VAT preparation in the UAE is not complex when one knows what to do. The Emara Tax portal has simplified the process to a great extent for the tax authority. However, deadlines and mistakes are easily punishable, and therefore, it is worth the trouble to seek VAT filing support in the UAE or learn how it is done.
The filing schedule and deadlines
In the UAE, VAT returns are payable monthly/quarterly according to the type of registration. The majority of businesses file quarterly, and the returns are to be submitted 28 days after the quarter ends. These are January, March, April, June, July, September and October, December.
The monthly filers have a shorter deadline; they are required to file their returns 25 days after the end of the month. These dates are determined by the tax authority at https://www.tax.gov.ae/, and failure to meet them provokes penalties. Mark your calendar now for your next three filing deadlines. The fines forn late filing begin with AED 100 and may reach thousands in case of repeat offenses.
In case you file on time and notice that you did something wrong, you may file an amended return. But you have to do this before the original deadline passes. Once the deadline has passed, you are in and making changes becomes more complex.
Using the EmaraTax portal
You file your returns on the EmaraTax portal of FTA. Enter your TRN (Tax Registration Number) and password. The portal takes you through the process of filing step-by-step.
You will require your opening balance from your last return, your sales details in terms of the supply type, and the purchases with the details of VAT recovery. The portal will compute the amount of VAT that you owe or the amount of refund owed to you. You will find this calculation before submission.
After you submit it, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this for your records. In case of a refund due, the FTA generally issues the refund within 30 days. You will see instructions on payment in case you owe VAT.
What records do you need to keep
The tax authority demands you to maintain supportive records at least to a period of five years. This covers invoices that you have issued, invoices with the suppliers that have paid VAT, bank statements, and records of payments. These documents should be well-arranged and accessible in case the FTA audits you.
The majority of companies retain digital versions nowadays, scanned invoices, PDF statements, and email confirmations. That is all right, provided the documents are readable and duly dated. These may be requested by the FTA at any time.
Thou shalt also maintain a record of any sales or zero-rated supplies that are VAT exempt. These do not raise VAT yet they require documentation to explain why they were not taxed.
Common filing scenarios
In the case you are making sales of standard-rated and zero-rated supplies, such as selling locally and exporting to another country, your return splits them. VAT is only added to local supplies. Exports don’t.
Assuming that you have errors in the past returns, then you will have to correct these returns individually. The current return only covers the current period.
In case you are entitled to a refund, the FTA will refund it or allow you to deduct it in the next VAT payment. Other businesses take back their refunds in cash, whereas others allow them to accumulate. One way or the other, it is automatically processed when you have processed your return.
Getting help with VAT filing
Accuracy is needed in VAT filing. A single lost or lost invoice or one number causes trouble. skrooge.ai offers VAT filing services in the UAE to businesses that desire to have their returns right and submitted within the stipulated time.
The filing is not a difficult task, but records, calculations, and entering all the data into EmaraTax are time-consuming and require attention to detail. It does not really matter who does it or who does not; the point is to be organized and meet deadlines.
Remind me of your next filing date. Take up your records now. The faster you create a habit, the easier it becomes to file VAT.
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