SPECIALIST SERVICE

UAE VAT SPECIALISTS

The introduction of VAT in the UAE (2018) and subsequent regulatory developments, including UAE Corporate Tax (2023 onwards), have significantly increased compliance requirements for businesses operating in the region. VAT in the UAE can be complex, with varying treatment depending on the nature of goods/services, place of supply, and business structure. Many businesses face challenges in interpreting regulations, managing compliance, and optimising tax positions. At Anil Sekhri & Co., we specialise in India–UAE cross-border taxation, helping businesses remain compliant while minimising tax exposure.

VAT REGISTRATION

VAT registration is a critical first step for businesses operating in the UAE.

We assist with:

  • Mandatory registration (turnover exceeding AED 375,000)

  • Voluntary registration (above AED 187,500 or for input VAT recovery)

  • Structuring registrations for mainland vs free zone entities

  • Assessing registration requirements for non-resident businesses

Incorrect or delayed registration can result in significant penalties. We ensure timely and accurate registration aligned with your business model.

VAT COMPLIANCE & RETURN FILING

Once registered, businesses must comply with strict VAT regulations.

Our services include:

  • Preparation and filing of VAT returns

  • Maintenance and review of VAT-compliant records

  • Advisory on input VAT recovery and documentation

  • Assistance with FTA (Federal Tax Authority) communications and notices

We ensure your compliance processes are robust, efficient, and audit-ready.

VAT STRUCTURING & ADVISORY

We help businesses optimise VAT outcomes through proper structuring:

  • Determining place of supply for cross-border services

  • Structuring transactions to benefit from zero-rating (exports)

  • Advisory on designated zones and free zone benefits

  • Review of contracts to ensure tax efficiency and compliance

SPECIAL VAT SCENARIOS

Our team advises on complex VAT situations including:

  • Real estate transactions (commercial vs residential treatment)

  • Import/export VAT and customs implications

  • Reverse charge mechanism (RCM)

  • Mixed supplies and composite contracts

  • Intercompany and group VAT structuring

MAKING TAX DIGITAL FOR VAT

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a long-held Government ambition to create an online tax filing and payment system. It also hopes to stimulate a migration to digital record keeping. Long-term, it’s intended all business taxes will be part of MTD.

The Making Tax Digital Programme launched in April 2019 with its first scheme – Making Tax Digital for VAT.  To aid a smooth adoption, the Government introduced a gradual phasing in of eligible businesses. Compliance with Making Tax Digital for VAT requires a business to keep digital records and use MTD-compliant software to file their VAT returns. Currently all VAT registered business with a taxable turnover above £85,000, must follow the rules for Making Tax Digital for VAT unless:

the business uses the VAT GIANT service – in which case HMRC will contact them to instruct when their deadline is

the business applies for an exemption

From 1 April 2022 all VAT registered businesses must follow its rules regardless of turnover. Our specialist VAT team have helped many businesses migrate to digital record keeping and comply with Making Tax Digital for VAT. We can also advise you if you qualify for any exemptions.

TRADING OR IMPORTING FROM EUROPE AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD

Following Brexit on 1 January 2021, UK businesses who trade overseas or ship products in from overseas face more complex VAT-related regulations. We are able to advise on the regulations your business needs to comply with in relation to the territories, products and services involved in your operations.  We also help businesses with the establishment of subsidiaries in the EU and other locations, and in appointing a fiscal representative, to ensure they meet their VAT obligations in different territories.

PLANNING

There are a number of opportunities to arrange your affairs so as to minimise the amount of VAT payable or maximise the amount of VAT recoverable. These can be as simple as making use of the continuous supply rules to defer the date when VAT becomes due, or can be complex arrangements designed to achieve an absolute VAT saving.

Our VAT team includes a former HMRC anti-avoidance adviser, so is well placed to help guide you through the minefield that VAT planning activity has become in recent years.

VAT AUDITS AND HEALTH CHECKS

The UAE VAT regime includes strict penalties for non-compliance.

We assist clients in:

  • Handling FTA audits and investigations

  • Responding to notices and penalty mitigation

  • Voluntary disclosures and corrections

  • Strengthening internal systems to avoid future exposure

Our experience ensures that issues are resolved efficiently and with minimal disruption.

TRAINING & IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

We support businesses with:

  • Tailored VAT training for finance teams

  • Implementation of VAT-compliant accounting systems

  • Ongoing updates on regulatory changes in UAE

CAN WE HELP?

Whether you are:

  • Setting up operations in the UAE

  • Managing ongoing VAT compliance

  • Facing VAT audits or penalties

  • Structuring cross-border transactions

Anil Sekhri & Co. provides practical, execution-driven, and compliant VAT solutions.

ALL SERVICES

The Accounting and audit team

Neeraj Singh

Head of Audit

Rishi Lal

Manager

  • +91 94315 22060

MEET OUR WHOLE TEAM

HOW WE HELP

  • Corporate Compliance
  • Online Bookkeeping
  • Owner-managed businesses
  • Charities & not for profit
  • Financial Services
  • Legal
  • Property & construction
  • Renewable energy
  • Video games companies

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Want easier ways to manage your accounts? Got a tricky question about tax? Looking to grow your business? Get in touch and our team of experts will help.

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