Overview
Every VAT-registered business must file periodic VAT returns (Form VAT 201) with the Federal Tax Authority — usually quarterly, and in some cases monthly. Each return reports your sales, purchases and the VAT due or recoverable for the period. Errors and late filing lead to administrative penalties.
Our team prepares your return from your records, reconciles it to your accounts, checks your input VAT recovery and files before the deadline, so you can be confident your return is right.
Who needs this service?
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All VAT-registered businesses in the UAE
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Businesses with a mix of standard-rated, zero-rated and exempt supplies
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Importers and exporters
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Companies that have missed or late-filed returns
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Businesses that want errors in earlier returns corrected
What’s included
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Review of sales and purchase invoices and credit notes
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Correct VAT treatment: standard-rated, zero-rated, exempt and reverse charge
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Reconciliation of VAT to your general ledger
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Preparation of the VAT 201 return
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Filing with the FTA before the deadline, with payment guidance
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Voluntary Disclosure support to correct earlier errors
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Reminder calendar for upcoming returns
Documents we typically need
- Sales invoices and credit notes
- Purchase invoices and expense receipts
- Import and customs documents
- Bank statements for the period
- General ledger or trial balance (if available)
- Previous VAT returns
- VAT registration certificate and TRN
- Details of reverse-charge and zero-rated transactions
How it works
- Collect recordsYou share your invoices and bank statements, or give us access to your accounting system.
- Review and reconcileWe check VAT treatment and reconcile the figures to your books.
- Approve and fileWe send you the return summary for approval and file it with the FTA.
- Pay and planWe guide you on payment and set the reminder for your next period.
Key UAE facts
- Form: VAT 201, filed through the FTA’s EmaraTax portal.
- Deadline: within 28 days after the end of the tax period.
- Late filing penalty: AED 1,000 for the first offence and AED 2,000 for repeat offences within 24 months.
- Late payment penalty: 2% of the unpaid tax immediately, a further 4% after seven days and 1% daily after one month, capped at 300%.
- Records: keep VAT records for at least five years.
VAT Return Filing — frequently asked questions
Do I file monthly or quarterly?
The FTA assigns your tax period when you register. Most businesses file quarterly, but some are assigned monthly periods.
Can I recover VAT on all my expenses?
Input VAT can be recovered on valid tax invoices for business purposes. Some categories, such as certain entertainment and personal-use expenses, are blocked.
What if I find an error in a return I already filed?
Errors can be corrected through a Voluntary Disclosure submitted to the FTA. We prepare it for you and advise on any penalty exposure.
Do I still file if I had no sales?
Yes. A return is required for every tax period, even where there was no activity.
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