The Federal Tax Authority of Dubai launched the VAT Refund program in November 2018, allowing travellers to get tax refunds in Dubai and throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The UAE Federal Tax Authority’s integrated electronic system, which PlanetPayment solely operates, powers the UAE VAT Refund Scheme. With more than 13,800 participating stores in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other locations registered with the VAT Refund program, this system is linked to well-known retail establishments. In addition, it creates a straight connection between 13 ports of entry and departure for land, air, and sea transit across the United Arab Emirates.

VAT Refund Services in Dubai

Eligibility Criteria for VAT Refund

Businesses operating in Dubai must adhere to specific registration requirements, ensuring compliance with VAT regulations. This includes meeting minimum spending thresholds and staying informed about the nuances of the registration process.
Tourists need to reach a minimum purchase amount to qualify for a VAT refund. Certain goods are eligible for refunds, and understanding these criteria is essential for a successful refund application.

Documents Required for VAT Refund in Dubai

Visitors and international businesses need specific documentation to obtain a VAT refund through VAT refund services. Other papers may be needed depending on the nature of the claim and the particular conditions set forth by the government to execute the refund. Nonetheless, the following standard documents are required in the UAE for VAT refund services –

  • Original invoices for taxes
  • Original credit card slips or receipts
  • A passport or other official identification
  • The tourist’s flight ticket or boarding pass
  • Details of the bank account used to transfer the refund
  • For enterprises, trade licenses and commercial registration
  • Evidence of exporting products from the United Arab Emirates, such as boarding permits or shipment documentation

Rewind Consultancy can assist you in organizing your document requirements and workflow for VAT refunds in UAE.

VAT Refund Services in Dubai

VAT Refund Process

To initiate the VAT refund process, businesses must undergo a meticulous registration process, while tourists need to register online and provide the necessary documentation. Proper documentation includes invoices, receipts, and copies of passports and visas. The purchase validation stage involves confirming transactions with registered retailers, often achieved through digital validation. Submitting the refund application can be done online, adhering to specific deadlines.

Once the application is submitted, businesses and tourists should know the processing and approval timelines and the verification procedures in place. Communication of approval or rejection is crucial, ensuring transparency in the refund process.

VAT Refund Services In GCC Countries

International companies that have paid VAT in the GCC VAT Implementing States—Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Oman—should determine if they qualify for a refund.

Foreign enterprises who qualify for a VAT refund must apply for the refund and provide the necessary supporting documentation to the State’s tax office by a certain deadline.

Businesses should take action to protect their right to a refund of VAT incurred during the year by submitting a formal application within the allotted time frame, even though tax authorities have not yet released comprehensive guidelines on the return system.

VAT Refund Services in Dubai
VAT Refund Services in Dubai

VAT Refund in Dubai - Rewind Consultancy

When you choose Rewind Consultancy, we become your accounting and auditing partner covering all aspects. We discuss every topic about VAT. By pointing businesses in the correct direction, we assist them avoid paying fines and penalties associated with VAT and offer the best VAT services available. Our VAT services include VAT refunds, VAT audits, accounting, filing VAT returns, VAT deregistration, and VAT registration. Our skilled and knowledgeable VAT specialists guarantee VAT compliance by offering the greatest VAT refund services.

Corporate tax management will change due to the ongoing evolution of tax legislation and tax authorities. To put it briefly, taxation is an aspect that must be considered before making any significant business decisions to guarantee that the company stays compliant and prevents unforeseen fines, obligations, or reputational damage.

FAQ

Who is eligible for a VAT refund in the UAE?
Tourists visiting the UAE are eligible for a VAT refund on purchases made during their stay, provided they meet certain conditions. The goods must be purchased from a retailer participating in the ‘Tax-Free’ scheme, and tourists must intend to leave the UAE within 90 days from the purchase date with the items they bought.
To claim a VAT refund, tourists must spend a minimum amount at a participating store (the minimum spend requirement can vary), present their passports at the point of purchase, and obtain a Tax-Free tag for their receipts. Additionally, the goods must be exported out of the UAE within three months from the date of purchase, and the tourist must validate their purchases and Tax-Free tags at the airport or other exit points.
Tourists can claim their VAT refund at designated refund points in major airports, seaports, and border crossings in the UAE. They must present their Tax-Free tags, receipts, passports, and the credit card used for the purchases. The refund can be processed onto their credit card, or they can receive cash up to a certain limit.
Not all goods are eligible for a VAT refund. Excluded categories typically include consumed goods, services, motor vehicles, and goods the tourist does not accompany upon leaving the UAE. It’s important to check the specific terms and conditions set by the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority.
Retailers wishing to participate in the VAT refund scheme for tourists must register for VAT with the UAE’s Federal Tax Authority, sign up with the official operator of the Tax-Free scheme in the UAE, and comply with the regulations set for issuing Tax-Free sales. They must also train their staff on the Tax-Free system and ensure that eligible purchases are properly documented and reported.

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