Exploring Tax Deregistration in the UAE VAT Law 

The landscape of Value Added Tax (VAT) in the UAE continues to evolve, with new regulations providing clarity and guidance for businesses navigating their tax obligations. One significant piece of legislation in this domain is the Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2024, which outlines the procedures for tax deregistration under the Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017. This article delves into Article 14 of the Cabinet Decision, clarifying the conditions and processes involved in deregistering for VAT in the UAE. 

1. The Importance of Timely Deregistration 

2. Conditions for Deregistration 

The Authority will accept a tax deregistration application only if two primary conditions are met: 

• No Expected Supplies: The registrant must cease making supplies referred to in Article 19 of the Decree-Law and must not anticipate making any such supplies over the next 12 months. 

• Value of Supplies: The value of supplies made or taxable expenses incurred over the previous 12 months must be below the Voluntary Registration Threshold. Additionally, the Authority must be satisfied that the expected supplies or taxable expenses over the next 30 days will not exceed this threshold. 

These conditions aim to prevent businesses from deregistering prematurely, which could disrupt tax compliance and reporting obligations. 

3. Deregistration Effective Dates 

Upon approval of a deregistration application, the Authority will deregister the registrant effective from the last day of the tax period during which the conditions for deregistration were met. Alternatively, the deregistration can take effect from another date as determined by the Authority. This flexibility allows the Authority to manage the deregistration process while considering the specifics of each case. 

4. Authority’s Role in Initiating Deregistration 

In cases where the registrant has not applied for deregistration despite meeting the conditions, the Authority has the power to initiate deregistration and notify them in 10 business days. This proactive measure ensures that businesses remain compliant and are not left in limbo regarding their tax obligations. 

5. Tax Deregistration After Falling Below the Mandatory Threshold 

If a registrant’s taxable supplies fall below the Mandatory Registration Threshold, they can apply for tax deregistration. The effective date of deregistration will depend on the registrant’s request, the date of application submission, or another date specified by the Authority. This clause reflects the need for registrants to monitor their taxable supplies and act accordingly.

6. Post-Deregistration Obligations 

Even after a registrant has been deregistered, they must fulfill several obligations: 

• Final Tax Return: The registrant is required to file a final tax return and pay any outstanding tax or administrative penalties. 

• Deemed Supply of Goods and Services: Any goods and services that form part of the business’s assets will be deemed supplied immediately before deregistration. The associated tax must be included in the final tax return, ensuring that all tax liabilities are settled before closure. 

• Ongoing Compliance: Deregistration does not absolve the registrant from complying with the provisions of the Decree-Law or the Cabinet Decision. Should tax registration requirements be met in the future, the business must reapply for tax registration. 

Conclusion 

Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2024 provides crucial guidelines for businesses in the UAE concerning VAT deregistration. By understanding and adhering to the provisions laid out in Article 14, businesses can ensure compliance and avoid potential pitfalls. It is imperative for registrants to stay informed of their tax status and proactively manage their obligations to navigate the complexities of VAT in the UAE effectively. 

Summary

Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2024 provides a structured framework for VAT deregistration in the UAE. Under Article 14, businesses must apply for deregistration within 20 business days when eligible, with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) approving only if specific conditions are met. These include ceasing taxable supplies and maintaining supply values below the voluntary threshold over the prior 12 months. If approved, deregistration is backdated to the last eligible tax period, though the FTA can initiate deregistration if businesses fail to apply. Final tax returns, outstanding tax payments, and compliance with residual obligations, including asset-related tax liabilities, are required, ensuring all dues are cleared before deregistration. 

Disclaimer:   

The Content offer general guidance and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult qualified professionals for personalized guidance. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is provided for completeness or applicability to individual situations. Users are responsible for their interpretation and actions based on this information, at their own risk.   

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