VAT is one of the most common types of consumption tax found around the world. Over 150 countries have implemented VAT (or its equivalent, Goods and Services Tax)

VAT is charged at each step of the ‘supply chain’. Ultimate consumers generally bear the VAT cost while Businesses collect and account for the tax, in a way acting as a tax collector on behalf of the government.

A business pays the government the tax that it collects from the customers while it may also receive a refund from the government on tax that it has paid to its suppliers.

VAT will be introduced across the UAE on 1 January 2018

VAT will be charged at a standard rate of 5%.

VAT, as a general consumption tax, will apply to the majority of transactions of goods and services unless specifically exempted or excepted by law.

Businesses will be responsible for carefully documenting their business income and costs and associated VAT charges. Registered businesses and traders will charge VAT to all of their customers at the prevailing rate and incur VAT on goods / services that they buy from suppliers. The difference between these sums is reclaimed or paid to the government.

As announced by Ministry of Finance, the deadline for VAT Registration is as below

• Entities with turnover over AED 150 million (by 31-Oct-2017)
• Entities with turnover over AED 10 million (by 30-Nov-2017)
• Rest who meet eligibility criteria must register by 4-Dec-2017

Some of the documents required for registration:

• Commercial / Trade license
• Owner/Manager's Passport copy
• Owner/Manager's Emirates ID
• Authorized signatory documents.
• Bank account details.
• Certificate of Incorporation (If Applicable)
• Articles of Association/Partnership Agreement (If Applicable)

Other Information required:

• Description of Business activities
• Last 12 months turnover figures
• Projected future turnover figures (next 30 days)