VAT Services
VAT Refund Claims Services in UAE
Since 20179 Since 2017
- FTA approved tax agency
- Fixed fees, quoted up front
- Filed in your name
Talk to a tax agent
Tell us where your business stands and we will tell you what is actually required of it.
- Reply in 24h
- FTA approved
- Direct to a specialist
In one line
Recovering VAT the business has paid and is entitled to have back.
Overview
What VAT Refund Claims Services involves
As there has been Value Added Tax (VAT) in the UAE since 2018, corporate entities have had to charge VAT on their transactions as well as paying it on their goods and services. In some cases, however, it is suitable for companies to claim VAT refunds on the purchases which have identified for the business operations. VAT refunds management, on the one hand, is a very complicated and time-consuming process that requires correct and detailed documentation as well as good knowledge of Federal Tax Authority regulations. At Vigor Accounting & Taxation, we specialize in VAT refund claims services and offer businesses help in the facilitation of the VAT refund process and adherence to UAE tax laws.
- Tax services, one cluster
- 12Tax services, one cluster
- years, since 2017
- 9years, since 2017
- Professionals in Business Bay
- 75+Professionals in Business Bay
The basics
Understanding VAT Refunds in the UAE
The VAT refunds enable the companies to get back the VAT that they have paid on business-related expenses. Such refunds can be obtained upon a situation in which VAT paid on taxable supplies exceeds the VAT to be collected, reclaims GST charged on the purchase of items used for the zero-rated or exempt activities by the businesses. The ability to claim back VAT is instrumental to the maintenance of stable cash flow and the implementation of efficient taxation systems.
Businesses operating in various industries, including real estate, manufacturing, tourism, and logistics, can benefit from VAT refund claims. However, to successfully claim a VAT refund, businesses must comply with the strict documentation and reporting requirements set by the FTA.
Does it apply to you
Eligibility for VAT Refunds in the UAE
Not all businesses are eligible for VAT refunds, and the FTA has established clear criteria for VAT recovery. Key situations where VAT refunds can be claimed include
VAT Paid on Input Supplies
Refund of VAT on goods and services bought by the firm can be claimed. It includes the costs incurred during the operation such as rent, utilities, supplies, and professional services. The VAT paid on these purchases, called input VAT, can be claimed as a refund, provided it exceeds output VAT (VAT levied on sales).
VAT Refund for UAE Nationals on New Residences
UAE nationals constructing new residential properties are eligible for VAT refunds on certain construction-related expenses, such as materials and contractor fees.
VAT Refunds for Business Visitors
Foreign companies can also take a refund if they have paid VAT on UAE established expenditures by submitting the VAT Refund for Business Visitors Scheme. This program assists international firms to return the VAT they spent on these costs: rents, show fees, and the legal or aviation sessions frequently.
Tourists VAT Refund Scheme
Foreign tourists, who are exploring the UAE, can avail VAT refunds for taxable goods, which they have bought during their visit. The Tourist VAT Refund Scheme allows the retailers to refund the VAT to tourists at the declared refund points when they are leaving.
Export of Goods and Services
The UAE has a zero-rated VAT policy for the export of goods and services. Businesses involved in export activities can claim refunds on VAT paid for inputs used in these activities, ensuring they remain tax-efficient.
How it runs
VAT Refund Claim Process in UAE
The VAT refund claim process in the UAE involves several steps and requires businesses to adhere to specific FTA procedures. At Vigor Accounting & Taxation, we assist businesses in navigating this process seamlessly. The key steps involved are:
01
VAT Record-Keeping and Documentation
02
VAT Refund Application Submission
03
Receiving the VAT Refund
04
VAT Return Filing
05
FTA Review and Approval
06
How Vigor Accounting & Taxation Can Help
At Vigor Accounting & Taxation, we provide full-fledged support to businesses in claiming VAT rebate so that they may extract the refund as the maximum and be in a good position to empower laws of FTA. The group of VAT professionals is completely familiar with tax regulations in the UAE thus delivering personalized services for all types and categories of the companies.
07
Expert VAT Advisory
08
Accurate Documentation and Filing
09
VAT Return Filing
10
Efficient Refund Application Submission
11
FTA Compliance and Audit Support
Phase 1 of 11
VAT Record-Keeping and Documentation
Where it goes wrong
Common Challenges in VAT Refund Claims
While the VAT refund process may seem straightforward, businesses often encounter several challenges, including
Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation:
Missing or inaccurate documentation can result in delays or rejections of VAT refund claims. Businesses must ensure that all invoices and receipts meet FTA requirements.
Meeting FTA Deadlines
VAT refund applications must be submitted within specific timeframes. Failure to meet these deadlines can lead to missed opportunities for refunds or penalties for late submissions.
Complex VAT Calculations
Calculating the exact amount of VAT to be claimed can be complicated, especially for businesses involved in both taxable and exempt activities. Proper allocation of VAT expenses is crucial to avoid over- or under-claiming VAT.
Where this one sits
Twelve services, and they are not twelve products
They are one lifecycle. You register before you file, you cannot close a registration you never opened, and a penalty reconsideration only exists because something was assessed first. Here is the order, and where this page sits in it.
VAT, in order
You register, you keep the records, you file, and one day you close it.
Corporate tax
A separate registration and a separate return, on its own annual cycle.
When something goes wrong
These exist because of something that already happened: money owed back, a figure disputed, a penalty imposed.
At any point
Neither of these waits for a deadline.
The lines show the order, which does not change. Thresholds, rates, filing periods and penalty amounts are set by the Federal Tax Authority and do change, so none of them is drawn here. A tax agent confirms where your business actually stands.
Or go straight to one
Government Agencies
We work closely with all Government Agencies
Company formation, licensing, visas, customs codes and tax registration all pass through these authorities. Start a company setup.
Answers
Questions asked about VAT Refund Claims
The 6 asked most often, answered by a tax agent.
01Can I claim a refund on VAT I have paid in the UAE?
Yes, in several situations. A business can reclaim VAT paid on input supplies such as rent, utilities and professional services, UAE nationals building new residences can reclaim VAT on qualifying construction costs, foreign business visitors can reclaim VAT under a dedicated scheme, and exporters can reclaim VAT on inputs used in zero rated export activity.
02How much does a VAT refund claim cost to prepare?
This depends on the complexity of the claim, the volume of supporting documents and which refund scheme applies, so it is quoted after review rather than fixed in advance. What does not vary is the underlying rule, refunds are limited to VAT properly incurred on eligible expenses and must be supported by valid tax invoices.
03How long does the VAT refund process take?
The process runs through several stages, gathering and checking records, preparing and submitting the application, and then FTA review before the refund is released. The overall timeframe depends on how complete the documentation is and how quickly the FTA processes the specific claim, so it varies case by case.
04What is the penalty for an incorrect VAT refund claim?
Submitting an inaccurate or unsupported refund claim can expose a business to FTA penalties in the same way a wrong VAT return does, alongside possible rejection of the claim itself. The FTA also expects VAT returns to be filed correctly within 28 days of the end of each tax period, since refunds are tied to the return filing cycle.
05Who is eligible for a VAT refund in the UAE?
Eligibility depends on the category. Registered businesses can reclaim VAT on qualifying input costs, UAE nationals can claim on new residence construction expenses, foreign business visitors can claim under the Business Visitors Scheme, tourists can claim under the Tourist Refund Scheme, and exporters can claim on inputs linked to zero rated exports. Which route applies turns on the claimant's status and the nature of the expenditure.
06What documents do I need to submit a VAT refund claim?
You generally need valid tax invoices, proof of payment, contracts or receipts for the underlying goods or services, and records showing how the expense relates to your taxable activity. Businesses must in any case keep accounting records for at least five years, and Vigor Accounting and Taxation can review your documentation before submission to reduce the risk of queries or rejection.
Not here? Ask Vigor, and a specialist picks it up from there.
