Value added tax, also referred to as VAT became effective in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the first of January, 2018 and was one of the biggest transformation that most organizations had to undergo. While large firms were able to transition on their own, the following problems emerged when it came to small businesses. Use of consultants in handling VAT is therefore advantageous to small business in the UAE because it relieves them of the complicated and tiresome processes of implementing VAT.
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VAT implementation for small business UAE
Hiring VAT Consultants UAE
Alternatively, small businesses should hire the services of specialized VAT consultants to ensure proper implementation of the VAT. Currently, numerous UAE consultants are willing to assist the companies through all the necessary procedures and provide them with the necessary assistance in the implementation of the VAT.
VAT Registration
Additionally, all businesses with an annual turnover of more than AED 375,000 must register for VAT. The consultants could go through financial records to verify the applicants’ eligibility and to help them through the online registration process. They will assemble all documentations such as the trade license, memorandum of association, and articles of incorporation.
VAT Return Filing
VAT consultants provide and submit standard filing of VAT returns by the use of the e-Services portal which is uniquely periodic and enables the filing every three months. Returns entail determining the amount of output tax, input tax, refund, or payments to make. Consultants are also very careful and precise in their work so as not to attract penalties.
VAT Compliance
Some of the core compliance activities include payment and issuance of tax invoices, keeping of records on purchases, separation of accounts and many others. Consultants introduced processes in an organization so that compliance needs can be met with little work done. They also train the staff in a recurrent basis.
Handling Audits
Even though relatively rare for small businesses, VAT audits’ purpose is to check and recall the accuracy of returns and adherence to compliance. It is the consultants’ duty to represent their clients during any of the audits, they address any questions and complaints and quickly get solutions to any problem in order to avoid any penalties or complications.
Benefits of Using VAT Consultants UAE
There are significant advantages for small businesses in the UAE to seek implementation support from reputed VAT consultants:
Expertise and specialized skills
VAT standards might be quite rigorous and vary extensively with new rules and regulations constantly being established. Consultants are always aware of the changes and are well conversant with the laws and implementation of VAT. This ensures compliance.
Time and cost efficiency
By outsourcing VAT activities, companies are able to avoid employment costs of recruiting specialized and trained finance personnel. Consultants also assist in cutting the number of hours spent on VAT by providing efficient solutions that operate in the background.
Avoid errors and penalties
There are severe legal implications to compliance mistakes in UAE, including heavy fines. Thus, consultants prevents risk possibilities with expertise and the way they exercise it. VAT compliance allows businesses to meet their VAT obligations with less risk of costly mistakes.
Focus on core operations
Administering VAT compliance in-house takes attention away from the business and its strengths. Outsourcing consultants benefit the business owner and/or management by providing them with ample of time to work on business development and creating new strategies without the stressful burden of worrying about tax issues.
One-stop shop for support
VAT consultants provide one-stop services to businesses where they help them to register and also assist them with audits or disputes. They offer comprehensive solutions for all the VAT requirements.
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VAT Implementation Process
The standard process of VAT implementation with expert assistance can be summarized as follows:
- Determine VAT registration requirements
- Submit VAT registration documents
- Configuration of the financial accounts for VAT laws
- File periodic VAT returns
- Give out VAT invoices for the supplies
- Maintain purchase/sales records
- Manage or conduct VAT audits if necessary
- Ensure effectiveness in dealing with grievances
- Ensure that staffs receives routine training and other forms of assistance
Consultants are able to handle this switch through their expertise and tried and tested methods. Small businesses enjoy burden-free VAT compliance during the process of registration as well as during the subsequent periods.
Table 1: VAT Consultant Services for Small business VAT setup UAE
| Phase | Services Provided |
|---|---|
| Pre-registration | Registration support, compliance setup, advisory on VAT impact |
| Initial compliance | Returns filing, invoice issuance support, introductory training |
| Ongoing compliance | Returns preparation, audits prep, ongoing advisories and support |
| Post-implementation | Process reviews, refresher trainings, technology upgrades |
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to note that small business face many difficulties in proper implementation of the requirements of VAT. Specialist VAT consultants and advisors are helpful in ensuring that the transition is done in the shortest time and that sustaining compliance is as easy and trouble-free as possible. Hiring consultants are a worthwhile expense for any small firm that is doing business in the UAE.
At VAT Registration UAE, we specialize in providing solutions for VAT implementation. Our clients are able to comply with their obligations related to VAT and experience less interruptions with their business operations even with VAT being implemented onto the business processes. If you wish to consult with VAT experts today, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
FAQs
Why should small businesses in UAE seek expert help for VAT implementation?
The VAT rules are very detailed and it is very expensive to be found guilty of violating the provisions of the act. When it comes to risks, consultants always reduce the chances of the company being at a lose through their expertise and methods.
What services do VAT consultants provide for small businesses in UAE?
Some of the most important areas comprise registration for VAT, filing the returns, undertaking the compliance work, dealing with the audits, dealing with the disputes, putting in place the accounting systems and continuing to support the filing.
How do VAT experts assist with VAT registration for small businesses?
The specialists conduct the analysis of financial statements in order to identify the registration requirements, collect necessary documents, complete the questionnaires, and complete the paperwork to ensure the successful registration process.
Can VAT consultants help small businesses with VAT audits in UAE?
Yes, consultants represent business entities in any audits done by the tax bodies. They create awareness that organisations are ready and are capable of quickly responding to questions to wards penalties.
What are the benefits of using VAT consultants for small businesses in UAE?
Some of the important advantages consist of, expertise, assurance of non-compliance penalties, time and cost reduction and finally, freeing up business time for core operations instead of devoting time to VAT compliance.
