Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax levied on the value added to goods and services at each stage of the supply chain. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), VAT registration is mandatory for businesses meeting specific criteria. If you operate a business in Abu Dhabi and your turnover exceeds the registration threshold, understanding the VAT registration process is essential to comply with the tax laws. Here’s a step-by-step guide to VAT registration Abu Dhabi.
Step 1: Determine eligibility
The first step is to determine if your business is eligible for VAT registration. In Abu Dhabi, businesses with an annual turnover exceeding AED 375,000 must register for VAT. If your turnover is expected to exceed this threshold in the next 30 days, you should also register.
Step 2: Gather required documents
Before initiating the registration process, gather the necessary documents. You will typically need a valid trade license, copies of shareholders’ passports, information about business activities, and details of partners and owners.
Step 3: Create an e-services account
To proceed with VAT registration, you must create an account on the Federal Tax Authority’s (FTA) e-Services portal (https://eservices.tax.gov.ae). The e-Services account is necessary for all tax-related transactions in the UAE.
Step 4: Complete the registration form
Log in to your e-Services account and access the VAT registration form. Provide accurate information about your business, including legal entity details, trade name, contact information, and the expected annual turnover.
Step 5: Submit the registration form
After completing the form, review the information for accuracy, and submit it through the e-Services portal. The FTA will process your application, and you will receive an acknowledgment of your registration.
Step 6: Receive VAT certificate
Upon successful processing of your VAT registration, the FTA will issue a VAT registration certificate. This certificate will contain your VAT registration number, which must be displayed on all relevant business documentation.
Step 7: Understand VAT compliance
After registration, it is essential to understand and comply with VAT regulations. Businesses must maintain proper records of transactions, issue valid tax invoices, and charge the correct VAT rate on taxable supplies. Regular filing of VAT returns is mandatory, and VAT payments must be made on time.