Making it Simple – VAT Law in UAE

UAE addresses the essence of implementing the laws relating to the VAT. The impact of an increase in Value Added Tax, compulsory and voluntary registration, payment methods, the required amount of payment, and even the items not subject to VAT Law in UAE – collectively impact individuals.

Moreover, sudden transformations in the Tax Policies and VAT laws in the UAE make it essential for those taxpayers in the region to review the new tax scheme.

Value Added Tax (VAT):

To begin with, Value Added Tax (VAT) came into force in the UAE on the 1st of January 2018. The percentage rate decided is five percent. In addition to that, the FTA introduced VAT Law in the UAE to provide a new income source. This new income source aims to fund high-quality public services.

Valued Added Tax Defined:

Article 1 of the Federal Decree-Law Number (8) of 2017, Value Added Tax is ‘tax levied on the import and/ or supply of goods and/ or services at every stage of production and distribution, including the Deemed Supply.’ Hence, it is the most common type of standard tax levied in the UAE.

Value Added Tax – Meaning:

Value Added Tax (or VAT), an indirect tax, is one of the world’s most common consumption taxes, which many people refer to as the consumption tax.

VAT is consumption centric than income centric in nature. It is a widespread practice in more than 160 countries and mostly has its inclination in the European Countries.  

Moreover, it is the ultimate consumer that bears the VAT cost. Therefore, businesses collect and account for the tax, acting as tax collectors on behalf of the government.

VAT Rate:

According to Article 3 of the Federal Decree-Law number (8) of 2017, a standard tax rate of five percent (5%) on import, supply, and goods and services. Supply of goods includes but is not limited to the transfer of a contract to exchange goods and services.

Filing of VAT Return in UAE:

It is mandatory to have all the tax requirements ready before filing the VAT return filing. The procedure for filing is to file through the FTA portal: eservices.tax.gov.ae.

Criteria for Registering for VAT:

• Article 13 of the UAE VAT Law mandates that if the taxable supplies and imports of a business (natural or legal) exceed AED 375,000 per annum, it must get VAT Registration. Compulsory registration threshold in the next thirty days.  
• Moreover, Article 19 of the said law mandates that if the taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 187,500 per annum and are less than the mandatory registration threshold, it is optional for the business to get registered. In case they anticipate that the total amount of supplies will exceed the voluntary threshold, then within the next thirty (30) days.
• A business may register voluntarily if its expenses exceed the voluntary registration threshold. 

Exemption in VAT:

The following have an exemption from VAT in the UAE-

1. The supply of some financial services, as clarified in the VAT legislation

2. Residential Properties

3. Bare Land

4. Local passenger transport

Article 15 states that a taxable person could be exempted from mandatory tax registration in Article 13 if they file a request indicating that their supplies are subject to a zero (0) rate, such as but not limited to international cargo or passenger transport that commences and arrive in the UAE: supply of land, sea and air transport for passengers and cargo, supply of aircraft and vessels: import of precious metals: firstly supply (sale or lease) or residential buildings in whole or part: supply of crude oil and natural gases.  

Implications of VAT:

Implications of VAT in the UAE are divided into two categories-

1. On Individuals

2. On Business

A. The Implication of VAT Law on Individuals:

As a general consumption tax, VAT applies to most transactions in goods and services. Hence, companies will only get limited exemptions.

  
Consequently, the living costs increase depending on an individual’s lifestyle and spending behavior. Suppose the spending is specifically on goods relieved from VAT. In that case, it is unlikely that the individual will see any notable increase.

B. The Implication of VAT Law on Business:

Subsequently, businesses will be held responsible for being careful in documenting their business income, costs, and related VAT charges. After that, it will be the business’s responsibility.

Conclusion:

Although the VAT Law is extensive, its application and implementation are seen in the UAE. Moreover, in addition to exploring the best VAT software, businesses must understand the fundamentals of business implications for VAT Law in the UAE.

Above all, here at NR Doshi and Partners, we understand the need for the hour. Moreover, one can find all one-stop solutions for accountants, financial, and business advisors. The UAE is thoroughly competent in delivering impeccable business setup services accentuated by un-parallel quality to our local and GCC marketplace clients.

If you are looking for somebody to take care of your finances and boost profits, look no further than us. Call us at +971 50 6591233 or simply write to us at enquiries@nrdoshi.ae; we will contact you shortly.