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VAT Return Filing Services in Dubai
Looking for a service that accurately prepares your returns, reviews them thoroughly, and submits on time?
Let Beaufort Help You!
Book a Free Consultation
Get VAT Filing Right From the Start
We have seen many cases where numbers are submitted without proper review or explanation, advisors are slow to respond when questions arise.
Mostly, mistakes only come to light after penalties or notices are received.
But that’s NOT the case with us.
Beaufort treats VAT return filing as a compliance process - not just a submission.
3000+
Successfully Completed Assignments
25+
Years of accounting experience in Dubai
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Compliance Support with UAE Regulations
VAT filing is repetitive. Mistakes shouldn’t be.
Our VAT Return Filing Process
Step1
Information Collection & Review
We collect and review the financial information required for your quarterly/monthly VAT return, ensuring everything is complete and aligned with the filing deadline.
Step 2
Preparation & Review with You
We prepare the VAT return and present it to you clearly, giving you the opportunity to review and approve before anything is submitted.
Step 3
Filing & Follow-Through
Once approved, we file the VAT return with the authorities and coordinate with you regarding any tax payable, so nothing is missed or delayed.
Proper checks. No blind submissions.
What’s Included in Our VAT Return Filing Service
- Quarterly/monthly VAT return preparation and filing
- Review of financial data relevant to VAT
- Clear presentation of the return before submission
- On-time filing in line with regulatory deadlines
- Coordination on VAT payment, if applicable
- Assistance with routine follow-up questions from the authorities
Get your VAT filing done properly - not just “submitted”.
Why Choose Beaufort for VAT Return Filing in Dubai
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Responsive, reliable support
Our clients don’t chase us for updates - we stay ahead of deadlines and communication.
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Proper review before submission
We don’t submit figures blindly. Returns are reviewed by Managing Partner. Later explained to and approved by client.
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Clean-up experience when things have gone wrong
Many clients come to us after dealing with errors, delays, or penalties elsewhere. We bring order, clarity, and control back into their VAT compliance.
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Long-term mindset
We file VAT returns with future compliance in mind - not just the current quarter/month.
Benefits of VAT Return Filing Support in Dubai
Understanding VAT Return Filing in Dubai
VAT return filing means submitting your VAT return to the FTA for the relevant tax period. The return reports VAT on sales and other outputs, VAT on expenses and other inputs, and the resulting VAT payable or excess refundable position. Filing on time and keeping supporting records helps support VAT compliance and reduce the risk of penalties.
Legal Reference
Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Articles 1, 53 and 72
Cabinet Decision No. (52) of 2017 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Article 64
VAT returns in Dubai (and the entire UAE) must be filed on or before the 28th day following the end of your VAT tax period.
Most businesses in the UAE are assigned a quarterly VAT period, which means:
- You file every 3 months, and
- You must submit the VAT return within 28 days after the quarter ends.
The FTA may assign monthly or other tax periods to some registrants. The same 28-day deadline generally applies after the end of the assigned tax period.
In simple terms:
You get 28 days after your VAT period ends to file the VAT return and pay any VAT due.
Missing this deadline can lead to penalties, so staying on time is essential.
Legal Reference
Cabinet Decision No. (52) of 2017 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Articles 62 and 64
Federal Tax Authority VAT Returns User Guide, Section 2.1
Federal Tax Authority – Filing VAT Returns and Making Payments page
Any VAT-registered person must submit VAT returns for its assigned tax periods, even if there were no sales, no purchases, no VAT payable, or only zero-rated supplies during the period. If a business only makes exempt supplies or no longer meets VAT registration requirements, it should review whether VAT deregistration is required or available.
Legal Reference
Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Article 72
Cabinet Decision No. (52) of 2017 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Article 64
Federal Tax Authority VAT Returns User Guide, Section 2.1
Timely and accurate VAT return filing helps demonstrate compliance with FTA requirements, supports proper VAT recordkeeping, and reduces the risk of penalties, FTA queries and avoidable corrections. Well-maintained VAT records can also support better internal financial reporting and due diligence.
Legal Reference
Federal Decree-Law No. (28) of 2022 on Tax Procedures, Article 8
Cabinet Decision No. (40) of 2017 on Administrative Penalties for Violations of Tax Laws in the UAE, as amended by Cabinet Decision No. (129) of 2025, Table No. 1, Items 8, 9, 10 and 11
Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Article 78
You can submit your returns through the following steps:
- Gathering sales and purchase records
- Reviewing VAT calculations
- Filling out the VAT return form on the FTA portal
- Submitting the VAT return
- Paying any VAT due
Legal Reference
Federal Tax Authority VAT Returns User Guide, Sections 3 and 4
Cabinet Decision No. (52) of 2017 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Article 64
Form VAT201 is the VAT return form submitted through the FTA portal. The form includes:
- Taxable person details
- The tax period
- VAT on sales and other outputs
- VAT on expenses and other inputs, adjustments
- The VAT payable or excess refundable position, and the declaration.
Additional fields may apply, such as Profit Margin Scheme reporting where relevant. After submission, the portal provides an acknowledgement or reference.
Legal Reference
Cabinet Decision No. (52) of 2017 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Article 64
Federal Tax Authority VAT Returns User Guide, Sections 1, 2 and 3
Let’s Make VAT Filing Simple and Reliable
- Speak with our team for a clear discussion about your VAT filing needs and how we can support you.
What VAT Filing Feels Like When It’s Done Right
- Your VAT returns are filed on time, every quarter or month
- You know what’s being submitted - and why
- Communication is clear and timely
- There are no last-minute panics or unanswered emails
- VAT becomes a routine process, not a recurring concern
Our Other VAT Services
VAT Onboarding Support
Enquire NowVAT Deregistration
Enquire NowVAT Advisory & Consultancy
Enquire NowVAT Refund Services
Enquire NowFrequently Asked Questions
If a VAT return is not submitted within the required timeframe, the administrative penalty is AED 1,000 for the first failure and AED 2,000 if repeated within 24 months. If VAT payable is also paid late, separate late-payment penalties may apply.
Legal Reference
Cabinet Decision No. (40) of 2017 on Administrative Penalties for Violations of Tax Laws in the UAE, as amended by Cabinet Decision No. (129) of 2025, Table No. 1, Items 8 and 9
If a submitted VAT return is incorrect, it may need to be corrected through the applicable FTA process. Where the error affects Payable Tax or a tax refund, a Voluntary Disclosure may be required depending on the amount and circumstances. Administrative penalties may apply for incorrect returns, Voluntary Disclosures or failure to disclose before an FTA audit notice.
Legal Reference
Federal Decree-Law No. (28) of 2022 on Tax Procedures, Article 10
Cabinet Decision No. (74) of 2023 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (28) of 2022 on Tax Procedures, Article 10
Cabinet Decision No. (40) of 2017 on Administrative Penalties for Violations of Tax Laws in the UAE, as amended by Cabinet Decision No. (129) of 2025, Table No. 1, Items 10, 11 and 12
VAT returns must generally be submitted within 28 days after the end of the relevant tax period. The standard VAT period is generally three months, but the FTA may assign a shorter or longer tax period, including monthly periods for some registrants.
Legal Reference
Cabinet Decision No. (52) of 2017 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Articles 62 and 64
Federal Tax Authority VAT Returns User Guide, Section 2.1
- Total sales made and the VAT collected
- Total purchases and expenses and the VAT paid
- Exports and exempt supplies, if you made any
- Reverse charge transactions, if they apply to your business
- Any adjustments, like credit notes or corrections
- Your Tax Registration Number (TRN)
- The VAT payable or excess refundable amount
Legal Reference
Cabinet Decision No. (52) of 2017 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Article 64
Federal Tax Authority VAT Returns User Guide, Sections 2 and 3
We go beyond simply filing your VAT returns. We offer a comprehensive suite of VAT services to support your business, including:
- VAT onboarding and deregistration assistance
- Industry-specific VAT advisory services
- Ongoing VAT compliance guidance and support
- Training for your team on VAT regulations
Administrative penalty instalment, waiver or refund may be requested through the FTA where the applicable conditions are met. Approval is not automatic and depends on the relevant rules and FTA/committee decision.
Legal Reference
Cabinet Decision No. (105) of 2021 Regarding the Controls and Procedures for the Installment, Waiver, and Refund of Administrative Penalties, Articles 3, 4 and 11
Federal Tax Authority Requests for Installment, Waiver, and Refund of Administrative Penalties service page
Businesses can reduce VAT penalty risk by registering when required, filing VAT returns on time, paying VAT due within the deadline, keeping proper records, issuing correct tax invoices where required, and correcting errors through the applicable FTA process.
Legal Reference
Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Articles 13, 65, 72 and 78
Cabinet Decision No. (52) of 2017 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Article 64
Cabinet Decision No. (74) of 2023 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (28) of 2022 on Tax Procedures, Article 10
Cabinet Decision No. (40) of 2017 on Administrative Penalties for Violations of Tax Laws in the UAE, as amended by Cabinet Decision No. (129) of 2025, Table No. 1
No. The standard VAT tax period is generally three calendar months, but the FTA may assign a shorter or longer tax period to some registrants. Businesses should check the tax period assigned to them by the FTA in their VAT account or return dashboard.
Legal Reference
Cabinet Decision No. (52) of 2017 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax, Article 62
Federal Tax Authority VAT Returns User Guide, Sections 2.1 and 3.2
Sources
Primary sources referenced on this page:
- Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax
- Cabinet Decision No. (52) of 2017 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax
- Federal Decree-Law No. (28) of 2022 on Tax Procedures
- Cabinet Decision No. (74) of 2023 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (28) of 2022 on Tax Procedures
- Cabinet Decision No. (40) of 2017 on Administrative Penalties for Violations of Tax Laws in the UAE, as amended by Cabinet Decision No. (129) of 2025
- Cabinet Decision No. (105) of 2021 Regarding the Controls and Procedures for the Installment, Waiver, and Refund of Administrative Penalties
- Federal Tax Authority VAT Returns User Guide
- Federal Tax Authority - Filing VAT Returns and Making Payments page
We have referenced the legislation in force as at the last review date. The UAE tax framework is evolving; later changes may affect the position. Speak with us for advice on your specific circumstances.
Disclaimer: This page sets out our understanding of VAT return filing based on the legislation and guidance in force at the date of last review. The position may change, and the application to a particular set of facts may require further analysis. Nothing on this page constitutes professional, legal or tax advice. Beaufort Associates accepts no liability for action taken or not taken in reliance on this page. Please contact us for advice tailored to your circumstances.
