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What is a VAT return, and who must file it in the UAE?

 A VAT return is an official document submitted by VAT-registered businesses to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) in the UAE. It details a company’s VAT-related activities for a specific period, including the total VAT collected on sales (output VAT) and the VAT paid on purchases (input VAT). The return calculates the net VAT liability—whether the business owes VAT to the government or is entitled to a VAT refund.

VAT return Filing in the uae


Key Components of a VAT Return

A VAT return includes:

  1. Output VAT: VAT collected on sales of goods and services.
  2. Input VAT: VAT paid on business-related purchases and expenses.
  3. Net VAT Payable or Refundable: The difference between output and input VAT, which determines whether the business owes VAT to the FTA or can claim a refund.

Who Must File a VAT Return in the UAE?

In the UAE, VAT return filing is mandatory for:

  1. All VAT-registered businesses: Any company or individual with annual taxable supplies above the mandatory registration threshold (currently AED 375,000) must register for VAT and file regular VAT returns.
  2. Businesses with voluntary VAT registration: Businesses with taxable supplies or expenses between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000 can voluntarily register for VAT and are then obligated to file VAT returns.

VAT Return Filing Frequency

Most businesses in the UAE file VAT returns quarterly, though some large businesses with high revenue may need to file monthly. The FTA assigns the reporting period based on business size and activities.

Timely filing and payment of VAT returns are crucial to avoid penalties and maintain compliance with UAE tax regulations.

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