All VAT-registered businesses in UAE must file periodic VAT returns with the Federal Tax Authority. Essence Accounting's FTA-approved team handles your monthly or quarterly VAT returns — from invoice reconciliation to EmaraTax portal submission — ensuring 100% compliance and maximum VAT recovery.
Every VAT-registered business in the UAE must submit a VAT return to the Federal Tax Authority for each tax period — either monthly or quarterly. The return reports all taxable supplies made and received, calculates the net VAT payable or refundable, and must be submitted along with payment by the 28th of the following month.
Getting VAT returns right requires accurate invoice tracking, proper classification of supplies (taxable, zero-rated, exempt), correct reverse charge calculation for imported services, and reconciliation with your accounting records. Errors, omissions, or late filings attract significant FTA penalties.
AED 1,000 — First late VAT return filing
AED 2,000 — Each subsequent late filing within 24 months
2%–4% + 1%/day — Late VAT payment (capped at 300% of unpaid tax)
We collect all sales invoices, purchase invoices, credit notes, and import documentation for the tax period from your accounting system or directly from you.
We classify each supply as standard-rated (5%), zero-rated, or exempt. We calculate output VAT on taxable sales and input VAT on eligible purchases, including reverse charge for imported services.
We reconcile VAT figures against your accounting records to ensure every transaction is captured correctly and all adjustments (credit notes, bad debts, corrections) are properly accounted for.
We submit your complete VAT return through the FTA EmaraTax portal well before the deadline, providing you with a confirmation of submission and the net VAT amount due or refundable.
We confirm the VAT payable amount and facilitate payment. For refund situations, we assist with the formal FTA refund application and track its progress to resolution.
These are the most common VAT return errors the FTA penalises during audits:
1. Missing or incomplete invoice documentation — Every supply must have a valid tax invoice. Missing invoices means input VAT claims can be disallowed.
2. Incorrect supply classification — Classifying a zero-rated supply as standard-rated (or vice versa) is a common and costly error.
3. Failure to report reverse charge — Imported services subject to reverse charge (e.g., software, consultancy from overseas providers) must be declared even if no UAE invoice exists.
4. Late filing — Even one day late results in AED 1,000 penalty. Missing multiple periods compounds rapidly.
5. Incorrect period selection — Filing in the wrong tax period causes mismatches that trigger FTA queries and potential penalties.
6. Not claiming available input tax — Many businesses miss legitimate input tax refunds on business expenses, overpaying VAT unnecessarily.
We track every client's filing deadlines and submit returns well in advance — zero late filing penalties.
We identify all claimable input tax credits, ensuring you recover the maximum VAT on business expenses.
Officially registered FTA tax agency (TAN 30006266) authorised to file VAT returns on your behalf.
If the FTA selects your returns for audit, we provide complete documentation and representation.
Monthly or quarterly — our FTA-approved team files your VAT returns accurately and on time, every time. Get a free quote today.
