UAE tax: How to file your VAT returns as final October deadline looms

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has again extended the deadline for filing income tax returns for Tax Year 2026, this time until October 31, 2026. This latest extension provides taxpayers with an additional two weeks beyond the previously extended deadline of October 15. The FBR's decision comes following requests from various trade bodies and tax bar associations, as well as concerns raised by businesses about the difficulties in completing returns within the given timeframe.

The extension was granted in response to the challenges faced by taxpayers in fulfilling their tax obligations and filing their returns. Trade bodies had previously urged the FBR to extend the deadline, citing the complexities associated with the new return forms, additional disclosure requirements, wealth statement reconciliation, and technical issues with the Integrated Revenue Information System (IRIS) portal.

While some tax experts argued that the FBR was legally obligated to extend the deadline up to December 2026 due to the late notification of the final return on September 2, 2026, the FBR has chosen to grant the extension until October 31 instead.

The FBR's decision has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), and other prominent figures in the business community. These organizations have highlighted the ongoing technical glitches and slow processing on the FBR's online IRIS portal, which have contributed to the difficulties faced by taxpayers, particularly traders, SMEs, and tax consultants.

Despite the previous extension, these stakeholders continued to experience challenges, emphasizing the need for further assistance.