing fast user and transaction growth. ZappTax was founded by Jean-Marie Wodon, a lawyer and INSEAD MBA by training with more than 20 years of experience and Thomas Roussarie, a software engineer from EPITECH.
The company has offices in Brussels and Chongqing (China).
The longer-term vision of ZAPPTAX is to leverage its user base to become a digital platform connecting local retailers with global travelers.
