Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – VAT Services in UAE
VAT (Value Added Tax) is a 5% consumption tax imposed on goods and services in the UAE. Businesses with taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000/year must register for VAT with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Voluntary registration is allowed for businesses with turnover above AED 187,500.
- Businesses with taxable supplies > AED 375,000 (mandatory).
- Startups expecting turnover > AED 187,500 (voluntary).
- Free zone companies engaged in UAE trade.
- E-commerce sellers, importers/exporters, and service providers.
- Trade license copy.
- Passport/Emirates ID of owner/manager.
- Bank account details.
- Expected revenue and expense details.
- Late registration: AED 10,000.
- Late filing: AED 1,000 (1st offense), AED 2,000 (repeat within 24 months).
- Incorrect filings: Up to 300% of unpaid tax.
- Typically quarterly, but businesses can opt for monthly filings if preferred.
A TRN is a unique 15-digit number issued by the FTA upon VAT registration. It must be displayed on all tax invoices.
Yes, businesses can reclaim VAT paid on purchases (input tax) if:
- The expense is for taxable supplies.
- Proper tax invoices are maintained.
- The supplier is FTA-registered.
- Zero-rated: 0% VAT but eligible for input tax recovery (e.g., exports, education, healthcare).
- Exempt: No VAT charged, but input tax cannot be reclaimed (e.g., residential rent, local passenger transport).
You must deregister within 20 business days if:
- Your taxable turnover falls below AED 187,500.
- Your business ceases operations.
We offer end-to-end VAT services, including:
- Registration, filing, and deregistration.
- FTA audit support.
- VAT health checks and penalty reconsideration.
- Industry-specific advisory (real estate, trading, e-commerce, etc.).
You must update your FTA records within 20 days for changes like:
- Business name/address.
- Trade license or ownership changes.
- Bank account or contact details.
Eligible businesses (e.g., exporters, foreign entities) can apply via the FTA portal. Required documents:
- Tax invoices.
- Proof of zero-rated supplies.
- Bank confirmation letter.
Excise Tax is a special tax (50–100%) on harmful goods like:
- Tobacco, energy drinks (100%).
- Carbonated/sweetened drinks (50%).
A TRC proves your business is a UAE tax resident, enabling access to double tax treaties to avoid dual taxation.
- Maintain organized records for 5+ years.
- Ensure accurate VAT invoices and returns.
- Conduct a pre-audit health check with IQFA.
Accounting & Supervision Services
Backlog accounting is the process of compiling historical financial data for periods where bookkeeping was missed or done incorrectly. This includes recording missing entries, reconstructing bank statements, organizing ledgers, rebuilding trial balances, and preparing VAT returns (if applicable) to make your books compliant and audit-ready for due diligence audit in Dubai or any regulatory requirement.
You might need this if you just registered for VAT and need to file for previous periods, haven't maintained proper books, experienced a handover issue with a previous accountant, need to prepare for audits or investor reporting, are applying for a loan or license renewal, or are moving to new accounting software and preparing for an external audit UAE.
Our process includes collecting documents, sorting data, entering it into accounting software, reconciling accounts (bank, VAT, cash, ledgers), preparing financial reports and a trial balance, and reviewing and handing over audit-ready records. Optional steps include VAT submission, IFRS advisory services UAE, ESR compliance, and UBO documentation.
You can avoid penalties from authorities, catch up quickly with full accounting support, get accurate records for decision-making, prepare for financial processes like loan applications, gain peace of mind with expert review and compliance checks, and choose from customized packages tailored to your audit and financial compliance needs.
Our services include asset registration and classification, asset tagging and tracking (using barcode/QR codes), depreciation management, periodic asset verification, disposal & impairment management, and comprehensive reporting — ensuring full readiness for internal auditing services in Dubai or forensic audit Dubai if required.
These services help streamline asset management, ensure compliance with local and international accounting standards (IFRS, GAAP) through IFRS advisory services in Dubai, prepare for audits and taxation, accurately track depreciation, systematize asset records for growing companies, and optimize investment decisions.
Our process involves asset identification and tagging, classification and registration, depreciation calculation, physical asset verification, asset maintenance and monitoring, reporting and analysis, and managing disposal and impairment in line with internal auditing services in Dubai standards.
You'll achieve complete asset visibility, accurate depreciation tracking, enhanced decision-making with detailed reports, ensured regulatory compliance, streamlined asset disposal processes, cost reduction through efficient management, and a reduced risk of mismanagement — critical if undergoing due diligence audit in Dubai.
Our services help businesses track stock movement in real-time, prevent stock-outs and overstocking, ensure accurate stock valuation, identify slow-moving items, and comply with accounting standards, assisting with preparations for external audit UAE or internal auditing services in Dubai.
Consider these services if you experience stock discrepancies, struggle to identify fast/slow-moving items, have mismatches between accounting and physical stock, face challenges in pricing or cost control, want to improve efficiency and reduce dead inventory, or are preparing for audits with top audit firms in UAE.
Our process includes understanding your business and inventory structure, setting control policies, stock segmentation (ABC analysis), stock tagging and barcoding, regular physical counts, inventory valuation, report and recommendations, and audit-ready documentation suited for forensic audit Dubai.
You'll gain better inventory accuracy and real-time visibility, reduced carrying costs, lower risk of theft and loss, informed decision-making, improved procurement planning, faster audit preparation, and higher customer satisfaction — aligning your processes to meet due diligence audit in Dubai standards.
Billing Services
Our services include creating sales invoices, VAT-compliant formatting, recurring billing setup, credit/debit note issuance, payment tracking and reconciliation, AR aging reports, integration with accounting software, dashboard reporting, and optional customer liaison for collections.
It helps avoid cash flow issues from delayed invoices, frees up administrative time, ensures compliance with UAE VAT laws, improves client communication, and maintains consistent documentation for audits.
We handle project-based, retail/trading, service-based, e-commerce, multi-currency, and utility billing.
You'll experience on-time and accurate invoicing leading to faster payments, transparent AR tracking, reduced billing disputes, VAT-ready documentation, and seamless integration with your accounting process.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
SOPs are detailed, written instructions outlining how to perform routine tasks and processes to ensure consistency, repeatability, and efficiency.
You need SOPs if you face repeated mistakes, rely heavily on individuals, lack clarity in responsibilities, want to scale consistently, prepare for audits, onboard new staff frequently, or want to protect business knowledge.
Our process involves process review, team interviews, process mapping, drafting SOPs, review and feedback, finalization and handover, and optional training and implementation support.
You'll eliminate confusion, reduce errors, save time, train new employees effectively, maintain quality standards, boost accountability, and improve audit readiness.
Outsourcing Payroll Services
Outsourcing saves time, ensures compliance with UAE labor law and WPS regulations, helps avoid penalties, ensures accuracy in calculations, protects data confidentiality, and provides peace of mind with expert oversight.
Our services include monthly payroll processing, payslip generation, leave tracking, gratuity calculation, WPS file generation and submission, handling new hires and terminations, salary structure setup, compliance with UAE labor laws, coordination with banks, and payroll record maintenance.
We serve all UAE jurisdictions, including Mainland and various Free Zones.
You'll benefit from transparent pricing, a dedicated payroll specialist, local law expertise, secure and confidential processing, and integration with accounting and audit systems.
ERP Implementations
ERP implementation is the process of deploying a centralized software system to manage core business functions, including configuration, data migration, user training, and workflow alignment.
We help set up systems like QuickBooks, Zoho Books & One Suite, Tally ERP, Odoo, SAP Business One, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and customized cloud-based solutions.
Our services include requirement assessment, ERP selection, system configuration, data migration, customization, training, testing and go-live support, integration with other tools, and ongoing system health checks.
You'll gain real-time insights, better control over finances and inventory, integrated HR and payroll, faster reporting, efficient multi-location management, reduced manual errors, and improved decision-making.
Okay, here's an FAQ based on the provided information about External Audit, Internal Audit, RERA Audit Advisory, MOLLAK System Support, Due Diligence Services, Company Liquidation Services, IFRS Advisory Services, Forensic Audit, and Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) Services by IQFA Chartered Accountants in the UAE:
External Audit
An external audit by IQFA aims to establish the accuracy and integrity of your organization’s financial information. It provides an objective evaluation of your financial systems, records, and internal controls, ensuring compliance and reinforcing stakeholder confidence. IQFA is recognized among the top audit firms in UAE for delivering trusted external audit UAE services.
IQFA offers professional excellence with experienced auditors, ensures regulatory reliability by adhering to local and international frameworks, increases stakeholder trust through independent verification, and provides an objective and unbiased financial assessment, positioning us as a leader among top audit firms in UAE.
Our methodology includes an initial review and strategic planning to understand your business, fieldwork and validation of financial data, a comprehensive audit report highlighting findings and recommendations, and post-audit support and advisory — all designed according to best practices in external audit UAE services.
Internal Audit
Internal audits are crucial for effective governance, risk management, and compliance. IQFA’s Internal Auditing services in Dubai provide insights into the effectiveness of your internal processes, control mechanisms, and compliance systems.
A: IQFA offers industry-specific expertise, proactive risk management to uncover vulnerabilities, focuses on operational efficiency improvements, and ensures regulatory compliance with local and international laws. We are known among the leading internal audit firms Dubai.
A: Our tailored approach involves strategic planning and risk profiling, in-depth process review and control assessment, insightful reporting with actionable feedback, and ongoing support and advisory for continuous improvement aligned with internal auditing services in Dubai standards.
RERA Audit Advisory
A RERA audit is mandated by Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority to ensure developers and escrow account operators manage funds in strict alignment with legal and financial standards, safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders. IQFA is recognized for integrating RERA audits with standards expected from top audit firms in UAE.
IQFA provides in-depth regulatory knowledge of the RERA framework, ensures assured compliance with guidelines, improves financial clarity in project fund management, and offers proactive risk detection to prevent financial mismanagement — critical for compliance with external audit UAE standards.
Our proven methodology includes preliminary assessment and audit planning, detailed data review and financial verification, a comprehensive audit report with findings and recommendations, and post-audit guidance for implementing improvements.
MOLLAK System Support
MOLLAK is a digital platform by RERA for the registration and regulation of Owners' Associations (OAs) and jointly owned property management entities. IQFA offers end-to-end assistance with MOLLAK registration and compliance requirements for all real estate stakeholders, ensuring readiness for related external audit UAE checks.
IQFA has expert knowledge of MOLLAK and JOPD laws, is an approved service provider, offers regulatory guidance to ensure smooth compliance, and provides tech-enabled advisory integrating software consultation and registration services.
We assist with the registration of Owners’ Associations and Association Management Companies, submission and tracking of Management Agreements, consultation on RERA-compliant OA management software, and handling renewals, updates, and documentation as per MOLLAK protocols.
Due Diligence Services
Due diligence is a thorough investigation into a business or person prior to strategic transactions. IQFA offers specialized services, known for excellence in due diligence audit in Dubai, to help clients understand the true value, risks, and opportunities of potential acquisitions, investments, and business transactions.
Our comprehensive services cover commercial due diligence, financial due diligence, operational & synergy assessment, human resources due diligence, and regulatory & compliance due diligence, making us a go-to provider for due diligence audit in Dubai.
We focus on identifying deal-specific risks and opportunities, validating
Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) Services
AUP engagements involve specific audit or review steps performed by IQFA on a particular subject matter as defined and agreed upon with the client, resulting in objective findings without opinions or assurance.
AUPs are useful for due diligence, regulatory or internal reviews, verification of specific financial data, non-financial process evaluation, and internal control assessments.
You benefit from a cost-effective alternative to full audits, tailored procedures to your needs, objective and verifiable findings, no need for full assurance, flexible scope, and suitability for internal or third-party use.
Business Valuation Services
Business Valuation
Business valuation is crucial for strategic decisions, investor confidence, dispute resolution, tax compliance, and financial reporting. IQFA provides accurate, independent, and in-depth business valuation UAE services across the UAE, trusted among the top business consultants in Dubai.
We employ internationally recognized approaches including the Income Approach, Market Approach, and Asset-Based Approach, tailored to the specific needs of your business, ensuring accurate business advisory & valuation services.
IQFA offers independent and unbiased reports, experienced valuation professionals, UAE-specific expertise, and end-to-end advisory services, making us a preferred choice for business valuation UAE.
We provide valuation for company sale or acquisition, joint ventures, investment & fundraising, legal disputes, financial reporting (IFRS 13), tax purposes, intellectual property, and startups/SMEs.
Business Consultancy Services
IQFA offers premium services designed to elevate performance, streamline operations, and ensure sustainable growth through tailored strategic guidance, positioning us among the top business consultants in Dubai.
We have expert chartered accountants with industry-specific knowledge, provide customized strategic solutions, ensure a compliance-first approach, utilize data-driven analysis, and have a proven track record across various industries.
Our services include business setup advisory, financial feasibility studies, budgeting & forecasting, operational & internal controls review, business process reengineering, strategic planning & growth advisory, and financial restructuring & turnaround services.
Feasibility Studies
Our detailed and customized feasibility studies help entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners evaluate the true potential of their projects before making financial commitments. We are highly recommended for feasibility studies UAE and a recognized feasibility study company Dubai.
IQFA has industry-leading chartered accountants with UAE market expertise, provides end-to-end analysis, delivers investor-ready reports, offers in-depth financial, market, and operational analysis, and is trusted by various authorities and entrepreneurs.
Each report includes an executive summary, market analysis, technical feasibility, financial feasibility (projections, break-even, ROI, capital requirements), legal & regulatory compliance, and risk assessment & mitigation.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Advisory
IQFA offers expert M&A advisory services to help companies unlock growth and strategic alignment through well-executed transactions, providing support across the entire deal lifecycle, ensuring compliance with corporate finance UAE standards.
We have deep experience in the UAE regulatory and tax landscape, offer full-service advisory, possess robust financial due diligence and valuation expertise, ensure seamless collaboration with legal professionals, and are trusted by various business types.
Our services include buy-side and sell-side advisory, support for joint ventures and strategic alliances, post-merger integration, and in-depth valuation and due diligence.
CFO Advisory Services
IQFA offers expert CFO Advisory Services, providing strategic financial direction and operational efficiency to growing businesses through virtual and part-time CFO arrangements, making us a go-to provider for CFO advisory services UAE.
We have top-tier chartered accountants with UAE market experience, provide strategic financial oversight, offer a cost-effective alternative to a full-time CFO, have a proven track record, and provide end-to-end financial advisory.
Our services include financial strategy & planning, cash flow & working capital management, MIS & financial reporting, cost optimization & profitability analysis, investment & fundraising support, ERP & financial systems advisory, internal controls & compliance, and board & stakeholder reporting.
Corporate Finance Services
IQFA delivers expert services guiding businesses through complex financial decisions such as capital raising, business valuations, financial restructuring, and deal advisory, specializing in corporate finance UAE.
We have certified chartered accountants with GCC transaction expertise, offer end-to-end advisory, possess deep industry knowledge, have strong relationships with financial institutions, and provide strategic, data-driven, and compliant solutions.
Our services include business valuation, capital raising & investment support, financial due diligence, transaction advisory (buy/sell side), corporate restructuring & turnaround, feasibility studies & investment analysis, and IPO & exit strategy advisory.
AML Registration Services
AML Registration is mandatory for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) in the UAE. IQFA provides end-to-end AML registration UAE services to ensure full compliance with AML regulations.
We have experts in UAE AML/CFT regulations, offer a quick and hassle-free registration process, provide guidance on risk assessment and KYC, and offer ongoing AML advisory support.
DNFBPs like auditors, real estate brokers, and dealers in precious metals need to register. IQFA handles goAML portal registration, ESR & AML questionnaire submission, compliance program setup, training, and ongoing advisory.
Company Set Up Consulting
IQFA offers end-to-end consulting services to help entrepreneurs and corporations establish their businesses smoothly and compliantly in Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore jurisdictions. We guide you through mainland company formation UAE, Dubai mainland company formation cost, Dubai free zone company setup cost, and cheapest free zone company setup in UAE solutions.
We have experienced consultants, provide complete support from formation to operation, have expertise in compliance, tax, VAT, ESR & AML, offer tailored solutions, and have strong relationships with relevant authorities.
Our services include Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore company formation, PRO & government liaison services, and value-added advisory on corporate structuring, tax residency, ESR/AML compliance, and feasibility studies.
Mainland Company Formation Services
IQFA has expert knowledge of UAE legal requirements, ensures fast and efficient setup, guarantees complete compliance, provides local sponsor solutions, and offers end-to-end services, including guidance on offshore company in Dubai cost.
Our services include company name registration, local sponsorship arrangement, trade license application, assistance with office space requirements, visa processing & immigration services, business bank account UAE setup assistance, and PRO services.
Beyond setup, we offer VAT registration, ESR compliance, AML registration UAE, feasibility studies, and strategic business planning, along with advisory on tax residency certificate UAE cost, understanding the cost of tax residency certificate UAE, and clarifying UAE tax residency requirements.