If your input VAT is higher than your output VAT when filing a VAT return, you're qualified to obtain a refund from the FTA. HayyaTax's experienced VAT consultants help you secure it.
When input tax exceeds output tax, you can claim it back.
When the input tax is greater than the output tax on a VAT return, the taxable person is able to request a VAT refund. The request is initiated through the VAT 311 form available on the FTA portal, either at the time of filing the VAT return or after submission.
% At A Glance
Preparing and submitting your VAT 311 refund request
Compiling the highest-value invoices and supporting documents the FTA requires
Tracking your claim through to approval and payout
Who Needs This
No time limit on when you can apply.
There is no limit specified by the Authority on when to make a refund request — tax registrants can apply at any point in time so long as there is a credit owed to them.
Timing
20 business days to review, 5 to pay out.
The FTA reviews a refund claim within 20 business days of submission and notifies you of its decision (the FTA may notify you if it needs longer). Once approved, the refund amount is paid within 5 business days.
What You'll Need
Documentation for a VAT refund claim.
VAT refund application form (Microsoft Excel format)
5 highest tax invoices from standard-rated expenses (by value)
5 highest official/commercial documents related to zero-rated supplies (by value)
5 highest tax invoices related to sales and other outputs (by value)
IBAN Validation Letter
Why This Matters
Why refund claims get rejected.
No response to additional FTA requirements within 5 working days can lead to rejection
Incorrect attachments are a common cause of rejected claims
An unmatched summary against your filed VAT returns can also trigger rejection
VAT At A Glance
The standard UAE VAT rate is 5%.
A refund position simply means the VAT you've paid on purchases exceeds the VAT you've collected on sales for the period.
Standard-rated supplies5%
Zero-rated supplies0%
Exempt suppliesNo VAT charged, no input recovery
How It Works
Submitting a VAT refund claim.
1
Step 01
Log In to FTA e-Services
We access the FTA's e-Services portal on your behalf.
2
Step 02
Complete the VAT Refund Form
We go to the VAT tab, then VAT Refunds, and complete the refund request form.
3
Step 03
Attach Supporting Documents
We ensure every detail and supporting document is correct before submission.
4
Step 04
Track Through to Payout
We track your claim's status until the refund is approved and paid.
Why Claims Get Rejected
What's at risk, and how we help.
ViolationPenaltyHow HayyaTax helps
No response to FTA follow-up within 5 working daysRefund claim rejectedWe monitor your claim and respond to FTA queries promptly
Incorrect attachments or an unmatched summaryRefund claim rejectedWe verify every figure against your filed VAT returns before 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 VAT refund claims.
FTA-Approved Tax Agent
Direct FTA Representation
VAT & Corporate Tax Under One Roof
FTA-Approved Tax Agent
Documented, Defensible Submissions
VAT & Corporate Tax Under One Roof
Practical Turnaround
FTA-Approved Tax Agent
Authorized to represent clients directly with the Federal Tax Authority.
TAN30016448
Common questions
FAQs on VAT refunds in UAE.
When will I receive the VAT refund I claim? ⌄
If you're in a repayment position, you may carry forward the excess recoverable input tax, or request a refund by answering 'Yes' at the end of your return. The FTA will inform you of approval or rejection within 20 working days, though it may take longer where necessary.
Is there a limit on the refund amount I can request? ⌄
No — there is no limit on the refund amount that can be requested from the FTA.
Can I request a refund for multiple VAT return periods at once? ⌄
Yes — the FTA has prescribed an Excel format allowing taxable persons to incorporate details for multiple VAT return periods in a single refund request.
Can I carry forward an excess refund against future VAT payables? ⌄
Yes — a taxable person can adjust the excess refund lying in the FTA portal against future VAT payables instead of claiming it immediately.
Can I reapply after a previous refund request was rejected? ⌄
Yes — rejection normally happens when a registrant doesn't submit additional requirements or respond to FTA queries. You can reapply for the same quarter once the requested information is available.
Testimonials
What clients say about HayyaTax.
"
★★★★★
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!
VK
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.
OH
Ovais Hashmi
Manager, Infinity Turnkey Interior Solutions
"
★★★★★
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.
RH
Rehan Hyder
Manager, Student Biryani Karama
"
★★★★★
Working with HayyaTax was really good. Megha was very helpful and made the work really smooth.
TD
Trisha Das
Executive, WEBIZ Business Center
"
★★★★★
HayyaTax has been instrumental in helping us navigate the complexities of corporate tax compliance. Their team’s deep understanding of the UAE tax framework and strategic advice has allowed us to optimize our tax position while ensuring full compliance. Highly recommend their services!
SA
Sarah Al-Mansoori
CFO, TechnoWorld Innovations
"
★★★★★
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.
SR
Sana Raza
Head of Finance, GreenTech Solutions
"
★★★★★
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!
OK
Omar Khaled
Managing Director, Horizon Manufacturing Ltd.
"
★★★★★
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.
FA
Fahad Al-Dosari
CEO, Apex Holdings Group
"
★★★★★
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.
LJ
Layla Juma
Tax Director, NovaTech Industries
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