Excise Tax returns must be filed monthly, with the tax due paid within 15 days after the end of each tax period. HayyaTax keeps your filings accurate and on time, every period.
Businesses importing, producing, or stockpiling excisable goods, or releasing them from a designated zone, must file an Excise Tax return declaring their taxable transactions, excise goods, tax calculations, and payable tax for the period.
% At A Glance
Reviewing import, production, and designated-zone declarations each period
Preparing and filing your monthly Excise Tax return via EmaraTax
Verifying your Excise Tax liability and completing payment on time
Who Needs This
Every registered importer, manufacturer, and designated-zone operator.
If you import, produce, or manufacture excisable goods, stockpile them in applicable circumstances, or release them from a designated zone, you have an Excise Tax reporting obligation for that period.
Timing
Monthly, within 15 days of the tax period ending.
Excise Tax returns are filed monthly via the FTA's e-Services portal. The return must be submitted, and the tax due paid, within 15 days after the end of each tax period.
What You'll Need
Information every Excise Tax return needs.
Import and production declarations
Designated zone transaction records
Deductible Excise Tax details
Quantity and value information for excise goods
Supporting accounting records and customs documentation
Previous return information
Why This Matters
What late or incorrect filing costs you.
Late filing carries an AED 1,000 fine for a first offense, AED 2,000 for repeat offenses within 24 months
Unpaid tax also attracts a daily penalty of 2% of the amount due
Incorrect filing or underreporting brings additional fines on top of the above
Excise Tax Rates At A Glance
Rates vary by product category.
The FTA sets a fixed rate per excise goods category, based on the classification of the product.
Tobacco & tobacco products100%
Electronic smoking devices & their liquids100%
Energy drinks100%
Sweetened & carbonated drinks — under 5g sugar/100mlExempt
Sweetened & carbonated drinks — 5g to under 8g sugar/100mlAED 0.79 / litre
We review import, production, and designated-zone declarations plus any deductible Excise Tax for the period.
2
Step 02
Prepare & Verify the Return
We prepare the return covering taxable transactions, quantities, values, and total tax payable, and verify the liability.
3
Step 03
Submit via EmaraTax
We submit the return through EmaraTax within the monthly filing window.
4
Step 04
Pay & Retain Records
We complete payment of the amount due and retain the submission and payment records.
What Non-Compliance Costs You
What's at risk, and how we help.
ViolationPenaltyHow HayyaTax helps
Late or missed monthly return filingAED 1,000 (first offense) / AED 2,000 (repeat within 24 months), plus 2% daily penalty on unpaid taxWe track your monthly filing calendar and file within the 15-day window
Incorrect filing or underreported tax dueAdditional fines on top of the late-filing penaltyWe verify quantities, values, and tax calculations before every submission
Why work with HayyaTax
Excellence. Expertise. Experience.
📅
10+
Years of Experience
Hands-on UAE tax and accounting work across the team.
📋
FTA
Approved Tax Agent
Authorized to represent clients directly with the Federal Tax Authority.
👨💼
Expert
Professional Team
Qualified tax and accounting professionals supporting every engagement.
✅
FTA-Aligned
Filing Standards
Every submission built to the FTA's own requirements.
FTA Credentials
An FTA-registered & approved tax agency in the UAE.
HayyaTax is an FTA-approved Tax Agent, authorized to represent clients directly with the Federal Tax Authority on every Excise Tax return.
FTA-Approved Tax Agent
Direct FTA Representation
Excise Tax & VAT Under One Roof
FTA-Approved Tax Agent
Documented, Defensible Submissions
Excise Tax & VAT Under One Roof
Practical Turnaround
FTA-Approved Tax Agent
Authorized to represent clients directly with the Federal Tax Authority.
TAN30016448
Common questions
FAQs on Excise Tax return filing in UAE.
What is Excise Tax return filing? ⌄
The monthly declaration of your excise-related transactions — imports, production, releases from designated zones, and deductible Excise Tax — submitted to the FTA via the e-Services portal, with the tax due paid alongside it.
How often do I need to file an Excise Tax return? ⌄
Monthly. The return and payment are due within 15 days after the end of each tax period.
Can I file an Excise Tax return through EmaraTax? ⌄
Yes — returns are filed and paid through the FTA's EmaraTax e-Services portal.
What happens if I miss my Excise Tax return deadline? ⌄
You face an AED 1,000 fine for a first offense (AED 2,000 if repeated within 24 months), plus a 2% daily penalty on any unpaid tax, and additional fines for incorrect filing.
Can I get a refund on Excise Tax paid? ⌄
Excise Tax is generally non-refundable since it's built into the price of goods — but a refund is possible if the excise goods are exported outside the UAE, or destroyed due to damage or expiry, subject to FTA approval.
Do free zone companies need to file Excise Tax returns? ⌄
Yes, if they import, produce, or store excise goods, supply them within the UAE market, or release goods from a designated zone into the local market.
Testimonials
What clients say about HayyaTax.
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★★★★★
Big thanks to Ms. Megha and the HayyaTax team for their excellent support with our VAT filing. They were professional, efficient, and very helpful throughout the process. Highly recommended!
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Vuk Krkeljic
Founder, Dominant Academy · Abu Dhabi
"
★★★★★
Excellent and accurate services. Ms. Megha Dutta has been instrumental in getting our audit and corporate tax filing done on time.
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Ovais Hashmi
Manager, Infinity Turnkey Interior Solutions
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Thank you to the HayyaTax team for successfully completing our VAT registration. Despite the complexity of our case, they handled the entire process with exceptional professionalism.
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Rehan Hyder
Manager, Student Biryani Karama
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Working with HayyaTax was really good. Megha was very helpful and made the work really smooth.
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Trisha Das
Executive, WEBIZ Business Center
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Sarah Al-Mansoori
CFO, TechnoWorld Innovations
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Working with HayyaTax has been a game-changer for our business. Their proactive approach to tax planning and their ability to simplify complex regulations have given us confidence in our tax strategy. They’re not just consultants; they are true partners in our growth.
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Head of Finance, GreenTech Solutions
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HayyaTax provides outstanding corporate tax services that have significantly improved our financial efficiency. Their team ensures that we stay compliant while helping us identify tax-saving opportunities. Their professionalism and attention to detail are unmatched!
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Managing Director, Horizon Manufacturing Ltd.
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★★★★★
We’ve relied on HayyaTax for all our corporate tax needs, from tax audits to strategic planning. Their expertise in UAE and international tax laws has been invaluable in ensuring that we are always one step ahead. The team at HayyaTax truly cares about our business’s success.
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Fahad Al-Dosari
CEO, Apex Holdings Group
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★★★★★
HayyaTax helped us optimize our tax strategy in line with the latest regulations, making complex tax issues seem easy to understand. Their comprehensive approach and constant support have been crucial to our success. We consider them a key part of our financial team.
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Layla Juma
Tax Director, NovaTech Industries
Our Clients
Trusted by companies of all sizes.
From growing startups to established enterprises across the UAE.
From reviewing import and production declarations to calculating deductible Excise Tax and filing through EmaraTax, HayyaTax handles your return preparation, filing, and payment end to end.
Office 5th Floor, Office No. 504-29, Dubai National Insurance Building, Port Saeed, Dubai, UAE
