The UAE's Federal Tax Authority has rolled out an AI-powered digital platform with Planet Tax Free for tourist VAT refunds. The paperless service is operational at Zayed International, Dubai International, and Sharjah International airports, enabling quick pre-departure claims.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority has urged businesses to meet electronic invoicing deadlines to avoid an administrative fine of AED 5,000 per month. The authority stated that flexible mechanisms have been adopted to ease the compliance process. FTA continues to offer in-person and online workshops regarding system integration and EmaraTax activation.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority announced that businesses with annual revenues of Dh50 million or more must contract an accredited electronic invoicing service provider by October 30, 2026. Non-compliant firms face recurring monthly administrative penalties of Dh5,000. The measure prepares companies for the mandatory nationwide electronic invoicing rollout scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The UAE has implemented stricter input VAT recovery standards effective 1 October 2026 under three separate regulatory decisions. Taxable businesses must conduct mandatory supplier and transaction verification checks and can recover staff benefit VAT only within six defined categories. Major purchases settled in cash will also face VAT recovery disallowances under amended executive regulations.
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