3 August 2026 · VAT Dates
VAT Return Deadline Calendar
UAE VAT returns are due by the 28th of the month following the end of your tax period under Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017. Most SMEs are assigned a quarterly period, so a quarter ending 30 September is due 28 October; larger turnovers file monthly. The payment must clear the FTA by the same 28th, so a return filed on time but paid late still triggers a penalty. Registration becomes mandatory within 30 days of taxable supplies crossing AED 375,000 in a rolling 12 months, with voluntary registration available from AED 187,500.
Exiloz Management & Tax Consultant · Dubai-based FTA-focused advisory · VAT, corporate tax & accounting
When your return is due
It follows your assigned tax period.
- By the 28th after period-end.
- Quarterly for most SMEs.
- Monthly for higher turnovers.
- Your period is set by the FTA.
Filing is only half of it
The money must arrive too.
- Payment clears the FTA by the 28th.
- On-time return + late payment still penalised.
- Allow days for bank transfer.
- Reconcile input and output VAT first.
The threshold clock
The 30-day rule catches people out.
- Mandatory at AED 375,000 rolling 12 months.
- Register within 30 days of crossing it.
- Voluntary from AED 187,500.
- AED 10,000 penalty for late registration.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
For VAT return timing.
When is my VAT return due?
By the 28th of the month following the end of your tax period. A quarter ending 30 September is due 28 October.
Do I file monthly or quarterly?
The FTA assigns your tax period. Most SMEs file quarterly; businesses with higher turnover are placed on monthly filing.
Is payment due on the same date as the return?
Yes. The payment must clear the FTA by the same 28th, so a return filed on time but paid late is still penalised.
When must I register for VAT?
Within 30 days of your taxable supplies crossing AED 375,000 in a rolling 12-month period. Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500.
What is the penalty for a late VAT return?
AED 1,000 the first time and AED 2,000 if repeated within 24 months, plus penalties and interest on any late payment.
Can Exiloz handle VAT filing?
Yes. We prepare, reconcile and file your VAT returns and make sure the payment clears before the 28th.
File VAT on time
Exiloz files your VAT returns and clears payment before the 28th.