When is the VAT return due in the UAE?
Within 28 days of the end of your tax period. A quarter ending 31 March means filing and payment by 28 April, moving to the next business day if that falls on a weekend or holiday.
VAT Return Deadline
VAT Return Deadline in the UAE: When Returns and Payments Are Due
Every VAT-registered business must file its return and pay any VAT due within 28 days of the end of each tax period. The FTA assigns monthly or quarterly periods — and both the filing and the payment must clear by the same deadline.
- Your exact tax periods and due dates confirmed
- Returns prepared and filed ahead of the 28-day mark
- Payment timing managed so funds clear on time
- Deadline calendar maintained for you all year
Dubai-based, FTA-aware VAT return support for UAE businesses.
Quick Answer
The UAE VAT return deadline is 28 days after the end of your tax period. Most businesses file quarterly; larger businesses (typically above AED 150 million turnover) file monthly. If the 28th day falls on a weekend or public holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day — and the payment must be received by the FTA by that date, not merely initiated.
28 daysAfter period end to file and pay
QuarterlyStandard tax period for most businesses
MonthlyPeriods for larger businesses
Next business dayIf the deadline falls on a holiday
How Your Tax Period Determines the Deadline
The FTA assigns each registrant a tax period at registration — usually a calendar quarter, with monthly periods for larger businesses. Your quarters are not necessarily Jan–Mar: the FTA staggers them, so your cycle may end in February, March or April. Your exact dates are shown on your EmaraTax dashboard.
- Quarterly filers: return due 28 days after the quarter ends
- Monthly filers: a return due 28 days after every month
- Staggered quarters — check EmaraTax, do not assume calendar quarters
- First return after registration can cover a longer opening period
Payment Must Clear, Not Just Be Sent
A trap that catches even organised businesses: the deadline applies to the FTA receiving your payment. Bank transfers can take a day or more to land. Filing on day 28 and paying the same afternoon can still make the payment late.
Late payment penalties start at 2% of unpaid tax immediately, with a further 4% monthly charge accruing on amounts still outstanding — so a short delay compounds quickly.
- 2% of unpaid tax applied immediately after the deadline
- 4% monthly on amounts still unpaid, up to a 300% cap
- GIBAN transfers are fastest; card payments add fees
- File early in the window and schedule payment days ahead
Never Miss a Period Again
Exiloz maintains your VAT calendar, prepares each return from reconciled books, and files with enough margin for payment to clear. If a deadline has already slipped, we quantify the exposure and handle the late return and any penalty follow-up.
- 1Tax periods confirmed from your EmaraTax profile
- 2Books reconciled and return drafted before day 20
- 3Return filed; payment scheduled to clear by day 28
- 4Confirmation archived with workings for audit trail
VAT Return Deadline UAE FAQs
Are UAE VAT returns monthly or quarterly?
The FTA assigns the period: quarterly for most registrants, monthly for larger businesses. Your EmaraTax profile shows your exact cycle.
What is the penalty for filing a VAT return late in the UAE?
AED 1,000 for the first late return and AED 2,000 for a repeat within 24 months — plus separate late payment penalties if tax is unpaid.
Does the deadline extend if it falls on a weekend?
Yes. If the due date falls on a weekend or official holiday, it rolls to the next business day.
Do I still file if I had no transactions?
Yes — a nil return is still mandatory for every tax period, and skipping it attracts the same late filing penalty.
Want Your VAT Deadlines Off Your Mind?
We will confirm your tax periods, build your filing calendar and take over preparation and filing — so day 28 never surprises you again.
