VAT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions & Answers
1.1 When was VAT implemented in UAE and what are the rates?
The VAT came into effect across the UAE on 01 January 2018. A standard rate of 5% is applicable as VAT added to the sale price.
1.2 How will the government collect VAT?
It is the accountability of the companies to document thoroughly their business revenue and expenses along with associated VAT charges. A prevailing VAT rate is applied by registered businesses and traders to all of their customers to bear the VAT costs of goods and services bought from suppliers. The difference between these figures can be reclaimed or paid to the government.
1.3 Will VAT be applicable to all products and services?
The VAT is a consumption-based tax; therefore, it has to be applied to most of the transactions of goods and services except those that are exempted by the law.
VAT for Businesses – Questions & Answers
2.1.1 Who will be able to register for VAT?
Businesses with taxable supplies worth more than AED 375,000 needs to VAT Registration in UAE. Moreover, businesses with taxable supplies worth more than AED 187,500 and less than the mandatory registration threshold of AED 375,000 may opt for voluntary registration for VAT. This option is developed to give the opportunity for startup businesses to register for VAT whilst they still haven’t generated any revenue.
2.1.2 What are the VAT-related responsibilities of businesses?
All businesses in the UAE are required to keep an accurate and up-to-date record of their financial transactions. It’s mandatory to register for VAT for businesses that meet the minimum annual income requirement based on their financial records. Businesses that fall under the category of “VAT-registered” must retain their financial records in case if their registration is required in the future.
The general responsibilities of VAT-registered businesses are the following:
● VAT-registered businesses should collect VAT on taxable goods or services they provide;
● VAT-registered businesses are entitled to reclaim any VAT paid on their business-associated goods or services; and
● VAT-registered businesses should maintain their business records for the relevant government departments to verify the accuracy of VAT calculation.
If your company is registered for VAT, you must notify the concerned government department on a regular basis on what amount of VAT was charged and paid by your company to the government. It will be an online process to simplify a formal submission. If there is a difference in VAT amount you’ve charged and paid, you have to clear the outstanding amount with the relevant government department or reclaim the difference, in case if you’ve paid more VAT than you’ve been charged.
2.1.3 What does a business need to do to prepare for VAT?
The VAT is applied since the start of January 2018. Thus, concerned businesses were given the opportunity to prepare beforehand as online registration for VAT had launched in the 3rd quarter of 2017. That time frame allowed the companies to align their business model with the government platform specifically created for the collection of VAT. Since then the businesses eligible as taxpayers are registering for VAT through FTA’s online portal. Businesses have to ensure that they meet all compliance requirements to get ready for taxation. To follow VAT compliance standards, businesses may require restructuring their divisional system in accounts, IT, and HR departments, opening new positions such as accountants and tax advisers. Businesses have full accountability for VAT compliance obligations. Complete guidance on VAT compliance is provided as the legislation was released.
2.1.4 When did registration for VAT start?
The VAT came into effect since 01 January 2018. All relevant businesses should have been registered prior to this date. To avoid last minute hassle, the online registration for VAT was launched in the 3rd quarter of 2017 for those who were willing to register voluntarily beforehand. Early registration gave an advantage to the businesses to prepare thoroughly for compliance with VAT obligations. Since then the registration for VAT is available for all eligible businesses through FTA’s online portal.
2.1.5 When are registered businesses required to file VAT returns?
According to VAT legislation procedures, VAT-registered businesses are required to file VAT returns consistently with Federal Tax Authority on a quarterly basis (during 28 days from the end of the taxation period). To simplify the process, VAT return filings can be done online through e-Services implemented by the UAE government.
2.1.6 How long should taxpayers keep track of VAT invoices for?
Taxpayers should keep a track of issued and received VAT invoices for a minimum of five years.
2.1.7 Will businesses be able to offset customs duty against VAT payments?
The VAT will be calculated additionally to the value which already includes the customs duties paid by the importer. Thus, the value-added tax will be paid in addition to the customs duties of the goods and it cannot be offset.
2.1.8 Will VAT be applicable to real estate sector?
The VAT in the real estate sector is applicable only for commercial properties. All commercial property transactions, sales and leases alike are subjected to 5% VAT. Residential properties are exempt by law for the time being to offset additional amount to the irrecoverable cost paid by the buyers upon acquiring a new property. Real estate developers are zero-rated for a period of three years of residential property construction. It will allow securing the market on the residential side. Zero-rated goods and services are VAT taxable but the actual tax charges are zero.
2.1.9 What sectors will be zero-rated?
VAT is applied at 0% rate in the below supply categories:
● Exports of items and services to the markets outside of GCC region;
● International transportation and other relevant goods and services;
● Aircrafts, ships, and other air, sea, and land means of transportation;
● Investment grade precious metals such as gold, silver of 99% purity;
● New residential properties for the period of three years of their construction supplied for the first time;
● Education services and other related goods and services; and
● Healthcare services and other related goods and services.
2.2.0 What sectors are exempt by law?
The following sectors are exempted from VAT:
● Financial services listed in VAT legislation;
● Residential properties;
● Land without any assets; and
● Local passenger transport.
2.2.1 In what cases penalties are imposed?
Noncompliance leads to the imposition of penalties. Penalties may be caused by the following actions:
● Failing to register for VAT if required;
● Failing to submit a VAT return or settle a payment before the deadline;
● Failing to retain the records required by the legislation; and
● Tax evasion offenses caused by the intention to violate the terms of the tax legislation.
2.2.2 Will VAT be applied on financial services?
Fee-based financial services are subjected to VAT with the exception of margin-based products.
VAT for Tourists — Questions and Answers
3.1 Are tourists subjected to paying VAT?
Tourists have to pay VAT at the point of sale. 5% VAT is applied to perfumes, makeup, luxury bags, and big ticket items additional of the sale price.
