Insights · UAE Tax

UAE VAT Calculator: Work Out Your VAT Payable

Hudson & Nova · 2026-08-27 · 4 min read

Use our free UAE VAT calculator to estimate the VAT you owe the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). VAT in the UAE is charged at a standard rate of 5% — enter your figures below for an instant estimate.

Total Sales for the period (output)

Total Purchases for the period (input)

Output VAT (5% of sales)AED 0.00

Input VAT (5% of purchases)AED 0.00

VAT Payable to FTAAED 0.00

Estimate only, at the standard 5% rate. Some supplies are zero-rated or exempt — contact us for your exact position.

How is VAT calculated in the UAE?

UAE VAT works on an input–output basis. You charge 5% VAT on your taxable sales (output VAT) and pay 5% VAT on your taxable purchases (input VAT). What you owe the FTA is the difference:

VAT Payable = Output VAT − Input VAT

Step by step

Output VAT — multiply your total taxable sales by 5%.
Input VAT — multiply your total taxable purchases by 5%.
VAT payable — subtract input VAT from output VAT. A positive figure is payable to the FTA; a negative figure is refundable.

A quick example

If your sales for the period are AED 100,000 and your purchases are AED 40,000: output VAT is AED 5,000 and input VAT is AED 2,000, so your VAT payable is AED 3,000.

When is the VAT due?

Most businesses file VAT returns quarterly, with payment due within 28 days of the end of each tax period. Missing the deadline triggers FTA penalties — which is exactly why many businesses let a consultancy manage it. Remember that this calculator gives a standard-rate estimate only; zero-rated and exempt supplies, and reverse-charge imports, can change the figure.

Need help staying compliant?

Hudson & Nova handles VAT, Corporate Tax, and FTA compliance for businesses across the UAE — book a free consultation.

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This article is general guidance based on current UAE tax regulations and is not a substitute for professional advice. Contact Hudson & Nova for advice specific to your business.