Tax legislation: VAT penalties in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a country of rapid economic growth and attractive investment opportunities, which is famous for its strict tax legislation. Ignorance or disregard of its norms can lead to significant financial losses. In this article we will analyze in detail the most common tax violations and related penalties.
The UAE tax system, although relatively new compared to other developed countries, requires strict compliance with the established rules. The key tax is VAT (value added tax), and it is around this that most violations and subsequent penalties are centered.

Companies whose annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000 are required to register as VAT payers. Any delays will result in a fine of AED 10,000. Subsequent violations will result in a fine of AED 20,000. It is important to remember that the turnover threshold is taken into account cumulatively for the whole year.

The deadline for filing a VAT return is the 28th day after the end of the tax period. Missing this deadline provides for penalties. You will have to pay AED 1,000 for the first time, and AED 2,000 for each subsequent time during the year. Accordingly, systematic disregard of the deadline leads to significant financial losses.

Payment of VAT must be made in a timely manner. Penalties are charged for each day overdue: 2% of the unpaid amount for the first 7 days, 4% from the 8th day and an additional 1% for subsequent months of delay. Overdue payment can quickly turn into a significant amount, much higher than the original debt.

Emirates tax laws require accurate and truthful information to be provided. Detection of errors or inaccurate information in the declaration gives the payer 20 days to make corrections. Otherwise, penalties of AED 10,000 for the first offense and AED 20,000 for a repeat offense will follow.

Illegally obtaining a VAT refund entails a mandatory refund of the full amount plus an additional charge of 50% of that refunded amount. 

Keeping and maintaining records is a key tax law requirement for any type of organization. Failure to file a tax return for any month will cost AED 500. This emphasizes the importance of thorough document management.

In order to avoid additional costs to your business, there are a few simple but crucial rules to follow:

  • Monitor your turnover carefully and register as early as possible as you approach the AED 375,000 threshold.
  • Schedule your submissions in advance to avoid rush and possible inaccuracies. Use a calendar and reminders.
  • Set up automatic payments to ensure fees are paid on time.
  • Check all data thoroughly for errors before submitting returns. Use the services of professional accountants to minimize the risk of errors.
  • Establish a document storage system that makes it easy to find the right documents when needed.
  • If you have any questions or doubts, do not hesitate to seek help from qualified professionals.
Compliance with UAE tax laws is not only a legal requirement, but also a guarantee of stable operation of your business. Knowing the rules and following them will help you avoid costly fines and preserve your company's reputation. The company's specialists will tell you more about it during a free consultation.

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