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.