What Happens If You Don’t Register for VAT in the UAE?

Learn the risks, penalties & legal consequences of failing to register for VAT in the UAE & how to stay compliant.

VAT registration is a legal requirement for businesses in the UAE that meet the mandatory threshold. Since the introduction of VAT in 2018, companies that generate taxable revenue must comply with tax regulations set by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). However, some businesses delay registration or fail to register altogether, either due to a lack […]

UAE VAT for Restaurants & Hospitality: How to Stay Compliant

Get expert VAT compliance tips for restaurants & hospitality businesses in the UAE to avoid fines & optimize tax efficiency.

The restaurant and hospitality industry in the UAE is thriving, attracting both residents and tourists who expect world-class dining and accommodation experiences. But with this growth comes the responsibility of handling VAT correctly. Whether you run a fine-dining restaurant, a hotel, a café, or a catering service, understanding how VAT applies to your business is […]

Understanding Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) in UAE VAT

Learn how the reverse charge mechanism works in UAE VAT, who it applies to & how businesses can ensure compliance.

VAT in the UAE applies to most goods and services, and businesses are responsible for charging and collecting tax from customers. However, in certain cases, the tax responsibility shifts from the supplier to the buyer—this is where the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) comes into play. RCM is an important VAT concept that applies mainly to […]

VAT Deregistration in the UAE: When & How to Do It

Find out when UAE businesses must deregister for VAT, the process involved & key compliance requirements to avoid penalties.

Paying VAT is a routine part of doing business in the UAE, but there are situations where a company may no longer need to be registered for VAT. Whether due to a drop in revenue, business closure, or a change in operations, VAT deregistration becomes necessary when a company no longer meets the requirements for […]

How UAE VAT Works for International Transactions & Cross-Border Sales

Understand UAE VAT rules for global trade, exports, imports & cross-border sales to ensure proper tax compliance.

The UAE has become a global trade hub, attracting businesses from around the world that engage in international transactions and cross-border sales. Whether a company imports goods from overseas suppliers, exports products to foreign clients, or provides digital services to international customers, VAT plays a critical role in ensuring compliance and financial efficiency. Since the […]

Top VAT Record-Keeping Mistakes UAE Businesses Must Avoid

Avoid costly VAT errors by learning common record-keeping mistakes & best practices for UAE tax compliance.

VAT compliance in the UAE goes beyond just filing tax returns and making timely payments. Proper record-keeping is a critical part of ensuring compliance with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) regulations. Businesses are required to maintain accurate VAT records for at least five years, and failing to do so can result in serious penalties, audits, […]