VAT tax in Europe...how do you get it back?

I've been to Europe dozens of time (both DH and I have family there), but I have never bothered to try to get my tax back...

but this month in a magazine I saw that some woman justifies her big shopping trips in Europe b/c she can get the VAT tax back...

anyone know anything about this...?

in order to qualify, you need to spend a certain amount in the store you want the tax back from (I think $100). They have forms (sometimes at the stores and airports) that you fill out and get stamped by customs.

I've only done it once. If you're making big purchases, its worth it, but otherwise too much hassel.

It used to be a simple process now its complicated. They tell you what to do in the stores and in the airport but unfortunately we were told two different things and ended up paying almost $200 that we shouldn't have had to pay. We were missing some paperwork from a store in Italy that I couldn't track down.

Sorry I am rambeling and dont really have an answer. Just find out before you go overseas and keep every part of your receipt.