What if I miss the deadline?

Late return penalties apply under Cabinet Decision tables. See our FTA penalty calculator.

Monthly or quarterly?

Your stagger is on the VAT registration certificate.

By Dennis Quintenz, Founder of EmiraBooks · Quincom Ecommerce - FZCO

VAT201 step by step for UAE founders

A VAT201 is your periodic VAT return on EmaraTax. Prepare sales and purchase figures from your books, then file and pay by the 28th of the month after the tax period (or the next business day).

Steps

Close the tax period in your books (invoices + matched expenses).
Separate standard-rated, zero-rated and out-of-scope lines.
Reconcile bank imports (Wio/ENBD) so nothing is missing.
Enter boxes in EmaraTax VAT201 and review the payable or refundable amount.
Submit and pay by the deadline shown on tax.gov.ae guidance.

What goes in

Standard-rated supplies use 5%. Keep TRNs on tax invoices. Input VAT needs valid evidence.

EmiraBooks helps assemble the numbers. EmaraTax is where you submit. We are not FTA approved software.

Deadline reminder

Generally the 28th after period end. Weekend or holiday moves to the next business day (FTA).

Source: https://tax.gov.ae/Datafolder/Files/Pdf/2023/Knowledge%20Center%20Page/vat6-vat-return-filing-dates-en%20(002).pdf

Sources

Last checked: 2026-10-11

FAQ

Can EmiraBooks submit VAT201?: No. You submit in EmaraTax.
What if I miss the deadline?: Late return penalties apply under Cabinet Decision tables. See our FTA penalty calculator.
Monthly or quarterly?: Your stagger is on the VAT registration certificate.
Is this tax advice?: No.

Related: All guides · Tax tools · Deadlines · Try free

Not tax advice. Confirm figures and deadlines on tax.gov.ae and mof.gov.ae, or with your advisor.

Not tax advice. Check figures and deadlines yourself or with your advisor. Facts on this page last checked: 2026-10-11.