"VAT is like an invisible tax and with business travel costs becoming increasingly expensive, most people don't realize that they are entitled to reclaim VAT and can therefore keep their travel costs down," Harland said.

"From large corporations to sole-traders, every eligible refund entitlement is worth pursuing."

To be eligible to claim VAT, IT professionals need to have travelled in European countries, spent money on a legitimate business expense such as conference costs, accommodation, meals, or car rental and have kept the original receipts.

Most organizations do not bother to get reimbursed because each European country has its own reclamation process which can make claims complicated, according to Harland.

"Let's face it, the European taxation authorities do not have a vested interest in making the rules uniform throughout, but once you know the systems, it's quite easy for claimants to follow and of course highly beneficial to recoup your money," he said.