UAE VAT Filing Deadline: 28 August 2025 – Avoid Penalties
August 26, 2025
Why 28 August 2025 Is a Crucial VAT Deadline
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has confirmed that Thursday, 28 August 2025,
is a key VAT filing deadline for UAE businesses. All VAT-registered companies must file their VAT return and settle any tax due by this date.
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While VAT returns in the UAE are generally due within 28 days after the end of each tax period, the FTA has highlighted this particular date as a critical final deadline for 2025. Failing to comply could expose your business to hefty fines and penalties.
Who Must File by 28 August 2025?
The filing deadline applies to:
- Monthly VAT filers – typically businesses with annual taxable supplies of AED 150 million or more.
- Quarterly VAT filers – smaller businesses whose July 2025 falls within their VAT reporting period.
- In both cases, the VAT return and payment must be submitted via the FTA’s Emaratax portal by 28 August 2025.
Penalties for Missing the Deadline
The FTA imposes strict penalties for late filing and late payment:
Late filing penalties:
- AED 1,000 for the first offence.
- AED 2,000 for repeated offences within 24 months.
Late payment penalties:
- 2% of the unpaid tax immediately after the due date.
- 4% per month on the outstanding balance.
- Up to 300% of the unpaid tax in total penalties.
(Source: FTA VAT Guide)
How to Prepare Ahead of the Deadline
To avoid penalties and stay compliant, UAE businesses should:
- Confirm your filing frequency (monthly or quarterly) in the FTA’s Emaratax system.
- Reconcile VAT records early, ensuring all input and output VAT are accurately reported.
- Submit your VAT return online before 28 August 2025.
- Arrange timely payment, factoring in bank clearance times.
- Plan for weekends and holidays — if 28 August falls on a non-working day, the deadline extends to the next business day.
Key Takeaway
The 28 August 2025 VAT filing deadline
is not just another date on the tax calendar; it’s the FTA’s highlighted deadline for UAE VAT compliance. With penalties of up to 300% of unpaid tax, the cost of missing it can be substantial.
Need Help With VAT Filing?
At Mosaic Chambers Group, we help UAE businesses stay fully compliant with VAT regulations, avoid costly fines, and manage future tax deadlines with confidence.
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