VAT stands for Value Added Tax. It's a consumption tax introduced in the UAE in January 2018. VAT-registered businesses collect tax on behalf of the government at a standard rate of 5% on most goods and services sold.
The VAT calculation formula differs based on the type of sale price, such as:
Sale price exclusive of VAT
Sale price inclusive of VAT
If the sale price is exclusive of VAT
The below formulas can be used to add the VAT to the sale price:
A. VAT Amount = Sale price × VAT rate
B. Gross Amount = Sale price × (1 + VAT rate)
If the sale price is inclusive of VAT
Below formulas can be used to exclude VAT from the sale price:
A. VAT Amount = Sale price × [VAT rate / (1 + VAT rate)]
B. Net Sale amount = Sale price/ (1 + VAT rate)
Let's say you buy a gadget for AED 100 on which 5% VAT is applicable. VAT would be as follows in different scenarios:
When the sale price is exclusive of VAT:
VAT = AED 100 × 5% = AED 5
Gross Amount = AED 100 × (1 + 5%) = AED 105
When the sale price is inclusive of VAT:
VAT = AED 100 × [5% / (1+5%)] = AED 4.76
Net Sale amount = AED 100 / (1 + 5%) = AED 95.24
A VAT calculator can easily determine the amount of VAT included in a price or the final price after adding VAT.
Here's the step-by-step process: