Key Considerations for VAT Deregistration in the UAE
If your business’s annual taxable supplies total falls below AED 375,000, you can proceed with VAT deregistration in the UAE. While this move can offer several advantages, it’s important to be mindful of potential costs and the various considerations involved in the process.
For businesses in the UAE that cater to other companies unable to reclaim VAT on purchases or serve the general public, deregistering for VAT can confer a competitive edge. By eliminating the need to include VAT in your product prices, your business gains the ability to undercut competitors and maintain consistent pricing for enhanced profitability.
Before embarking on the journey of VAT deregistration in the UAE, whether on a permanent or temporary basis, your business’s annual turnover must remain below the specified limit. Before submitting your deregistration application, it is strongly recommended to consult with a tax professional within the UAE to gain expert insights and avoid potential pitfalls that could impact your business.
If you’re an accounting student in the UAE, you’ve probably heard about VAT (Value Added Tax). It’s that extra bit of money we pay when we buy things. But did you know that there’s something called “VAT Deregistration” that’s equally important? Don’t worry; we’re here to break it down for you in simple terms, even simpler than your favorite accounting formula!
What’s VAT Deregistration Anyway?
Alright, so you know how to register for VAT when your business hits a certain income level? Well, VAT Deregistration is the opposite. It’s when you need to cancel your VAT registration because your business is no longer making enough money to stay in the VAT club, just like how you’d cancel a subscription you’re not using anymore.
Why Would You Want to Deregister?
Think of it like this: you started a lemonade stand, and business was booming! You registered for VAT because your sales were over a certain limit. But time passed, and maybe people got tired of lemonade, or the summer just ended. Your sales are lower, and you’re thinking, “Do I need to keep doing all this VAT stuff?” That’s when you might consider VAT Deregistration.
The Magic Number: AED 187,500
In the UAE, a number is like the golden ticket to the VAT world: AED 187,500. If your sales in the past 12 months fall below this number, you can think about waving goodbye to VAT. But remember, you also need to check your future sales. If you expect them to stay low, you’re on the right track to deregister.
Timing Is Everything
Just like you need to time your baking so your cookies come out perfectly, timing is crucial in VAT Deregistration too. You can only apply for deregistration if you’re sure your sales will stay below AED 187,500 in the next 30 days. It’s like telling your teacher you won’t need that extra math class because you’re confident you’ve figured it out.
Say Goodbye to Tax Refunds
When you’re registered for VAT, you might get tax refunds for the VAT you’ve paid on your business purchases. But if you deregister, that party’s over. No more refunds for you, so make sure you’ve done the math and it’s worth it.
The Paperwork Shuffle
Deregistering isn’t just about saying, “I’m out!” There’s some paperwork involved too. You must complete a form and submit it to the tax authorities. Remember, just like you wouldn’t leave a class without officially telling your school, you can’t leave the VAT club without telling the tax folks.
VAT Liability for Asset Holding During Deregistration
If your business retains assets during deregistration, it may incur VAT liability that requires resolution. This liability pertains to assets disposed of at fair market value on deregistration. Strategies exist to mitigate or eliminate potential VAT liability, including the following:
- VAT payable by the business is calculated based on the market value of assets as of the VAT deregistration date, factoring in any depreciation, obsolescence, or damage incurred by the items.
- Assets for which input VAT was not claimed during the fiscal period of purchase are exempt from VAT liability. This exemption applies to secondhand vehicles acquired from non-VAT registered suppliers. Exceptions include standard-rated goods acquired VAT-free due to a business takeover as a going concern.
- Assets subject to VAT exemption or zero rates do not incur output VAT liability.
- Intangible assets, such as goodwill or patents, do not trigger output VAT liability.
Considering Post VAT Deregistration Expenses
During the final VAT return filing, businesses must account for VAT related to outstanding sales invoices and can reclaim input VAT for unpaid purchase invoices. Claims for business expenses, such as accounting fees, can still be made post-VAT deregistration as long as they pertain to a period during which the business was VAT registered in the UAE.
Transitioning to a New Tax Registration Number
In cases where a business changes its company structure, for example, transitioning from a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company in the UAE, the sole trader must initiate VAT deregistration. Regulating tax agents in Dubai, UAE, recommend that the new company register for VAT on the same day as deregistration occurs. While the new business can retain the old tax registration number, this choice entails assuming responsibility for potential VAT liabilities, including errors from previous years. Opting for a new tax registration number offers a clean slate and helps mitigate uncertain risks.
Compulsory Deregistration Scenarios
For VAT-registered businesses in the UAE that cease trading and have no intention of engaging in taxable sales moving forward, compulsory deregistration is required effective from the final trading day. However, there’s room for businesses to extend this date, including purchase invoices for input VAT reclamation purposes. Additionally, professional dues may arise upon your business’s final sale.
Expert Guidance
Although the pros and cons of VAT deregistration in the UAE might seem straightforward, seeking advice from tax experts within the UAE is highly recommended. Before making any decisions and moving forward, it’s prudent to exercise caution, as there could be potential costs involved in the process of VAT cancellation.
Additionally, it’s important to gather necessary records and maintain accounts of relevant receipts and invoices, as these will be essential for your business’s final VAT return filing. To ensure the smooth management of all subsequent VAT-related affairs, feel free to reach out to us at VAT Registration UAE today!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, VAT Deregistration in the UAE in a nutshell. It’s like putting your business on a diet – if it’s not making as much dough, you can skip the VAT feast. Remember, the numbers matter, timing is key, and paperwork can’t be ignored. So, whether you’re sipping lemonade or crunching numbers, VAT Deregistration is a step that can save you time and effort when done right.