Easy Money from the Store: How to Get Your VAT Back and Hit the Jackpot

The Boring but Necessary Part: What Is This All About?

Alright, no need for big words — it’s simple. When you buy something, the price already includes a Value Added Tax (VAT). The government is now ready to return part of that tax directly to you, right to your card. Yes — literally just because you paid by card and kept the receipt.

Why does this exist?

• For the government — to fight the shadow economy and encourage cashless payments.
• For you — to get cashback from the most generous “seller” in the country. A win-win.

Pro tip: don’t confuse this with tax free for tourists. This system is for residents of Azerbaijan. Your local purchases can now give you money back. Pretty cool, right?

How Does It Work?

Forget about queues, paperwork, and trips to the tax office. It’s ridiculously easy now. Your main tool? Your phone.

Step 1: Registration.
Download the ABB Mobile app or go to edvgerial.ibar.az. Register in a couple of minutes (you’ll need your PIN, date of birth, and phone number).
You don’t even need to be an ABB client — the system will still let you in.

Step 2: Enter Your Receipt.
 Bought something? Don’t take your receipt to your grandma the fortune teller — do one of these instead:

• Scan the QR code on the receipt (you’ve seen those little squares, right? That’s what they’re for!).
  
  
  
• Or manually enter the 12-digit fiscal code (the numbers at the bottom).
  
  
  

In the past, you had to wait 90 minutes for the system to “see” your receipt. Not anymore! It all happens almost instantly now.

Step 3: PROFIT!
After 30 days (the standard verification period), the money will be credited to your virtual “ƏDV geri al” account.
The refund amount depends on your payment method:

• Paid by card: 15% of the VAT amount — that’s quite a chunk!
  
  
  
• Paid in cash: 10% — still nice, just not as big.
  
  
  

Mini story:

“I spent about 200 manats last month on groceries and household items using my card. I scanned my receipts, and a month later I got about 5 manats back. Feels like a small thing — but that’s a free coffee from the government just because I didn’t pay cash. Over a year, it adds up to a nice dinner.”

Hacking the System — How to Earn Even More

The folks at ABB know what they’re doing. They launched a campaign to get people started right away.

Spoiler alert:
The first 3,000 people who activate the “ƏDV geri al” card and accumulate 5 manats in refunds will get an extra 5 manats from the bank — a gift!
So your first 5 manats are instantly doubled.

It’s a one-time offer that started back in May.
The question is: are you still among those lucky 3,000, or have all the spots been taken?
Only one way to find out — start using it.

And What About Apartments? (The Real Jackpot)

Hold on tight — everything above was about everyday shopping. But there’s a bigger prize.

Buying a new apartment? Congratulations — you’ve just won the lottery.

When you buy property in a new building, you also pay VAT. And yes, you can get that VAT refunded through the “ƏDV geri al” system!
It’s not a myth — it’s a fact most people don’t know.

Important detail (read carefully — this will save you stress):

• Primary market (new builds): VAT is paid → refund possible. Jackpot.
  
  
  
• Secondary market (resales): VAT not charged → nothing to refund. Sorry.
  
  
  

Imagine this: you could get back hundreds or even thousands of manats.

This is one of those cases where knowing the system literally turns into cold hard cash.

So Why Aren’t You Doing This Yet?

Let’s be honest — there’s no excuse. This is:

1. Free. No investment needed.
   
   
   
2. Simple. Scanning a QR code is easier than posting a story on Instagram.
   
   
   
3. Profitable. It’s your legal money — you’re just reclaiming it.
   
   
   
4. Safe. The system is backed by the Ministry of Taxes and major banks.
   
   
   

You either take advantage of such opportunities, or you end up paying more than you should. The choice is yours.

P.S. While you were reading this article, someone just scanned their morning coffee receipt and earned their first 20 qəpiks. Time to start earning yourself.

And by the way — to get your VAT back from an apartment purchase, you first need to find and buy one. So check out the best listings on our property board!