VAT Filing in UAE
Get your VAT return filed in dubai accurately and on time
VAT filing is one of those things that just can’t wait till tomorrow. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is strict about deadlines and if you miss a date, or the numbers don’t add up, then your business faces even greater costs than the tax itself.
At Tax Consultant Dubai, we handle it all for you. Our team makes sure to collect your data and provide you with the FTA confirmation.
- On time – we file before the 28th in every period
- FTA compliant – in line with UAE VAT Law, including January 2026 changes
- No penalties – we find mistakes before they’re submitted to the portal
- Tax experts – 40 years of collective experience in UAE taxes
- End-to-end service – from your first bill to the FTA’s approval
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What Is VAT Filing in UAE?
Value Added Tax (VAT) has been introduced in the UAE from 1st January 2018. It is at the rate of 5 percent. All VAT registered business entities have to file returns with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) at the end of the tax period.
Put simply, the return tells the FTA two things: how much VAT you paid on your company’s expenses (input VAT), and how much you charged for on your sales (output VAT). The balance is then paid to the FTA or, in cases where the input VAT is higher, a credit is recorded.
There is one significant change to these credits since January 2026: any excess input VAT can only be carried forward for up to five years. Those from 2021 are already within the timeframe.
Reports are submitted on the FTA’s portal, EmaraTax and are mandatory regardless of whether a business had any transactions or not for the period.
Who Must File a VAT Return in UAE?
The simple answer: all businesses registered with the FTA for VAT, period. The amount of business in the period does not make a difference.
Mandatory VAT Registration
VAT registration will be mandatory if your value of taxable supplies is over AED 375,000 a year. You will be required to file returns quarterly/monthly.
Voluntary VAT Registration
Registration can also be at your own discretion if you have taxable supplies between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000. Filing obligations will be the same.
How Often Do You File?
- Every three months (quarterly): the standard for most UAE registered businesses.
- Monthly: if your taxable supplies exceed AED 150 million a year, or if the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has instructed you to file monthly.
VAT Filing Deadline in UAE
VAT returns are due on the 28th of the following month. If you have a period which ends 31 March, your return and payment (if you have one) will be due to the FTA by 28 April – not 29th, not a week later.
Standard Quarterly Deadlines
- Q1 (January – March): 28 April
- Q2 (April – June): 28 July
- Q3 (July – September): 28 October
- Q4 (October – December): 28 January
The FTA does not provide for informal relief. According to Cabinet Decision No. 129 of 2025 – effective 14 April 2026 – the penalty for filing late is more immediate and more certain. There’s a standard penalty for being only one day late.
That’s why we take the filing from our clients. We have time to review and we don’t wait until the last minute.
Our VAT Filing Services
We don’t just file a form. We provide the following service:
Preparation of VAT return
Input and output VAT calculation
Correct calculation of input and output VAT for standard-rated, zero-rated and exempt supplies, including correct recovery of input VAT.
Invoice checking and error detection
Just not after the return is submitted, but before to make sure all invoices are submitted, tax codes are correct, and input VAT is recoverable.
Submission to FTA portal
We submit directly to EmaraTax, and provide you with the official receipt.
VAT credit monitoring
We monitor carry forward credits and highlight anything close to the five year expiry under the 2016 Amendments.
Transaction advice
Have a question about how to treat a particular purchase, or a cross-border service? We include advice on the VAT treatment.
Audit-ready
We ensure your filing records are ready if you are audited by the FTA.
How the VAT Filing Process Works
We keep things straightforward. Here’s how it works:
1. Data Collection
2. Review and Reconciliation
To begin, our experts reconcile all figures against your accounting records to ensure that information is correct.
3. VAT Computation
We calculate output and input VAT using the appropriate rates and exemptions, and whether you owe or are due a refund.
4. Pre-Approval Check
Our second expert reviews the return against the latest FTA regulations, including the 2026 VAT legislation changes.
5. Submission via EmaraTax
We file on the FTA’s platform and verify that it has been received.
6. Confirmation and Documentation
We provide you with the FTA confirmation, and keep documents organised for your reference and review.
Documents Required for VAT Filing
We will require the following to complete your return:
- Sales invoices – tax invoices you raised to your customers
- Purchase invoices – tax invoices from VAT registered suppliers
- Import declarations – for goods imported
- Credit notes and expense reports
- Bank statements – to check where necessary
- VAT registration information – your TRN and period of tax
- Accounting reports or trial balance for the period
A note on suppliers’ documentation: since the January 2026 VAT law changes, the FTA can reject input VAT claims if the supplier is not verified. This means that a properly issued invoice is no longer sufficient. We check for these issues before submission.
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Areas Where People Make Mistakes – And How We Can Help
Most VAT penalties in the UAE are unintentional, rather than deliberate. This is because they are commonly encountered by most businesses:
Incorrect rate of VAT charged
Input tax claimed on ineligible invoices
If the tax invoice doesn’t comply with the FTA’s criteria for a valid tax invoice, input tax cannot be claimed.
Filing late
As of today, filing a day after the 28th (the due date) is sufficient to trigger a penalty. This is a common trigger.
Denied input VAT claimed
Entertainment, personal and other expenses are not allowed to be claimed under UAE VAT.
Missed credits deadline
Input VAT credits from 2021 are within the five-year window that begins in January 2026. It’s time for businesses with unused credits to act now.
Incorrect FTA information
If you have changed your trade licence, address or business activity and haven’t notified the FTA, there is a penalty for that too under the new rules.
Late or Incorrect VAT Filing in UAE
The Cabinet Decision No. 129 of 2025 contained in Cabinet Resolution No. 344 of 2025 replaced the administrative penalty framework for all taxes in the UAE, and is effective from 14 April 2026. The approach is now more uniform – but the penalties are still severe.
Late VAT Return Filing
- A penalty is levied as soon as the return is late.
- The longer it remains untiled, the greater the penalties.
Incorrect VAT Submissions
- If a return is filed with mistakes and under-pays VAT, a percentage penalty is levied on the amount underpaid.
Record-Keeping Failures
- Even if you filed your return correctly, not being able to provide evidence to the FTA during an inspection has penalties.
In 2024, FTA audits grew by 135% and continue to rise in 2015 and 2016. There’s a greater risk of review than ever before. The best defence is good filing and documentation.
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Why Dubai Companies Hire Tax Consultant
More than 40 years of UAE tax
100% up to date on UAE law
We monitor all Cabinet Decisions, FTA Public Clarifications and other amendments to ensure your tax returns are always in compliance with up-to-date law.
We never wait until the last minute
We file well before the deadline. We manage deadlines, we don’t rush.
No mistakes
We have a multi-stepped review process to catch any errors. We don’t take that chance.
Open, honest communication
You know where you are in the process. No weasel words, no nagging.
Audit support included
If the FTA reaches out, we have your back – with records, answers and representation, if necessary.
One thing and one thing only
VAT, Corporate Tax and Excise Tax. It makes a difference in our work.
Want to File Your VAT Return? Let’s Sort It.
It comes around every three months. And the question is whether your business handles it smoothly, or is rushed in the final days.
Let us do it for you. We do the job, check it and send it to the FTA – you get the confirmation.
FAQs: VAT Filing in UAE
When is the filing due for VAT return in UAE?
Can I file my own return or do I need a consultant?
What if I don't file my VAT return on time?
What information should I submit for VAT?
I have input VAT credits from 2021 - should I do something?
How long does it take to file my VAT once I have sent you my documents?
Can you file tax for free zone companies in UAE?
Who is required to file VAT returns in the UAE?
What is the UAE VAT submission deadline?
What if I miss the VAT filing deadline?
Can I amend a VAT return that has already been submitted?
In what way can Tax Consultants in Dubai help with VAT filing?
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