Value Added Tax in UAE is an indirect tax that’s charged to products and services. There are three different rates for VAT that are applied to products and services.
- The standard VAT (5%)
- Zero-rated VAT
- Tax-exempt.
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Difference Between Zero Rated VAT and Tax Exempt
Zero-rated VAT is not the same as VAT exempt. Zero-rated vat includes goods that are taxable for VAT but consumers are not charged with VAT. The VAT accounts of businesses still contain records for sales of zero-rated items and they have to be reported to the business’ VAT return. This means VAT for zero-rated items can be claimed by a business as input tax.
As for VAT-exempt goods and services, they are not taxable as they are outside the scope of VAT. A business doesn’t include the sale of any exempt goods or services in its taxable turnover. You cannot reclaim Vat if your business purchases items that are VAT exempt. In both cases, VAT shouldn’t be added to the selling prices of goods and services. However, zero-rated items are taxable albeit at zero percent. The sale of a zero-rated item counts as a taxable sale with respect to the registration threshold together with a sale that is subject to five percent or standard rate VAT.
Also Read: Steps And Requirements For VAT Registration In UAE
VAT for Freezone companies in UAE
There is a misconception that only limited companies are able to register for VAT in UAE. Any business that reaches the mandatory threshold for UAE registration for VAT has to undergo the process of VAT registration with the FTA. A free zone company in UAE can register voluntarily if its annual taxable supplies reach between Dhs 187,500 and Dhs 375,000.
Vat Registration Guidelines
Here are the guidelines that you should remember for VAT registration in UAE:
- You must undergo VAT registration if your taxable turnover reaches Dhs 375,000;
- Register your business in the free zone if it exceeds the threshold in a single period of thirty days;
- Register for VAT in UAE if you are selling vat exempt products, but the business purchases products for the value of greater than the VAT registered suppliers’ threshold in UAE;
- You are to undergo VAT registration with the FTA on or before you meet any of the criteria mentioned earlier.
If your business’ turnover is going to reach the VAT registration threshold, then you should start preparing for the registration process. Failure in notifying the tax authority in UAE in time will make the business liable for paying hefty fines and vat penalties.
Also Read: Hidden Benefits Of VAT Registration In UAE
When Should a Free Zone Business Start Charging VAT in UAE?
UAE Freezone company can charge VAT if their business turnover reaches the threshold, and owns a TRN number. If you exceed the threshold in thirty days, then you also have to provide the tax authority in UAE notifications.
What Happens if you Don’t Register for VAT?
If the business that is operating in and out of a free zone in the UAE is late with the VAT registration process, the FTA will register the business starting from the date that it should have begun charging VAT. There is a fine that will be imposed on the business that has violated VAT registration regulations and the business will have to add the correct rate for VAT to the sales that have been made starting from the retrospective date. If your annual turnover is going to reach the threshold, then you can take the help of a regulated tax agent in the UAE. This is absolutely crucial if you have no idea when your business should register and if It has already reached the threshold.
Is it Best to Consider Undergoing Voluntary UAE VAT Registration?
A business in UAE free zone should consider undergoing voluntary registration for VAT. Businesses will be able to reclaim VAT on their business expenses. A business that registers voluntarily can also reduce administration that is involved with the preparation of quarterly VAT returns. Your clients can also be benefited if you are VAT registered. They can easily reclaim VAT vat for what they have purchased from your business.
