Corporate Tax & VAT Health Check
Proactively safeguard your business’ financial health
Conducting a tax health check is a proactive approach to identify both minor and major errors in how you have implemented the UAE Corporate Tax and VAT regulations – and whether you are at risk of penalties or audits.
We will review your tax position, compliance and reporting procedures to identify gaps, recommend any remediation and correction, and guide you on best practices to adopt according to your business needs.
What is a VAT health check?
A VAT health check is an independent review of your VAT procedures, records and returns. We compare what you have reported with the records behind it, and look for errors, gaps and weak controls that could lead to penalties or an FTA audit finding.
A VAT health check is not a legal requirement. It is a practical way to check your position, and to correct problems on your own terms.
What we review in a VAT health check
Registration and filing
Your VAT registration details, and whether returns have been filed and paid on time. If your registration status is in question, see our VAT registration and de-registration service.
Output VAT
Whether your supplies are treated correctly as standard-rated, zero-rated, exempt or outside the scope of VAT.
Input VAT
Whether the VAT you claim is allowed and backed by valid tax invoices. Our guide explains why you should know who you are buying from before you claim input tax.
Tax invoices and records
Whether the invoices you issue and receive meet the requirements, and how ready your systems are for e-invoicing.
Reconciliation
Whether the revenue and VAT in your returns agree with your financial statements. Our accounting and reporting team can support where the books need work.
Imports, exports and supporting documents
Whether you hold the evidence that supports the VAT treatment you have applied.
Past errors
Whether an error can be corrected in a later return, or needs a voluntary disclosure to the FTA.
Corporate Tax
Where you want it covered, we also review your Corporate Tax position and reporting. See our Corporate Tax and VAT returns service.
Who should consider a VAT health check?
A VAT health check suits any VAT-registered business in the UAE. It is especially useful if your business:
- is growing quickly, or entering new markets, products or services
- has changed its ownership, structure or finance systems, for example through accounting systems implementation
- is preparing for a transaction, funding round or due diligence
- has received a query or notice from the FTA, or expects an audit
- has not reviewed its VAT position since it registered
How a VAT health check works
1
Free consultation
We learn about your business, your VAT position and your concerns.
2
Scope
We agree which periods and areas to review.
3
Review
We examine your returns, records, invoices and supporting documents.
4
Findings
You receive a clear summary of the gaps we found, the risk each one carries and the fixes we recommend.
5
Next steps
We can help you put the fixes in place, including a voluntary disclosure where one is needed, and support your ongoing returns.
Why Re/think
Re/think has 12 years of experience operating in the UAE. At a glance: 100+ authorisations in ADGM and DIFC, 68 Compliance Officer mandates and 41 Finance Officer mandates (as of May 2025). Our multi-skilled team supports your business strategically, operationally and cost-effectively.
Related VAT and tax services
VAT registration and de-registration
Register correctly and avoid penalties.
Corporate Tax and VAT returns
Accurate, on-time filing.
Corporate Tax and VAT impact assessment
Understand how the rules affect your business.
Corporate Tax and VAT implementation
Set up your processes and systems correctly.
Corporate Tax and VAT training
Build tax knowledge in your team.
All of our tax services.
Talk to us about how we can help you.
VAT health check FAQs
What is a VAT health check?
A VAT health check is a proactive review of your VAT procedures, records and returns. It finds errors and gaps before the FTA does, so you can fix them early.
Is a VAT health check mandatory in the UAE?
No. A VAT health check is not a legal requirement for VAT-registered businesses. It is a practical way to check that your VAT is correct and your records are in order.
What does a VAT health check cover?
We review your registration and filing, how you treat your supplies, the VAT you claim, your tax invoices and records, and whether your returns agree with your financial statements. We also look at whether past errors need correcting.
How often should we do a VAT health check?
There is no fixed rule. Many businesses review their VAT position after a major change, before a transaction, after an FTA query, or at regular intervals. We can advise on what suits your business.
How long does a VAT health check take?
It depends on the size of your business, how complex your transactions are, how many periods we review and how well your records are kept. We confirm the timeline once we have agreed the scope with you.
What happens if you find errors?
We explain each error, what it affects and how to fix it. Depending on the error, it may be corrected in a later return or may need a voluntary disclosure to the FTA. We advise which applies and can help you do it.
Can a VAT health check reduce penalties?
A VAT health check helps you find and fix errors before the FTA does, which reduces your risk of penalties. We cannot promise any outcome on an FTA decision, but early correction puts you in a stronger position.
Do you also review Corporate Tax?
Yes. Our Corporate Tax and VAT Health Check can cover your Corporate Tax position and reporting as well as your VAT. We agree the scope with you in the free consultation.
Resources & News
Read our latest insights on doing business in the UAE, from finance and compliance to tax, HR, and operational best practices.
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At a glance…
A trusted partner strengthening your commercial offering in the UAE
12
Years operating in the UAE
100 +
Authorisations in the ADGM and DIFC
68
Compliance Officer mandates
as of May 2025
41
Finance Officer mandates
as of May 2025
