UAE VAT compliance

VAT filing that's done right — and always on time

UAE VAT has been in force since 2018. The FTA has been actively auditing. One late return, one incorrect invoice, or one missed registration is all it takes for a costly penalty. Simplybooks makes sure that never happens to you.

✓ VAT registration and TRN issuance
✓ Quarterly VAT return preparation and FTA submission
✓ Input VAT review and reclaim optimisation
✓ Tax invoice compliance review
✓ FTA audit support and voluntary disclosures
✓ VAT de-registration when needed
Get a VAT quote → Check my VAT risk first

Talk to a VAT specialist

Tell us about your situation and we'll confirm your obligations and send you a fixed-fee quote.

VAT filing included free in all monthly retainer packages from AED 699/month.
What's included

Full-scope UAE VAT compliance

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VAT Registration

We register your business with the FTA via EmaraTax and obtain your Tax Registration Number (TRN). Includes VAT grouping advice where applicable.

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Quarterly Return Filing

We prepare your VAT return from your accounting records, reconcile it to your books, and submit it on EmaraTax before the 28-day deadline every quarter.

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Invoice Compliance

We review your sales and purchase invoices to ensure they meet all 15 FTA-required fields — avoiding the AED 5,000-per-invoice penalty for non-compliant documents.

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Input VAT Optimisation

We review all your business expenses for legitimate input VAT reclaim opportunities — many UAE businesses under-claim and leave money on the table.

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FTA Audit Support

If the FTA selects you for audit, we prepare your documentation, liaise with the FTA on your behalf, and ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

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Voluntary Disclosures

Discovered a past VAT error? A voluntary disclosure filed before an FTA audit typically results in substantially lower penalties. We manage the process end-to-end.

UAE VAT penalties — what's at stake

ViolationPenalty
Late VAT registrationAED 20,000 (one-time)
Late VAT return filing (first offence)AED 1,000
Late VAT return filing (repeat)AED 2,000
Late VAT payment surcharge2% immediately + 4%/month
Non-compliant tax invoiceAED 5,000 per invoice
Failure to maintain records (5 years)AED 10,000–50,000
Tax evasionUp to 5× the unpaid tax

Penalty figures reflect published FTA schedules and are subject to change. Actual penalties depend on your specific circumstances — this table is general guidance, not professional advice.

UAE VAT frequently asked questions

UAE VAT registration is mandatory when your taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 per year. You must register within 30 days of crossing this threshold. Voluntary registration is available if your taxable supplies or expenses exceed AED 187,500/year. The AED 375,000 threshold has been in force since January 2018.
Most UAE businesses file quarterly VAT returns. Some larger businesses are assigned monthly filing periods by the FTA. Returns must be submitted and any VAT due must be paid within 28 days of the end of the tax period. Simplybooks tracks your deadlines and never misses a filing.
The standard UAE VAT rate is 5%. Some supplies are zero-rated (0%) — including exports outside the UAE, international transport, and certain healthcare and education services. Some supplies are exempt from VAT entirely — including most financial services and residential property. Correctly categorising your supplies is critical.
Yes, if their taxable supplies exceed the threshold. Most free zones are not designated zones for VAT purposes, so standard VAT rules apply. Businesses in designated free zones (like Jebel Ali) have different rules for goods moved between the zone and mainland UAE.
Past errors should be corrected via a voluntary disclosure filed with the FTA on EmaraTax. If the error results in less than AED 10,000 underpaid tax, it can be corrected in the next return. Larger errors require a formal voluntary disclosure. Errors discovered by the FTA before a voluntary disclosure carry significantly higher penalties — contact us urgently if this applies to you.