Value Added Tax is a consumption tax charged by companies on the state's behalf. Companies pay VAT when purchasing goods and services and collect VAT from customers over what they provide. The paid VAT is then deducted from what is remitted as VAT to the government. VAT is levied at the standard rate of 5% in the UAE on taxable commodities and services.
In case of compliance, proper books of account must be maintained by the companies for a minimum period of five years from the end of their financial year. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of VAT, along with any future taxation policies in the UAE.
VAT Compliance in Sharjah
Businesses that work in Sharjah must adhere to VAT regulations to ensure that their operations work smoothly and penalties are avoided. Some of the key compliance features are:
- Businesses must do VAT Registration in Sharjah if their annual turnover meets the government-mandated threshold.
- Companies must maintain detailed financial records to track VAT payments, claims, and compliance.
- VAT invoices issued to customers must clearly indicate the VAT amount charged, TRN of the company and Customer and the Invoice issued should be as per FTA Compliance.
- Businesses must remit VAT payments within the required intervals and submit periodic returns to the FTA in a timely manner to avoid potential penalties.
VAT Registration in Sharjah
Businesses operating in the UAE, including those based in the GCC, as well as UAE federal and emirate government entities, must register for VAT if their turnover meets the threshold set by the authorities. Turnover is calculated based on the total value of taxable supplies, which includes zero-rated supplies but excluding exempt supplies.
1. Mandatory VAT Registration
Businesses are required to register for VAT in the following cases:
- If you are a GCC resident supplying goods or services in the UAE, and your turnover surpassed AED 375,000 over the past 12 months or
- You expect your turnover to exceed AED 375,000 within the next 30 days.
- If you supply goods or services in the UAE and no other party is responsible for accounting for VAT on your behalf
2. Voluntary VAT Registration
If your business does not meet the mandatory VAT registration threshold, you still have the option to register voluntarily if:
- Your turnover or expenses subject to VAT exceeded AED 187,500 in the last 12 months.
- You expect your turnover or VAT-taxable expenses to surpass AED 187,500 within the next 30 days.
Key Considerations for VAT Registration in Sharjah
- VAT registration covers all business activities undertaken by the registered entity.
- The entity being registered should be the person or organization operating the business, not the business itself.
- A person can refer to an individual (sole trader), a legal entity (company, corporation), or another form of organization (e.g., partnership, trust, charity, or club).
General Requirements for VAT Registration
To ensure a smooth registration process, businesses must have the following documents ready:
- Trade license
- Articles of Association
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Other official documents authorizing the business to operate in the UAE
- Copies of these documents must be uploaded with the application.
When filling out the VAT registration form, businesses may be asked to provide additional Information such as:
- Description of business activities
- Turnover details for the last 12 months
- Projected turnover figures
- Expected value of imports and exports
- Details of business dealings with GCC suppliers or customers
- Customs Authority registration details (if applicable)
VAT Amendments
If your business is already VAT-registered and any change occurs that impacts your tax records, you must change your information with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) within 20 business days from the occurrence of the change. It is essential to ensure compliance so that Sharjah businesses operate smoothly without any penalties or legal issues.
How We Can Help with VAT Registration in Sharjah?
Understanding who needs to register for VAT is just the first step. You also have to understand how to proceed with the registration and what details are required in order to make the application successful and trouble-free. That's where our team comes in to assist you, providing full VAT services to guide you through all aspects of your tax compliance.
Why Choose Us?
We understand the struggle that companies have while undergoing VAT registration and compliance. VAT registration in itself is sometimes a painstaking and confusing ordeal, especially when there are documents and legislation involved. Our expertise ensures that:
- Your VAT registration in Sharjah is completed quickly and correctly
- Your business avoids delays caused by incorrect or missing information.
- You can focus on growing your business while we handle the tax process for you.
Our team can take the hassle out of VAT registration so you can concentrate on what truly mattes which is your business success:
- We help businesses navigate VAT requirements and ensure seamless compliance.
- We offer insights on VAT implementation, including best practices
- Assist with registration, communication, and compliance with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
- Ensure your financial records align with VAT regulations and ensure timely and accurate submission of VAT returns.
- Provide accurate advice on VAT payments, ensuring they are made on time to avoid penalties.
- Comprehensively support businesses in handling VAT-related disputes with tax authorities.
We know very well the types of information you require and the procedures to follow for the VAT registration process. Things that might take your time or be confusing to you, we can simplify. With our services, the process for your Sharjah VAT registration can be streamlined and also avoid unnecessary delays due to the supplying of wrong information that might even result in the rejection of the application. We take the work from your hands, so rather than struggling with things, you have more time required to spend on your business to let it grow.