If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past few years, it’s this: choosing the right VAT advisor in Dubai isn’t just about ticking a compliance box — it’s about protecting your business.
At A&H Consultants, we’ve handled VAT for companies across industries — from logistics and trading firms to e-commerce startups and service-based businesses. And if you’re currently looking for a VAT advisory in Dubai, here are 7 honest questions you should be asking (us or anyone else you’re considering).
- Do You Specialize in VAT or Just Add It On Top of Accounting?
Not every accountant is a VAT expert, and not every accounting firm truly understands the nuances of VAT in Dubai.
We’ve seen advisors who simply plug numbers into a system without asking the important questions:
Is this supply standard-rated or zero-rated?
Should this invoice be reverse-charged?
Is the client entitled to recover input VAT on this expense?
If your advisor doesn’t specialize in VAT — or treats it as just another form to fill — that’s a red flag.
At A&H Consultants, VAT isn’t an afterthought. It’s a core part of what we do.
- Can You Help Us If We’re Audited by the FTA?
A good VAT advisor doesn’t disappear when things get serious.
If the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) sends you an audit notice, your advisor should be able to help you prepare all supporting documents, clarify past filings, and guide you through the process without panic.
When you ask this question, look for signs of experience. Have they supported clients through audits before? Do they know what the FTA typically looks for? Can they explain how they’d help you respond?
We’ve supported clients during surprise audits, and we make sure their books are audit-ready long before that knock ever comes.
- Do You Understand the VAT Treatment for Our Industry?
VAT isn’t the same for everyone.
A trading business handles imports, exports, and customs declarations. A real estate company deals with exempt and zero-rated supplies. A consultancy firm invoices clients in multiple countries and needs to understand place-of-supply rules.
Your advisor should know the difference. And more importantly, they should ask about your business model before giving advice.
At A&H Consultants, we don’t assume. We ask. We learn about your operations before giving you tax advice, because the right treatment depends on the details.
- Will You Review Our Past Returns — or Just Start from Today?
If you’ve already been filing VAT returns, a good advisor won’t just pick up where you left off without looking back.
We always review our clients’ previous returns — not to assign blame, but to check for mistakes, inconsistencies, or missed input VAT that could be recovered. Sometimes, we find issues that go back several quarters, and that’s valuable information.
If we’re going to handle your VAT, we want a full picture. That includes what’s already been filed.
- Can You Help Us Plan — Not Just File Returns?
VAT isn’t just about filing returns on time. It affects pricing, cash flow, international payments, and how you structure deals.
A strong VAT advisor won’t just do your filing. They’ll help you:
Plan for big transactions (like asset sales or new contracts)
Understand the VAT implications of cross-border business.
Avoid penalties by anticipating compliance issues.
At A&H Consultants, we tell our clients what’s around the corner — not just what’s on the desk today.
- Do You Offer Training for Our Team?
Sometimes the issue isn’t the filing — it’s how your internal team handles invoices, expenses, or payment records.
We’ve worked with clients where the biggest problem was inconsistent record-keeping. A simple training session could’ve saved them hours of rework and made their VAT submissions smoother.
So we offer training, not workshops with PowerPoint slides, but real, practical sessions based on your actual process and your staff.
If your team knows how to handle VAT correctly from the start, it makes everything easier — and cheaper — in the long run.
- Will You Be Available When We Need You?
This one might seem basic, but it matters more than most people realize.
You don’t want to be chasing your advisor two days before your VAT return is due. Or waiting a week to get a simple question answered about a confusing supplier invoice.
Ask how they handle client communication. Do you get a dedicated contact? Do they respond quickly? Are they proactive?
We’re big on communication. Our clients know they can reach us when something urgent comes up — not just once a quarter.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a VAT advisory in Dubai isn’t just a business decision — it’s a risk management move. You’re trusting someone to protect your compliance, avoid penalties, and help you make informed financial decisions.
So ask these questions. Ask more. The right advisor won’t be put off — they’ll welcome it.
At A&H Consultants, we believe in being upfront, clear, and practical. Whether you’re already registered for VAT or just getting started, we’re happy to sit down, answer all your questions, and see if we’re a good fit for your business.
Got VAT questions of your own? Let’s talk. No pressure, no sales pitch — just honest advice.
