Your UAE VAT return (and the tax due) must be filed within 28 days after your tax period ends — pick your period type to see the next deadline.
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Tax periods and the 28-day rule
Most VAT-registered businesses file quarterly; businesses with annual turnover of AED 150,000,000 or more typically file monthly. The FTA assigns your tax period — quarterly filers may have quarter-ends in January/April/July/October, February/May/August/November, or March/June/September/December. From the last day of the period, you have 28 days to file and pay. Weekends and public holidays push the deadline to the next working day.
Late filing can attract penalties of AED 1,000 for a first offence and AED 2,000 for a repeat within 24 months. File and pay on time via EmaraTax whenever you can.
About this tool
What is the UAE VAT Return Deadline Calculator?
A free tool that uses your tax period type (quarterly or monthly) and quarter-end months to show your current period, filing deadline, countdown, upcoming deadlines, and a calendar download.
Who is this calculator for?
VAT-registered UAE businesses and freelancers who need a quick reminder of the next EmaraTax filing and payment date.
How does this relate to Fatura Go?
Deadlines are set by the FTA. Fatura Go helps you keep FTA-ready invoice records organised so filing season is less stressful.
Common questions
When is my UAE VAT return due?
You must file your VAT return with the FTA, and pay any tax due, within 28 days from the end of your tax period. If that day falls on a weekend or public holiday, the deadline moves to the next working day. Confirm your assigned tax period in EmaraTax.
What is a tax period?
A tax period is the stretch of time your VAT return covers. Most businesses use quarterly periods; businesses with annual turnover of AED 150,000,000 or more are typically monthly. The FTA assigns your period — quarterly businesses may end quarters in different month sets.
Can I change my tax period?
Tax periods are assigned by the FTA. Changing them is not a self-serve preference in this tool — if you believe your period should change, follow FTA / EmaraTax procedures or ask a qualified advisor.
What if the deadline falls on a weekend?
If the calculated deadline falls on a weekend or a UAE public holiday, it moves to the next working day. This calculator applies that rule using a configurable holiday list — always double-check against the official calendar.
What is the penalty for late VAT filing?
Late filing penalties are typically AED 1,000 for a first offence and AED 2,000 for a repeat within 24 months. Confirm current penalty rules with the FTA.
Do I pay at the same time as filing?
Yes — filing the return and paying the tax due share the same deadline (within 28 days of the period end, adjusted for weekends and public holidays).
This tool is for general information only and is not tax advice. The FTA assigns your tax period — confirm yours in EmaraTax. Holiday dates in this calculator are approximate for Islamic holidays and should be checked against the official calendar. See the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) for authoritative guidance.
Keep invoice records ready for filing season
Fatura Go helps UAE sellers create FTA-ready tax invoices with TRN fields and 5% VAT — organised records when EmaraTax filing day arrives.