VAT Advisory
VAT returns that reconcile, quarter after quarter
Hassan reviews how your business applies UAE VAT, fixes what is wrong and puts simple controls in place so every return reconciles to your accounts.
- 5% standard rate
- Returns due by the 28th
- Registration from AED 375,000
A quarterly VAT period, Q1
Return and payment for January to March are due by 28 April.
- Standard rate
- 5%
- Mandatory registration
- Taxable supplies above AED 375,000
- Voluntary registration
- From AED 187,500
Who this is for
Where VAT Advisory makes the biggest difference
UAE VAT has been in place since 1 January 2018, yet errors remain common: the wrong treatment on exports, input tax claimed without valid invoices, or returns that never reconcile to the ledger. Each one can lead to penalties that grow with time.
Businesses registering for the first time
The right registration, set up correctly from day one.
Exporters and service providers abroad
Zero-rating applied only where the conditions are met and documented.
Property, healthcare and education businesses
Exempt and zero-rated supplies separated, with input tax apportioned correctly.
Companies that found an error
A plan to correct it through the next return or a voluntary disclosure.
Scope
What is covered
A clear scope from the start, so you know exactly what you are getting.
Included
- VAT registration and deregistration
- VAT treatment reviews for contracts and transactions
- Quarterly return reviews and reconciliation to the ledger
- Input tax recovery and apportionment
- Voluntary disclosures
- VAT health checks before an FTA audit
Not included
- Customs and excise tax matters (referred within TWMA)
- Monthly bookkeeping (available through the TWMA team)
Larger or specialist work is delivered with the wider team at TWMA Management Consulting.
Approach
How the work runs
Four stages, with a clear output at the end of each.
Discovery
Understand what you sell, to whom and where.
Assessment
Test recent returns against invoices, contracts and the ledger.
Recommendations
Corrections, controls and a reconciliation your team can repeat.
Follow-through
Review returns each quarter or support a voluntary disclosure.
Questions
Common questions
Short answers to what clients ask most. Rules change, so Hassan confirms the position for your business against current official guidance.
When do I have to register for VAT?
Registration is mandatory when your taxable supplies and imports exceeded AED 375,000 in the past 12 months or will do so in the next 30 days. You may register voluntarily from AED 187,500 of supplies or expenses.
How often do I file VAT returns?
Most businesses file quarterly; the FTA may assign monthly periods. The return and payment are due by the 28th day after the end of each tax period.
What is the difference between zero-rated and exempt?
Zero-rated supplies are taxed at 0% and you can still recover VAT on related costs, for example qualifying exports. Exempt supplies carry no VAT and the related input tax generally cannot be recovered, for example certain financial services and residential property after its first supply.
I found a mistake in a past return. What now?
Depending on the amount, the error is corrected in the next return or through a voluntary disclosure. Acting before the FTA finds it usually reduces penalties.
How long must I keep VAT records?
At least five years after the end of the tax period they relate to, and longer for some real estate records.
Related
Related expertise
Official guidance: Federal Tax Authority · UAE Ministry of Finance
Next step
Book a first conversation
Tell Hassan what you are working on. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, Dubai time.