VAT Services in UAE

Get Our Brochure

Got Questions? Talk to Our Experts Now!

We are available to help you with accounting, auditing, VAT, and business setup in Dubai. Get in touch today and get the right answers fast.

VAT Services in UAE — VAT Registration, Filing & Compliance in Dubai

The UAE introduced VAT in January 2018 at a rate of 5%. Since then, every business that meets the registration threshold must register, file returns, and keep proper VAT records or face penalties from the Federal Tax Authority.

Managing VAT correctly takes time, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of UAE tax rules. One wrong entry, a missed deadline, or an incorrect invoice can result in fines that cost your business more than the VAT itself.

At Silver Oak, we provide complete VAT services in Dubai and across the UAE helping businesses register, stay compliant, file returns on time, and handle everything VAT related without the stress.

vat-services-in-dubai

What Is VAT in the UAE?

VAT stands for Value Added Tax. It is a 5% tax applied to most goods and services at every stage of sale or supply. VAT services include registration, return filing, consultancy, audit support, and compliance management for businesses.

VAT stands for Value Added Tax. It is a 5% tax applied to most goods and services at every stage of sale or supply. VAT services include registration, return filing, consultancy, audit support, and compliance management for businesses.

There are three VAT categories businesses need to understand:

  • Standard Rated — 5%
    Most goods and services sold in the UAE are subject to 5% VAT. If you are VAT registered, you charge 5% VAT on your sales and can reclaim VAT paid on your business purchases.
  • Zero Rated — 0%
    Certain supplies are taxed at 0% meaning VAT applies but at a zero rate. Businesses can still reclaim input VAT on related purchases. Zero rated supplies include exports outside the UAE, international transport, certain educational services, and the first supply of residential buildings.
  • Exempt Supplies
    Some supplies are completely exempt from VAT, such as financial services, residential property rentals, and local passenger transport. Businesses making only exempt supplies cannot register for VAT and cannot reclaim input tax.

Who Needs to Register for VAT in the UAE?

VAT registration in the UAE is based on your annual taxable turnover: If your business is not registered when it should be, the Federal Tax Authority can impose serious penalties. Our team checks your registration obligation and handles the full registration process for you.

 

  • Mandatory registration if your taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 per year, you must register for VAT
  • Voluntary registration if your taxable supplies are between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000, you can choose to register voluntarily
  • Non-resident businesses foreign businesses making taxable supplies in the UAE must also register regardless of turnover

 

vat-registration-firm-in-dubai
VAT-Registration

Our VAT Services in Dubai and UAE

VAT Registration Services

We handle the full VAT registration process for your business, preparing all required documents, submitting your application through the FTA e-Services portal, and making sure your registration is completed correctly and on time.
We also advise on the right registration type for your business, whether standard registration, voluntary registration, or group VAT registration if you have multiple related businesses.

VAT Return Filing

VAT returns are usually filed quarterly, depending on FTA requirements. Businesses with annual turnover above AED 150 million file monthly. Missing a VAT return deadline or submitting incorrect figures results in fines from the Federal Tax Authority.
Our team prepares and files your VAT returns accurately and on time every single period. We review all your transactions, check input and output VAT figures, and make sure your return is correct before submission.

VAT Accounting and Bookkeeping

Proper VAT accounting is not just about filing returns, it is about keeping the right records throughout the year. UAE businesses must maintain VAT records for a minimum of five years.
We manage your VAT accounting properly recording all taxable and exempt transactions correctly, maintaining VAT compliant invoices, reconciling VAT accounts, and keeping your books ready for any FTA audit or review.

VAT Advisory and Consultancy

UAE VAT rules can be complex especially for businesses dealing with imports, exports, free zone transactions, or multiple business activities. Our VAT consultants in Dubai provide clear and practical advice on:

  • How VAT applies to your specific business and transactions
  • Whether your supplies are standard rated, zero rated, or exempt
  • How to handle reverse charge mechanisms
  • VAT treatment for free zone companies and designated zones
  • How to structure your business to manage VAT efficiently and legally

VAT Compliance Review

If you are not sure whether your business is handling VAT correctly, our VAT compliance review goes through your records, invoices, and filing history, identifying any errors, gaps, or risks before the FTA finds them. We then help you fix any issues and put better processes in place going forward.

VAT Deregistration Services

If your business no longer meets the VAT registration threshold, is closing down, or has changed its activities, you may need to deregister from VAT. We handle the full VAT deregistration process making sure all outstanding returns are filed, final VAT liabilities are settled, and your deregistration is processed correctly with the FTA.

VAT Refund Services

If your input VAT is higher than your output VAT which can happen when you make zero rated exports or have high business expenses you may be entitled to a VAT refund from the FTA. We prepare and submit VAT refund applications in UAE, making sure all supporting documentation is in order to support a smooth and successful refund.
UAE nationals building new homes for personal use can also claim VAT refunds even if they are not VAT registered. We assist with these applications too.

VAT Audit Support

The Federal Tax Authority conducts VAT audits on businesses to check compliance. If your business is selected for an FTA audit, having the right support makes a significant difference. Our team helps you prepare for the audit, organizes your records and documentation, and supports you throughout the audit process making sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

VAT Training

Your finance team needs to understand VAT rules to handle day to day transactions correctly. We provide practical VAT training in Dubai for finance staff and business owners covering VAT basics, invoice requirements, record keeping, return filing, and how to handle common VAT situations in your specific industry.

VAT Group Registration

If you own multiple related businesses in the UAE, you may be able to register them as a VAT group simplifying compliance and reducing the VAT burden on inter company transactions. Our team assesses whether group registration is right for your situation and manages the full registration process.

How VAT Return Filing Works in UAE

Here is a simple breakdown of how VAT returns work:
VAT Liability Calculation
VAT liability is the difference between output tax, the VAT you collect on your sales and input tax the VAT you pay on your purchases. If output VAT is higher than input VAT, you pay the difference to the FTA. If input VAT is higher, you can claim a refund.

 

Filing Through the FTA Portal
VAT returns are filed online through the FTA e-Services portal at eservices.tax.gov.ae using Form 201. The form covers your sales, purchases, net VAT due, and any additional reporting requirements.

 

Filing Deadlines

  • Businesses with annual turnover below AED 150 million file quarterly
  • Businesses with annual turnover of AED 150 million or more file monthly
  • Returns must be submitted within 28 days of the end of each tax period

Missing the deadline results in an automatic penalty. Our team makes sure your returns are always filed on time.

VAT Penalties in UAE — What to Avoid

The Federal Tax Authority takes VAT compliance seriously. Common penalties include:

 

  • Failing to register for VAT on time — AED 10,000 fine
  • Late VAT return filing — AED 1,000 for the first time, AED 2,000 for repeat offences
  • Errors in VAT returns — penalties based on the amount of tax underpaid
  • Failure to keep proper VAT records — AED 10,000 to AED 50,000
  • Not issuing proper VAT invoices — AED 5,000 per invoice

 

Working with Silver Oak Auditing VAT consultants in Dubai means these penalties are avoided completely, because everything is done correctly and on time from the start.

VAT for Free Zone Companies in UAE

VAT rules for free zone companies can be more complex than for mainland businesses. VAT compliance is a important aspect of running a business in UAE. From registration to filing and audits, every step requires accuracy and adherence to regulations.
Whether your free zone is a designated zone where special VAT rules apply for goods or a non-designated free zone where standard VAT rules apply, getting this right matters. Our VAT consultants assess your free zone company’s specific situation and make sure your VAT treatment is correct for your business activities.

Why Choose Silver Oak Auditing and Accounting for VAT Services in Dubai?

We Know UAE VAT Rules
Our team understands UAE VAT law in detail including the rules that apply to different industries, free zones, imports, exports, and specific transaction types. We give you clear and accurate advice you can rely on.

Everything Done on Time
We manage all your VAT deadlines registration, return filing, refund applications, and audit responses so you never miss a date or face an avoidable penalty.

No Surprises
We review your VAT records regularly and flag any issues early, before they become problems. You always know where you stand.

One Team for Everything
Silver Oak provides accounting, bookkeeping, auditing, and VAT services under one roof. This means your VAT records, financial statements, and compliance are all handled consistently by one team that knows your business.

Clear and Affordable Pricing
Our VAT service packages are transparent and fairly priced with no hidden fees. You know exactly what you are paying for.

Get Professional VAT Services in Dubai Today

VAT compliance in the UAE is not something to leave to chance. One missed deadline or incorrect filing can result in serious penalties that cost your business far more than the cost of professional help.
Silver Oak’s VAT consultants in Dubai handle everything from registration and return filing to compliance reviews and FTA audit support, so your business stays fully compliant, avoids penalties, and you can focus on running your business.
Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how our VAT services in UAE can make compliance simple and stress free for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

You register online through the FTA e-Services portal at eservices.tax.gov.ae. You need to create an account, provide your business details, and complete the VAT registration form. Our team handles this entire process for you making sure the application is correct and submitted properly.

Yes. Non-resident businesses making taxable supplies in the UAE must register for VAT regardless of their turnover. If you are an overseas business supplying goods or services in the UAE, our team can advise on your registration obligation and manage the process for you.

No. VAT registered businesses must issue proper tax invoices that meet FTA requirements including your Tax Registration Number, VAT amount, invoice date, and full business details. Simplified invoices are only allowed for retail transactions under AED 10,000. Cash receipts alone do not meet UAE VAT invoice requirements.

The FTA reviews VAT refund applications within 20 business days and communicates approval or rejection by email. Once approved, refunds are typically processed within five business days.

Yes. UAE nationals who build new homes for personal or family use can claim a VAT refund on construction costs even if they are not VAT registered businesses. Our team handles these applications and makes sure all required documentation is submitted correctly.

Businesses with annual turnover below AED 150 million file VAT returns quarterly. Businesses above AED 150 million file monthly. All returns must be submitted within 28 days of the end of the tax period.

VAT registration itself is free there is no government fee for registering. However, getting professional help to manage the process correctly saves you time and avoids costly mistakes. Contact Silver Oak for a free consultation and details of our VAT service packages.