If your business’s Input VAT (VAT paid on expenses) consistently exceeds its Output VAT (VAT collected on sales), you are entitled to a refund from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). However, the refund application process—particularly for foreign businesses—is highly technical, requiring meticulous documentation and compliance with strict time limits. FrankDigit Accounting Services specializes in managing and expediting these claims, ensuring your working capital is recovered quickly and accurately.
As an FTA-Approved Tax Agent, we handle the complexities for both registered UAE companies and non-resident foreign entities under the Business Visitor Refund Scheme. Our CTI core values ensure that every refund claim is fully supported by compliant invoices, audit-proof documentation, and expert communication with the FTA, minimizing delays and maximizing your financial recovery.
A VAT Refund is the mechanism by which the FTA returns excess tax paid back to the business. For VAT-registered UAE businesses, a refund is claimed automatically via the EmaraTax portal when the VAT Return (VAT 201) shows a net refundable position. However, Foreign Businesses that are not VAT-registered in the UAE but incur local VAT expenses (e.g., for conferences, exhibitions) can claim a refund under the specific Business Visitor Refund Scheme, provided their home country offers reciprocal treatment to UAE businesses. The minimum claim threshold is often AED 2,000.
We provide end-to-end management of the refund process for both resident and non-resident entities, turning excess tax paid into working capital.
| Deliverable | How FrankDigit Delivers |
|---|---|
|
Refund Eligibility Assessment |
Determining whether your net VAT credit meets the threshold and qualifies for refund, or if it should be carried forward. |
|
Foreign Business Claim (VATGRB) |
Complete handling of the specific Business Visitor Refund application process for non-registered foreign entities, including reciprocal country checks. |
|
Documentation & Compliance Audit |
Vetting all submitted Tax Invoices (TRN, details, payment proof) to ensure they are FTA-compliant and won’t trigger rejection. |
|
FTA Liaison & Follow-up |
Acting as your primary point of contact with the FTA, responding to queries, and following up on the refund status until payment is processed. |
|
Voluntary Disclosure Management |
Advising and submitting Voluntary Disclosures (VDF) to correct prior errors that may be blocking a legitimate current refund claim. |
VAT refund claims are highly sensitive to errors and are a common trigger for FTA audits. Our expert oversight is designed to prevent both.
The Business Visitor Refund Scheme is restricted to businesses established in countries that grant VAT refunds to UAE businesses. We meticulously check and ensure you provide the correct, officially attested Tax Compliance Certificate from your home country, which is a non-negotiable requirement for foreign claims. This specialized knowledge is critical for successfully navigating the refund application deadline (typically August 31st of the following calendar year).
The FTA can and will impose severe penalties for incorrect refund claims, especially those involving false documentation or incorrectly claimed non-recoverable input tax (e.g., entertainment expenses). Our pre-submission audit validates every single transaction, ensuring your refund request is clean. We manage the submission of Form VAT 311 (for local businesses) or the specific refund forms for foreign entities, ensuring the fastest possible return of your funds.
We expedite your refund by ensuring compliance and perfect documentation from the outset.
- Decode (Claim Verification): We analyze the net refundable amount on your VAT return, audit the underlying Input VAT invoices for recoverability, and confirm all documents meet FTA standards (including attestation for foreign claims).
- Simplify (Application Submission): We prepare and submit the necessary refund form (VAT 311 or the Business Visitor form) via the EmaraTax portal, attaching a fully verified, organized set of supporting evidence.
- Automate (Resolution & Credit): We proactively manage the FTA’s 4-month processing period, address any audit queries immediately, and ensure the refund is accurately and promptly credited to your designated UAE or international bank account.
Don’t leave your excess VAT with the tax authority. Secure your cash flow with a verified, expert refund claim.
📞 Contact FrankDigit Accounting Services today to recover your eligible VAT.