The choice of the correct VAT consultant can have a positive impact on the overall efficiency of your business. In addition to filing returns and registering for VAT, small businesses require accurate records, unambiguous answers and a streamlined method of complying with deadline requirements.
Whether you are running a retail store, consulting business, trading firm, or expanding service-based business; the proper support will depend on how many transactions you conduct, what type of accounting system you have, and how much money you can spend.
The following comparison of the three different providers offering services to businesses in Dubai (OBG Outsourcing, BDO UAE, and Farahat & Co.) will allow you to narrow down your options.
| Rank | Provider | Suggested fit | What to clarify before engaging |
| 1 | OBG Outsourcing | Small businesses seeking bookkeeping and ongoing VAT support together | Registration assistance, return preparation, submission responsibilities, and review scope |
| 2 | BDO UAE | Businesses needing technical VAT advice or support with more complex transactions | Advisory scope, recurring compliance coverage, and fees |
| 3 | Farahat & Co. | Businesses seeking VAT services alongside wider accounting and tax support | Filing, refund, audit support, and service inclusions |
1. OBG Outsourcing: For Bookkeeping and Ongoing VAT Support
The VAT problem that small businesses experience often starts at the foundation of their accounting system. Incomplete documentation (missing purchase invoices), lack of reconciliation between various accounts, and poor coding of transactions all contribute to making the process of preparing returns on time a last-minute scramble.
OBG Outsourcing helps businesses create accounting records, prepare for VAT and manage daily financial records, while linking these records to the business' compliance processes.
Depending on the agreed engagement, support can include:
Maintaining organized sales and purchase records.
Reconciling bank accounts and accounting balances.
Preparing VAT-related schedules for review.
Identifying missing documents and transaction queries.
Cleaning up incomplete or outdated books.
Coordinating accounting information for VAT compliance.
Why consider OBG Outsourcing?
This approach will be most suitable for those that would like to have regular accounting help with their finances and records updated on a monthly basis. This will especially apply to those whose biggest problem is making sure the books are accurate enough for the VAT review.
What to verify: Get confirmation in writing as to whether your package covers assistance in registering for VAT, receiving technical tax advice, submitting returns, or coordinating with an appointed tax agent.
Explore OBG Outsourcing’s UAE services.
2. BDO UAE: For Technical VAT Advice and Complex Requirements
The services offered by BDO UAE include VAT registration, compliance, health checks, and Federal Tax Authority audit support. Because of these additional services, BDO UAE may be considered for businesses that require more than basic bookkeeping and tax returns.
When a business is growing, it might be looking for support to review new/unfamiliar transactions, assess current VAT processes, and prepare for an FTA audit.
Why consider BDO UAE?
Based on BDO's published service offerings, the firm appears to be a viable alternative for clients who are looking for both specialist VAT advice and compliance support.
What to ask: Ask for a proposal that separates one-time advisory work from ongoing services. Ask if bookkeeping, return preparation, and follow up questions are part of the service.
Explore BDO UAE’s VAT services.
3. Farahat & Co.: For VAT and Broader Accounting Support
Farahat & Co. offers VAT-related services (registration, filing, refunding and auditing), as well as accounting and taxation related services. This allows Farahat & Co. to offer a complete package of services to those clients who wish to address multiple areas of their finances through a single firm.
Why consider Farahat & Co.?
The business may find the company's advertised service coverage beneficial for ongoing compliance support and immediate access to supplementary VAT resources in the event of an audit or refund dispute.
What you should check: Get a clear list of all recurring charges and any separate charges that may apply to registration, correcting errors made in the past, requesting refunds, and helping you prepare for audits.
Explore Farahat & Co.’s VAT services.
When Does a Small Business Need VAT Registration?
When Does a Small Business Need VAT Registration?
mandatory vat registration typically occurs for uae based businesses if their taxable supply and/or import value exceeds aed 375,000 for the prior year, or is projected to exceed this limit within the next 30 days.
A business can register for VAT on a voluntary basis if its total taxable supplies and/or imports (or total taxable expenses) are above AED 187,500. It is important to remember that these thresholds apply to all types of income/revenue/expenses and are not limited to profits or calendar-year revenues.
When a business has been registered, they will usually have 28 days from the end of each tax period that they were assigned to file their VAT returns and pay what is owed. You can find the deadline date for your tax period by checking your FTA account.
A consultant can assist you in evaluating your current situation, and they will help organize all of the necessary documentation required to register.
How to Choose the Right VAT Consultant
Look for a Clear Scope of Work
“VAT support” could be used in several ways. One plan might include help with preparing returns, another may involve review of your books, registration help and ongoing guidance.
Ask who prepares the figures, who reviews them, and who submits the return.
Check Experience Relevant to Your Business
The types of business that a retailer, an importer and a professional service firm engage in will result in different types of transactions. What are some questions you should ask the consultant about how they plan to review your sales, purchases, and related documentation?
When choosing a business tax professional, he/she should be able to explain how he/she will handle your business taxes in a way that is easy for you to comprehend.
Connect VAT Compliance With Your Books
The quality of your VAT compliance is directly tied to the organization of your business's financial data. Inquire with the service provider about their process for reconciling VAT figures with your own accounting system, and if they will notify you of any unfiled invoices prior to the due date.
If your books are behind, clarify whether cleanup work is included.
Compare Total Cost and Ongoing Support
Request a written quote showing:
Registration and setup charges.
Recurring preparation or filing fees.
Bookkeeping and cleanup costs.
Charges for additional advice or corrections.
Support available between filing periods.
Compare the same service across different providers. Lower priced headlines could mean less service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VAT consultant is best for a small business in Dubai?
The decision regarding which company to choose will depend on what you need. If you want continuous accounting support and help with your VAT returns then OBG Outsourcing would be a good choice. If you would like a specialist VAT service provider, then both BDO UAE and Farahat & Co. should be considered because they both advertise these types of services.
Can I hire a consultant only for VAT registration?
The next step would be to request a self-contained registration proposal. In addition to asking about the specific types of documentation that will be required from you, please clarify whether the proposal includes responses to any questions regarding the application process that may have been raised by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Lastly, ask about the post-registration assistance provided.
Is VAT support the same as complete small business taxation support?
A VAT service is not necessarily a comprehensive solution for all of your company's tax needs. As you review various small business tax services, make sure you ask each potential provider to specify which taxes and services are covered under their agreement.
Get Practical VAT Support With OBG Outsourcing
Using organized books will allow you to quickly and easily prepare, review, and organize all of your VAT information.
The OBG Outsourcing company provides assistance to small businesses so they can improve upon their accounting records and coordinate VAT support based on what is most suitable for their operational activities. Please contact us to review your present accounting procedures, registration support needs, and future compliance process.
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