VAT Return Filing UAE

VAT Returns Filing in Dubai, UAE

Value Added Tax (VAT) has been a key component of the United Arab Emirates’ tax system since its introduction on January 1, 2018.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is an important feature of Dubai, UAE, business operations. Effective from January 1, 2018, VAT is applied at a standard rate of 5% to most goods and services. Dubai businesses need to register for VAT, collect tax from customers on behalf of the government, and submit VAT returns on a regular basis. VAT return filing Dubai knowledge is important to ensure compliance and stay away from penalties charged by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

What is VAT Return Filing in Dubai?

VAT return filing in Dubai is the process by which taxable businesses file their VAT returns with the FTA. The report contains information of VAT received on sales (output VAT) and VAT incurred on purchases (input VAT). The output VAT minus the input VAT establishes VAT liability or refund for a business.

VAT Return Filing Periods

All businesses registered in Dubai for VAT are obligated to file a return, irrespective of whether taxable supplies were made within the tax period. The following businesses must compulsorily be registered, in case their annual taxable supplies are more than AED 375,000: smaller businesses having taxable supplies within the limits of AED 187,500 and AED 375,000 have a choice of making voluntary registration.

Companies registered for VAT in Dubai are required to submit their VAT returns monthly or quarterly, as applicable, depending on their tax periods allocated by the FTA. VAT return submission in Dubai is an online activity done via the FTA’s e- Services portal.

Who Should Submit VAT Returns in Dubai?

Organizations that should submit VAT returns in Dubai are:​ ​

Companies with a taxable turnover of more than AED 375,000 annually (compulsory registration)

Companies with an annual taxable turnover of AED 187,500 to AED 375,000 (voluntary registration)

Companies dealing in taxable activities like goods trading, professional services, and commercial activities

Free zone companies falling under the purview of VAT regulations

VAT Return Filing Process Dubai

Step 1: Collect VAT Data
The first step in VAT return filing in Dubai is collecting and organizing VAT-related data. Businesses must ensure that all sales, purchases, and expenses subject to VAT are properly recorded.

Step 2: Log in to the FTA Portal
Businesses must log in to the FTA e-Services portal using their registered credentials. The VAT return form (VAT 201) must be accessed and filled with accurate details.

Step 3: Complete the VAT Return Form
The VAT return form asks businesses to report the following:

Output VAT: VAT received on taxable supplies

Input VAT: VAT incurred on purchases and expenses

Net VAT Payable or Refundable: The net difference between output VAT and input VAT.

Zero-rated and Exempt Supplies: Information on supplies not charged with VAT

Step 4: Review and Submit
Before submission, businesses need to double-check the information for accuracy. Errors in VAT return filing in Dubai can result in penalties.

Step 5:Payment of VAT Due​

When the VAT liability is positive, businesses are required to pay the payable amount through the FTA portal through online banking or other facilities available.​

​Step 6: VAT Return Confirmation

After VAT return filing and payment are completed successfully, a confirmation is issued by the FTA.

​ Dubai VAT Return Filing deadlines​ ​

VAT returns are to be submitted within 28 days from the close of the tax period. Late submission of VAT returns in Dubai attracts penalties from the FTA

Penalties for VAT Return Filing in Dubai, UAE

Non-compliance with VAT return filing UAE can attract penalties, including:​

AED 1,000 for the initial offense

AED 2,000 for subsequent offenses within 24 months

Additional penalties depending on the amount of unpaid VAT

Common VAT Return Filing Mistakes in Dubai

VAT Calculation ErrorMiscalculating output VAT and input VAT.

Late Filing: Missing VAT return deadlines.

Incomplete Invoicing and RecordsFailure to keep proper invoices and records.

Application of Wrong Tax RateMisapplication of VAT rates to goods and services.

How to Comply with VAT Return Filing in Dubai, UAE

Keep Proper Records: Keep proper invoices and financial records.

Keep Proper Records: Keep proper invoices and financial records.

Hire VAT Experts: Take the services of professional tax consultants for filing VAT returns in Dubai.
Regular Reconciliation: Check VAT transactions to prevent mistakes.

VAT Refund Process in Dubai, UAE

Companies that have already paid more output VAT than input VAT can recover a VAT refund in Dubai. To recover a VAT refund, the company is required to access the FTA portal and fill out the form for VAT refund (VAT 311). Supporting documents like invoices and transactions records should be provided for checks.

After the refund application is made, the FTA processes the claim in accordance with VAT laws. In case of approval, the refund amount is deposited into the registered bank account of the business. The processing duration for VAT refunds in Dubai can be variable, but the business can expect to receive an update within a reasonable timeframe.

It is important that companies keep proper records and follow VAT rules so that the refund process is smooth. Reconciliation of input and output VAT on a regular basis can prevent discrepancies and delays in VAT refund claims.

How We Assist You with VAT Return Filing in the UAE

VAT Registration UAE, can help Dubai and UAE businesses with VAT return filing through:​

Expert Advice – Maintaining compliance with UAE VAT laws and regulations.​

Proper Filing – Preparing and submitting VAT returns on time to prevent penalties.​

On-Time Submissions – Facilitating companies to meet the deadlines as per theFederal Tax Authority (FTA).​

Input & Output Tax Calculation – Ensuring that the proper amount of VAT is paid and claimed.​

Error-Free Documentation – Minimizing the likelihood of errors in VAT returns.​

Audit Support – Supporting businesses in the event of VAT audits or FTA requests.​ With professional guidance, your platform streamlines VAT return filing, keeping businesses compliant and stress-free.

× How can I help you?