UAE VAT Refund Claim, Submitted to the FTA on Your Behalf
When your input VAT exceeds your output VAT, you have a refund due from the FTA. Most businesses leave this money unclaimed because the refund process feels complex. Our partnered tax professionals prepare and submit the claim for you, accurately and completely.
Who Can Claim a UAE VAT Refund
A VAT refund arises when a VAT-registered business has paid more input VAT on its purchases and expenses than it has collected as output VAT on its sales during a tax period. This most commonly occurs in businesses with significant capital expenditure, high export or zero-rated sales, or businesses in a pre-revenue or ramp-up phase. The FTA will carry forward excess credits automatically if you do not claim a refund, but claiming returns the cash to your business now.
| Business Situation | Refund Scenario |
|---|---|
| Exporter or zero-rated supplier | Common: input VAT paid, 0% output VAT collected |
| Business with heavy capex period | Large input VAT on equipment and fit-out |
| Pre-revenue or ramp-up stage | Input VAT accumulating before sales begin |
| Business with significant imports | Import VAT paid exceeds output VAT on sales |
| Free zone company (taxable supplies) | Where input VAT on expenses exceeds output |
| Business with credit balance on return | Any carry-forward credit can be refunded |
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017, Article 67. FTA VAT Refund Guide.
How We Handle Your VAT Refund Claim
Refund Eligibility Review
We review your VAT returns and transaction records to confirm the refund amount, verify that input VAT was correctly claimed on eligible purchases, and identify any adjustments needed before submitting. An inaccurate refund claim risks triggering an FTA audit.
Refund Application Submission
We submit your VAT refund application through EmaraTax, including all supporting documentation the FTA requires: invoices, bank statements, customs declarations where relevant, and any supporting schedules. Complete applications are processed faster and avoid the FTA requests for additional information that delay most claims.
FTA Follow-Up and Confirmation
The FTA has 20 business days to process a complete refund application. We track the application status on EmaraTax and respond to any FTA queries on your behalf. Once approved, we confirm the refund amount and transfer timeline to you in writing.
Fixed Fee. No Recovery Percentage.
We charge a flat fee, not a percentage of your refund. You keep everything the FTA pays back.
Standard VAT Refund Claim
- ✓Refund eligibility and amount verification
- ✓Supporting document preparation
- ✓EmaraTax refund application submission
- ✓FTA query handling included
- ✓Refund confirmation in writing
Complex Refund Claim
- ✓Refund exceeding AED 100,000
- ✓Multi-period credit accumulation
- ✓Export documentation compilation
- ✓Partial exemption apportionment review
- ✓FTA audit support if triggered
We do not take a percentage of your refund. Fixed fee means you keep every dirham the FTA pays back.
Why CalcUAE for VAT Refund Claims
Flat Fee, Not a Cut
Many refund agents charge 10 to 15% of the refund amount. We charge a flat fee. On a AED 50,000 refund, that difference is significant.
Complete Applications Only
Incomplete refund applications are the main reason claims get delayed or rejected. We prepare the full supporting document package before submitting.
FTA Query Handling
If the FTA requests additional information during their 20-day review, we respond on your behalf. You do not need to interact with the FTA portal yourself.
No Audit Risk Added
We verify the refund amount against your returns and invoices before claiming. An inaccurate refund claim can trigger an FTA audit. Ours do not.
UAE VAT Refund: Common Questions
How does a UAE VAT refund arise?
A VAT refund arises when your input VAT (VAT paid on purchases and expenses) exceeds your output VAT (VAT collected on sales) in a tax period. The most common causes are zero-rated exports, heavy capital expenditure, or being in a pre-revenue phase. The excess credit is shown on your VAT return and can either be carried forward to offset future output VAT, or claimed back from the FTA as a cash refund.
How long does the FTA take to process a VAT refund?
The FTA has 20 business days to process a complete VAT refund application under Article 67 of Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017. Applications with missing documentation or inconsistencies take longer. The FTA may also conduct a verification review for larger claims, which can extend the timeline. Once approved, the refund is transferred to your registered bank account.
Can I claim a VAT refund if I also have VAT payable?
If you have a credit balance on your VAT return, the FTA will set it off against any outstanding VAT liabilities before processing a cash refund. Only the net credit balance is refunded. If you have an ongoing penalty or unpaid VAT from a prior period, the FTA will deduct it from your refund amount.
What documents are needed for a UAE VAT refund claim?
Typically: your VAT returns showing the credit balance, tax invoices for all input VAT claimed, bank statements confirming payments were made, and for exporters, export documentation including customs declarations. For capital expenditure refunds, asset purchase invoices and proof of payment. We prepare the full document package based on your specific claim type.
Is there a minimum amount to claim a VAT refund?
The FTA does not publish a formal minimum refund amount. However, for very small credit balances, carrying the balance forward to offset future output VAT is often simpler than submitting a formal refund application. We advise on whether claiming or carrying forward makes more sense based on your situation and expected future VAT position.
Recover Your Excess Input VAT
Tell us your approximate credit balance and business type. We confirm refund eligibility the same day. Flat fee, no percentage cut.
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