How to Create an Account on the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) Portal

How to Create an Account on the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) Portal

FTA UAE

Service

Fee (AED)

Process Time

Notes

VAT Registration

Free

20 business days

Mandatory for qualifying businesses.

VAT De-Registration

Free

10-20 business days

For ceased or non-qualifying businesses.

VAT Return Filing

Free

Instant once submitted

Submit quarterly returns online.

Late VAT Return Filing Penalty

AED 1,000 (first offense)

Applied immediately upon delay

Higher penalties for repeated offenses.

Late VAT Payment Penalty

2% of unpaid tax

Applied 7 days after due date

Increases after 7 days late.

Voluntary Disclosure Penalty

5%-50% of unpaid tax

Depends on submission date

Penalty depends on timing.

Excise Tax Registration

Free

20 business days

Required for excise goods traders.

Excise Tax Return Filing

Free

Instant once submitted

Monthly return filing required.

Failure to Register for VAT/Excise Tax

AED 20,000

Immediate upon inspection

Penalty for late registration.

Request for VAT Refund

Free

20 business days

Available for eligible businesses.

VAT Refund for Tourists

Free (admin fee may apply)

Instant at kiosks

Kiosks at airports/malls.

Reconsideration Request (for penalties)

Free

40 business days

Appeal penalties through FTA portal.

Tax Residency Certificate

AED 1,000 (individuals)

5-7 business days

Required for tax treaty benefits.

Business Penalty Payment Plan

Depends on agreement

Depends on agreement

Arrange installment payment for penalties.

Late Excise Tax Payment Penalty

2% of unpaid tax

Applied 7 days after due date

Penalty increases over time.

FTA is also known as the Federal Tax Authority and was established in 2016. Moreover, it is a key government body that plays an important role in implementing tax policies in the UAE. In this vibrant country, this platform is responsible for managing and collecting Federal taxes. This government body is introduced to boost the economy and improve public services in the UAE.

What is the Role of FTA?

It is responsible for collecting and enforcing federal taxes. Before its formation, there were no other federal taxes in the UAE. Below are the main responsibilities of FTA:

Managing VAT and Excise tax

One of the main responsibilities of FTA is to ensure that businesses follow the laws of tax. For this purpose, registration and paying tax on time is important.

Issuing Tax Guidance

FTA offers clear guidelines and updates to all residents and businesses on how to follow tax rules to avoid penalties.

Processing Tax Refunds

If your business is eligible for a tax refund then FTA manages the whole process. Furthermore, they ensure that you can get your money back as soon as possible.

Key Taxes Managed by FTA

Value Added Tax (VAT)

This is the type of tax that was introduced in January 2018. In the UAE, value-added tax is a 5% tax applied on goods and services. If your business meets certain thresholds you must register for VAT and pay taxes on time.

Excise Tax

Excise tax is a tax that is applied on specific foods that are harmful to public health. Furthermore, goods like tobacco and energy drinks are included in it. The purpose of this tax is to reduce the consumption of this good for better health and environment.

How to Create an Account on the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) Portal

Visit the FTA Website

If you are willing to open a FTA account then you have to visit their official website. Moreover, it is a reliable and smooth way to do the whole process of opening an account.

After accessing the website, you have to click on the “Login” button that shows on the top right corner of the page. Moreover, on the login page, you need to click on “Register Now” which is under the “New here?” section.

Provide Your Email and Create a Password

After that, you have to provide the email address that you want to use for an FTA account. After that, you have to create a strong password which must be around 8 characters. Moreover, keep in mind it consists of numbers, uppercase, and lowercase letters. 

Fill Personal Information

In this step, you have to fill out a personal application form by providing your information. These vital details are your full name, mobile number, and preferred language. Moreover, it is good to check the box to agree with the terms and conditions.

Verify the Email Address

After completing the application form, In this step, you have to verify your Email Address. For this purpose, you have to open your email inbox and click on the verification link sent by the FTA for account confirmation.

Complete Your Profile

Now you have to complete your profile by providing any other additional information. Moreover, it normally includes company name, trade license number, and company contact details. 

Submit Your Application

After completing all the required steps, review and click on submit to confirm your application. Moreover, you will receive a confirmation email or SMS from FTA in a few days. 

Account Activation

At last, when your application is approved your FTA account is opened and you can use it after logging in.