What is excise tax in the UAE?

Excise tax is a tax charged on specific goods and services that the government deems non-essential. In the UAE it currently applies to tobacco and tobacco products, energy drinks and carbonated drinks. It is not added at the checkout: the excise tax amount is included in the retail price of these goods, so it sits inside the price the consumer already sees.

Who has to register for excise tax in the UAE?

If your business imports or manufactures excise-taxable goods in the UAE, you are required to register for excise tax. Registration goes through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and involves completing the registration application and meeting its documentation requirements. Registration is the start of the obligation rather than the end of it, since filing duties continue once you are registered.

How often do excise tax returns have to be filed?

Once registered, you file periodic excise tax returns, usually on a quarterly or annual basis depending on your business activities and revenue. Each return carries a filing deadline, and the return has to be prepared accurately and submitted before it. The frequency that applies to you follows from your registered activities rather than being a matter of preference.

What happens if an excise tax return is filed late?

Late or missing returns attract penalties, which is why the filing deadline is the fixed point to plan around rather than aim at. In practice that means calculating the excise tax payable or refundable accurately, then submitting ahead of the deadline. If you are unsure whether particular goods fall within scope, settle that question before a filing period closes rather than after.

What does excise tax consultancy actually include?

It covers the full compliance cycle: registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) including documentation requirements, preparation and submission of periodic returns before deadlines, accurate calculation of excise tax payable or refundable, representation with the tax authorities in the event of a dispute, and updates on regulatory changes affecting your obligations. Bazaar Accounting tailors this to the goods and activities your business deals in.

Excise Tax - Bazaar Accounting

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Anna Pavelko

We are truly grateful to the accounting and tax team for their professional support. Special thanks to Golda and Lahiru and Kyleen! They prepared our tax returns quickly, ensuring everything was accurate and submitted on time. Assistance during the audit process was extremely valuable and helped us meet our deadlines smoothly. Their efficiency, professionalism, and clear communication gave us great confidence. Highly recommended!

Jesus SANCHO CARRASCOSA

I hired Bazaar a year ago for my free zone Company in Dubai and they have performed really well. They have managed to revert a VAT fine for me as my passport was expired. They are professional . I recommend

eoin moore

Rukshan was fantastic. Most professional. Team at Bazaar expedited the matter in hand, with most satisfactory outcome. Highly recommend

Anirudh Joshi

Excellent service from Bazaar Accounting. Their team is highly professional, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist. The expertise and dedication shown across all departments are truly impressive. A reliable firm for accounting and tax services in the UAE. Highly recommended!

Abigail Manabat

Bazaar Accounting service has been consistently reliable and professional. The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and ensures payroll is processed accurately and on time. Their expertise in UAE labor regulations and payroll compliance gives us confidence that our operations are always in good hands. Highly recommended!

VERCIDE MANAROG

The team was highly professional, knowledgeable and, experienced. I would strongly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable and dependable support in the UAE.

Sales33

Excellent Tax consultancy. Highly recommended.

Grace Fatima Ochangco

I got great advice for company formation services from BAM Advisors. The team was professional, helpful, and explained everything clearly. They made the whole setup process easy and stress-free. I would recommend them to anyone starting a business in the UAE.

Jerryl Jay Caliza

Had an excellent experience, awesome staff and very helpful! Kudos! 🫶

Christian Escuadro

Their visa service is excellent, and they also provide good service for corporate clients. They explain every detail clearly and thoroughly.