How often do I file VAT returns?

Most businesses file quarterly; some are assigned monthly periods by the FTA. Returns are filed and any VAT paid through the FTA’s EmaraTax portal within 28 days of the end of each period.

Can you handle a backlog of unfiled returns?

Yes. We run a recovery scope: reconstruct the source data, file the outstanding returns, and propose a voluntary disclosure pathway where penalties may be mitigated.

How do you handle designated-zone vs. mainland classification?

Every transaction is tagged at source against the relevant designated-zone schedule, and any reclassification is documented in a position memo and revisited each period.

What about zero-rated and exempt supplies?

Exports and certain services are zero-rated, while some supplies are exempt — and the distinction affects what input VAT you can recover. We classify each correctly so your recovery position is protected and defensible.

How do you price a VAT engagement?

There is no one-size-fits-all rate. We price every engagement around what you actually need — transaction volume, number of entities and the level of support — and give you a clear, tailored quote for that scope. Ask us for a quote.

Latest updates11 Sep 2026The VAT Executive Regulation changes on 1 October 2026 — every amended article, and the one that waits until 2028 →6 Sep 2026What changes in UAE tax and reporting in October 2026: the dates, in order →

Services/Compliance/VAT compliance

Compliance · 5% standard rate

VAT compliance.
Defensible by line item.

We register, prepare, review and file VAT returns with the Federal Tax Authority — with a position memo behind every contested line and a review-ready return file at the end of every quarter.

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VAT registration and return filing in the UAE — the short answer

UAE VAT is a 5% tax on most goods and services. Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is mandatory once taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months — or are expected to within the next 30 days — and voluntary from AED 187,500. Registered businesses file VAT returns on EmaraTax, quarterly for most, with the return and payment due within 28 days of the period end.

Next VAT filing deadline

Monday, 28 September 2026

Quarter ended 31 Aug 2026 (Jun–Aug). Returns are due the 28th of the month after your tax period ends (shifted for UAE weekends and public holidays). Your assigned tax period is on your VAT certificate.

Book a VAT scoping

Free · Instant registration check

Do you need to register for VAT?

Company name *

Your name *

Work email *

Phone / WhatsApp *

Taxable turnover — past 12 months (AED) *

Expected taxable turnover — next 30 days (AED)

Registration becomes mandatory once turnover exceeds AED 375,000, or when you expect it to within 30 days.

Enter your taxable turnover to see whether VAT registration is mandatory, voluntary or not yet required — then download a personalised PDF with your next steps.

I agree to Authentic Accounting using my details to prepare this result and follow up, as described in the Privacy Policy. *

Indicative check · instant PDF · not tax advice.

What the engagement covers

End-to-end VAT compliance.

Registration

VAT registration, deregistration and tax-group set-up, with the right effective dates.

Returns & filing

Transaction classification, return preparation and filing on the FTA EmaraTax portal.

Position memos

A defensible memo behind every contested line, with FTA decision references.

FTA correspondence

Queries, audits, voluntary disclosures and refund claims handled end to end.

The quarter, end to end

From source data to FTA portal.

Source capture

Sales, purchases, imports, RCM transactions ingested from your ERP or workpaper templates.

Classification

Standard, zero-rated, exempt, out-of-scope. Designated zone vs. mainland flagged.

Position memo

Every contested line gets a memo with FTA decision references.

Review

Manager review followed by Partner sign-off before submission.

File & archive

VAT201 filed; closeout pack archived for the statutory 5-year period.

FAQ

What clients ask first.

Tax rules current as at August 2026 — general guidance only; confirm against the latest UAE FTA / Ministry of Finance sources.

You must register if your taxable turnover crossed AED 375,000 in the past 12 months, or you reasonably expect it to in the next 30 days. Voluntary registration is available once taxable turnover or expenses exceed AED 187,500.

Guides & toolsUAE VAT guide →The 5% VAT primer →UAE VAT calculator →Designated zones & VAT →