Value-Added Tax (VAT) is a national sales tax on goods and services, which is levied by many countries around the world. In 1987, the European Union (EU) began offering refunds of VAT to foreign companies that travel to participating EU countries for business purposes. Depending on the country, VAT may be refunded on hotels, restaurants, car rentals, parking, gasoline, diesel fuel, transportation within the country, business entertainment, telecommunications, conferences, trade shows, training courses, and professional fees. Certain VAT is not refundable, such as on alcohol and laundry services.