Last updated: July 16, 2026 | Calculation aid only | Does not file VAT returns
Calculate UAE VAT payable or refundable
Enter tax-exclusive AED amounts for the period. The calculator uses the common 5% VAT rate shown by the Federal Tax Authority, but it does not decide whether a supply is taxable, zero-rated, exempt, outside scope, blocked, or recoverable.
How the calculator works
Estimated net VAT = output VAT on standard-rated sales - recoverable input VAT on eligible expenses, plus or minus adjustments.
For a simple VAT-exclusive invoice, AED 10,000 of standard-rated sales creates AED 500 of output VAT. For a VAT-inclusive amount, the VAT portion is the gross amount minus gross amount divided by 1.05.
| Field | Use it for | Do not use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard-rated sales | Tax-exclusive value of sales where 5% VAT applies. | Zero-rated, exempt, outside-scope, or reverse-charge cases. |
| Zero-rated taxable sales | Taxable supplies with 0% VAT treatment, if applicable to your facts. | Exempt supplies or guesses copied from another business. |
| Exempt or outside-scope sales | Non-standard sales you want visible in your working file. | Registration or filing decisions without checking FTA guidance. |
| Recoverable expenses | Tax-exclusive value of eligible expenses where input VAT can be recovered. | Blocked, personal, non-business, exempt-activity, or unsupported expenses. |
| Adjustments | Corrections, credit notes, rounding, or accountant-reviewed adjustments. | Forcing the result to match what you hoped it would be. Tempting, but no. |
VAT registration threshold check
The Federal Tax Authority says a business must register for VAT if taxable supplies and imports exceed the mandatory registration threshold of AED 375,000. It also says voluntary registration may be available where taxable supplies and imports, or taxable expenses, exceed AED 187,500.
This calculator compares the entered standard-rated and zero-rated sales against those headline thresholds as a rough prompt to check your position. It does not replace the official registration test, which can depend on a previous 12-month lookback, expected next 30 days, imports, foreign-business rules, and other facts.
Important limits
- This is a VAT calculation aid, not VAT filing software.
- It does not submit VAT201, connect to the FTA, store records, or act as a tax agent.
- It does not decide tax treatment for imports, exports, reverse charge, designated zones, mixed supplies, partial exemption, bad debt relief, or sector-specific rules.
- Keep invoices, credit notes, accounting records, and official source checks with your working file.
Official UAE VAT sources
Source links checked July 16, 2026. Use the Federal Tax Authority as the source of truth for VAT registration, filing, returns, guides, references, and public clarifications.
Next step: clean invoice and quote files
After you calculate VAT, keep the service fee, VAT amount, total, payment terms, and client handoff notes cleanly separated. The UAE Freelance Pricing & Invoice Starter Pack includes editable files for invoices, quotes, estimates, retainers, rate cards, and VAT pricing notes. It is an admin template pack only, not tax, accounting, legal, licensing, or financial advice.
FAQ
How is UAE VAT payable calculated?
A basic estimate is output VAT on taxable sales minus recoverable input VAT on eligible business expenses, adjusted for corrections. Filing can require more detail than this simple calculation.
What is the UAE VAT rate?
The Federal Tax Authority identifies UAE VAT as 5%. Some supplies may be zero-rated, exempt, outside the scope, or subject to special rules, so check FTA guidance for your exact facts.
When is a UAE VAT return due?
The FTA says registered businesses are required to file VAT returns and make related VAT payments within 28 days from the end of the tax period.
Does this page file my VAT return?
No. It only estimates VAT figures and produces a preparation summary. It does not submit anything to the FTA.
Can I use this if my sales are VAT-inclusive?
Yes, but convert VAT-inclusive amounts first. For a standard-rated gross amount, net value equals gross divided by 1.05, and VAT equals gross minus net.