VAT Refund Advisory
Recover What’s Yours:
Quickly, Accurately, Without Delays.
Recover What’s Yours: Quickly, Accurately, Without Delays.
When your business pays more input VAT on purchases than it collects on sales, you may be entitled to a refund from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
This is especially common in:
- Startups with high initial costs
- Businesses making zero-rated supplies (exports, investment metals, healthcare, education)
- Companies with large capital investments
At AKW Consultants, we manage the end-to-end VAT refund process, ensuring your claim is accurate, compliant, and optimised for approval without unnecessary delays.
five Common VAT Refund Challenges
01
Incomplete or Non-Compliant Documentation
Invalid invoices, missing proofs, or incorrect IBAN details cause claim rejection.
02
Ineligible or Overstated Claims
Input VAT on non-deductible expenses or misclassified transactions leads to disqualification.
03
Inconsistent Financial Records
ERP data, VAT returns, and supporting documents don’t align, raising FTA red flags.
04
Late Filings
Missed deadlines can disqualify refunds entirely.
05
Slow Response to FTA Requests
Delayed or unclear clarifications often result in application closure.
HOW WE HELP
Our VAT Refund Advisory Solutions
VAT Refund Application & Filing
- Prepare refund forms and submit via the FTA portal
- Reconcile claims with VAT returns to eliminate mismatches
- Support IBAN validation & bank detail verification
Eligibility Assessment
- Review eligibility for taxable entities, foreign businesses, UAE nationals, and diplomatic missions
- Explain refund timelines and category-specific requirements
Documentation & Compliance Checks
- Review invoices for FTA compliance
- Compile top 5 high-value invoices for expenses, sales, and zero-rated supplies
- Ensure internal records align with VAT returns & ERP data
FTA Liaison & Clarification Handling
- Respond to FTA queries with clear, compliant explanations
- Provide supporting documentation & justifications
- Track refund progress until disbursement
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
- Conduct VAT health checks to spot risks early
- Ensure timely VAT return filings to safeguard eligibility
- Align refund strategy with cash flow planning
Why Businesses Choose AKW
Chartered Accountants
& Certified VAT Advisors
Proven refund approvals across real estate, energy, healthcare, precious metals
Pre-submission audit-style review aligned with FTA standards
Integrated with ERP
& cloud accounting tools
End-to-end support from eligibility checks to refund disbursement
Refund-Ready, Without the Risk
Claiming your VAT refund shouldn’t feel like chasing the FTA. We make it simple, secure, and seamless,
so your money returns to your business when you need it most.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can claim a VAT refund in the UAE?
- Registered taxable businesses
- Eligible foreign companies
- Tourists (via the retail refund scheme)
- UAE nationals building private residences
- Diplomatic bodies & international organisations
What documents are required for a refund?
- VAT refund form
- IBAN validation letter
- 5 highest-value invoices for:
- - Expenses (inputs)
- - Zero-rated supplies (if applicable)
- - Taxable sales (outputs)
How long does the refund process take?
- FTA review: ~20 business days
- Refund disbursement: within 5 business days of approval
Can VAT refunds offset Corporate Tax?
No. VAT and Corporate Tax are separate. Excess VAT can be refunded or carried forward, but not used against
Corporate Tax.
What if my refund is denied?
We analyse the rejection, reconcile discrepancies, and resubmit or appeal with stronger supporting evidence.
Can AKW handle the full process?
Yes. From eligibility checks to FTA representation, we manage the entire refund lifecycle on your behalf.