Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax levied on the value added at each stage of production or distribution of goods and services. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), VAT was introduced on January 1, 2018, and is governed by the UAE VAT Law. Here's an overview of the provisions of the UAE VAT Law, the registration procedure, exemption thresholds, VAT return forms, audit procedure, methods of computation, compliance requirements, and due dates for filing VAT returns:

Provisions of UAE VAT Law:

1. Registration:

• Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding the mandatory registration threshold must register for VAT. Voluntary registration is also allowed for businesses below the threshold.
• VAT registration is typically done through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) portal.

2. Taxable Supplies:

• VAT is imposed on the supply of goods and services at each stage of the supply chain.
• Certain supplies are zero-rated or exempt from VAT, such as certain financial services and residential property.

3. VAT Rate:

• The standard VAT rate in the UAE is 5%.

4. VAT Return Filing:

• Registered businesses are required to file periodic VAT returns, typically on a quarterly basis.

5. Input Tax Deduction:

• Businesses can deduct the VAT they have paid on their inputs (purchases) from the VAT they have collected on their outputs (sales).

6. VAT Audit:

• The FTA may conduct VAT audits to verify compliance and accuracy in VAT returns and records.

Procedure of VAT Registration:

1. Determine Eligibility:

• Calculate your annual turnover to determine if you exceed the mandatory registration threshold.
• Voluntarily register for VAT if you are below the threshold but wish to do so.

2. Prepare Required Documents:

• Gather the necessary documents, including your trade license, Emirates ID, passport copies, and financial records.

3. Create an e-Services Account:

• Create an e-Services account on the FTA portal.

4. Complete the Registration Form:

• Fill out the VAT registration form on the portal.

5. Submit the Application:

• Submit the application online.

6. Receive VAT Registration Certificate:

• Upon approval, you will receive a VAT registration certificate.

Threshold for Exemption:

• The mandatory VAT registration threshold in the UAE is AED 375,000 annually. However, threshold limits may change, so it's essential to check the latest regulations.

VAT Return Forms:

• VAT-201: VAT Return form for standard taxpayers.
• VAT-202: VAT Return form for taxpayers with multiple business activities.
• VAT-203: VAT Return form for taxpayers who are part of a tax group.
• VAT-205: VAT Return form for retailers.

VAT Audit Procedure:

• The FTA conducts VAT audits to ensure compliance with the VAT law.
• The audit process may include reviewing financial records, invoices, and other relevant documents.
• Taxpayers are generally notified in advance of an audit.
• After the audit, the FTA may issue an assessment for any discrepancies found.

Methods of Computation:

• VAT is calculated by applying the 5% VAT rate on the value added at each stage of the supply chain.
• Businesses can deduct the input VAT paid on purchases from the output VAT collected on sales.

Compliance Requirements:

• Maintain accurate and complete records of all financial transactions, including invoices, receipts, and contracts.
• Charge VAT on taxable supplies and issue valid tax invoices.
• Submit VAT returns and payments on time.
• Cooperate with the FTA during audits and provide requested documents and information.

Due Date for Filing VAT Return:

• The due date for filing VAT returns is typically 28 days after the end of the tax period. For quarterly filers, this means the due date is the last day of the month following the end of the quarter.

Please note that VAT regulations and requirements may change over time, so it's crucial to refer to the latest guidance from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) or consult our experts for the most up-to-date information and compliance requirements.