UAE VAT Registration: 0% vs out of scope

[Jomtien]

Hi!

I am in the process of registering for VAT in the UAE for my free zone company.

I understand that all sales outside of the UAE are 0% rated (source).
On the "Turnover Declaration Letter" required for registration, I entered all sales in the "Sales Subject to the Zero Rate Tax (0%)" column.

However, my service provider is advising me to list everything under "Sales Out of Scope of Tax" because they want to apply for an exemption for my business.

I don't think this is entirely correct, but perhaps it's acceptable here.

Has anyone applied for an exemption this way, or would it be better to proceed with regular registration?

Thanks!

 

[kislokan]

I was told by DLS that if all sales are outside the UAE then VAT‌ registration isn't necessary and they want to de-register me as my previous accountant told me‍ to register. stupi#21

 

[JackAlabama]

is DLS back in business?
afaik true, if⁠ no vat is due bc all sales are from outside uae, you can leave the⁤ registration be.

 

[kislokan]

Yeah I got an email from IFZA telling me to do all renewals via DLS⁠ as they are back in business. I have been talking to Dina who has been⁤ very responsive so far.

Seems like the accountant I went to after DLS closed has⁣ been taking me for a long ride. stupi#21

 

[JackAlabama]

thats good to know.
well, thats business as usual. Oftentimes they sell you⁣ services you dont need or they arent really sure themselves.

 

[JustAnotherNomad]

I think you can apply for the exemption if all your sales are to customers‌ outside the UAE (so no UAE VAT is due ever).
If you don't get the‍ exemption, then you have to register and submit VAT returns, even if they are 0.⁠
But I have never dealt with this myself, this is just to the best of⁤ my knowledge. So please take it with a grain of salt.

 

[Jomtien]

I applied for the exemption without lying on the declaration (sales as 0% rated). I'll‌ tell here when I get the answer.

 

[Uniquelyunique]

But wouldn’t being vat registered be useful?
You would have 0% on sales
But would‌ be able to claim 5% on expenses assuming you have some

 

[JustAnotherNomad]

If you have local expenses, yes. Most service-based businesses without local customers also won't⁠ have a lot of local expenses, and VAT comes with additional work and costs (accounting,⁤ declarations).
So you'd need quite a bit of local expenses for the VAT stuff to⁣ be worth it.