FTA issues directive on alternative deadline to file tax returns (28th May 2020)
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) issued a directive on an exceptional basis providing an alternative date of May 28, 2020. This is for submitting VAT returns and the payment of due tax for the tax period ended March 31, 2020. Therefore, enabling taxable persons to meet their tax obligations without facing any difficulties.
This comes in light of its commitment to supporting VAT registrants and the unprecedented intensive precautionary measures. Undertaken by the UAE to curb the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) imposing 24-hour restrictions. on the movement of individuals and vehicles implemented in certain areas of the UAE, which coincided with deadlines for filing VAT Returns.
In a press statement issued, the FTA confirmed that, as per the directive, VAT registrants who have monthly tax periods must submit their returns, and settle the payable tax for the tax period from March 1 to March 31, 2020, no later than Thursday, May 28, 2020. Meanwhile, VAT registrants having quarterly tax periods must submit their returns and settle the payable tax for the tax period from January 1 to March 31, 2020, by Thursday, May 28, 2020.
The FTA urged VAT registrants to ensure the data they include in their VAT returns is accurate and to also ensure that the FTA receives the payable tax for the tax period ending March 31, 2020, by Thursday, May 28, 2020, calling on all registrants to continue to abide by all other tax obligations as usual. This exceptional directive for the deadline pertains only to VAT Returns for the tax periods that ended on March 31, 2020, and does not affect any other tax periods where the deadline for filing tax returns and settling payable taxes does not fall in April 2020.