What is the deadline for VAT return filing in the UAE? Learn the 28-day rule, what happens on holidays, and how to stay compliant.
What Is the Deadline for VAT Return Filing in the UAE?
What is the deadline for VAT return filing?
In the UAE, you must file your VAT return and pay any VAT due within 28 days from the end of your tax period.
If you run a business in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or a UAE free zone, this deadline is critical. Late filing can trigger penalties, follow-ups from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), and unnecessary stress.
In this guide, you will learn the exact VAT return filing deadline, how the FTA calculates it, what happens if the due date falls on a weekend or national holiday, and clear real-life examples.
If you want a stress-free VAT filing experience, the experts at TAXESMAN are here to help.
What Is the Deadline for VAT Return Filing According to the FTA?
The Federal Tax Authority states that once you are registered for VAT, you are required to file your VAT return and make any related VAT payments within 28 days from the end of your tax period.
This means the deadline is not automatically “end of the month” for everyone.
The deadline is always linked to your assigned tax period.
If you want help confirming your tax period and upcoming deadlines, TAXESMAN can assist.
What Does “Within 28 Days from the End of Your Tax Period” Actually Mean?
When people ask, “What is the deadline for VAT return filing?”, they usually want a simple rule they can remember.
Here is the rule:
• Your VAT return (VAT201) is due 28 days after your tax period ends
• Your VAT payment is due by the same deadline
If you want TAXESMAN to manage your VAT return calendar, filing, and payment workflow, we can.
What Is the Deadline for VAT Return Filing If the Date Falls on a Weekend or National Holiday?
This is a common situation in the UAE and often causes confusion.
If the normal due date falls on a weekend or a national holiday, the VAT return filing deadline moves to the next working day.
This is especially important around Eid periods and extended public holidays.
If you want to avoid guessing around holiday deadlines, TAXESMAN can track everything for you.
Is the VAT Return Filing Deadline Monthly or Quarterly?
The filing deadline rule stays the same, but your tax period can be quarterly or monthly.
• Many businesses file VAT returns quarterly
• Some businesses are assigned monthly tax periods by the FTA
In both cases, the rule is the same:
File and pay within 28 days from the end of your tax period
If you want confirmation of your filing frequency from the FTA portal, TAXESMAN can check it for you.
Examples: What Is the Deadline for VAT Return Filing in Real Life?
Example 1: Dubai Business with a Quarter Ending 31 March
If your tax period ends on 31 March, your VAT return filing deadline is typically 28 April.
If you want help preparing the VAT return and avoiding a last-minute rush, TAXESMAN can handle it.
Example 2: Abu Dhabi Business with a Month Ending 31 May
If your tax period ends on 31 May, your filing deadline is typically 28 June.
Same rule, same logic: 28 days after the period ends.
Example 3: Sharjah Business with a Due Date During a Public Holiday
If your VAT return filing deadline falls on a weekend or national holiday, it moves to the next working day.
If you want a VAT calendar that accounts for UAE holidays correctly, TAXESMAN can help.
What Happens If You Miss the VAT Return Filing Deadline?
Missing the VAT return filing deadline can lead to penalties and unnecessary follow-ups from the FTA.
Even if your VAT return is almost ready, filing late can still create problems.
If you have missed a deadline or want to ensure it never happens again, TAXESMAN can help you get back on track and build a simple, reliable filing system.
Conclusion: What Is the Deadline for VAT Return Filing?
To recap, what is the deadline for VAT return filing?
In the UAE, you must file the VAT return and pay any VAT due within 28 days from the end of your tax period.
If the deadline falls on a weekend or national holiday, it shifts to the next working day.
Do not take chances with VAT compliance. Let TAXESMAN handle your VAT returns, bookkeeping, and deadlines so your UAE tax journey stays stress-free.
FAQs: What Is the Deadline for VAT Return Filing?
What is the deadline for VAT return filing in the UAE?
The VAT return filing deadline is within 28 days from the end of your tax period.
Is VAT payment due on the same deadline as VAT return filing?
Yes. VAT payments are due by the same deadline as the VAT return filing.
What if the VAT return filing deadline falls on a holiday or weekend?
The deadline moves to the next working day.
Is the VAT return filing deadline monthly or quarterly?
It depends on your assigned tax period, but the deadline rule is always 28 days after the period ends.
Who can help me file VAT returns on time in the UAE?
TAXESMAN can manage VAT return preparation, filing, payment coordination, and ongoing VAT compliance.