Supplier documentation has become an important part of VAT compliance for businesses operating in the UAE. Companies regularly purchase goods and services from different vendors, but maintaining a tax invoice alone may not be enough to support every input VAT claim.

Since 1 October 2026, additional supplier and transaction verification requirements have applied under FTA Decision No. 13 of 2026. These requirements make it important for businesses to understand how supplier information, commercial records and payment evidence work together.

Why Supplier Records Matter for VAT Compliance

When businesses purchase goods or services, they generally retain invoices, payment confirmations and purchase orders. However, these records may not fully establish the supplier's identity or the commercial circumstances of a transaction.

A proper supplier verification form can help businesses organise relevant supplier information and document the checks performed before claiming input VAT.

The form can record the supplier's legal name, incorporation details, business address, authorised representative and verification date.

What Should Businesses Check Before Approving a Supplier?

Supplier checks should reflect the applicable legal requirements and the circumstances of the transaction.

Important information may include:

• Valid incorporation or business registration documents

• Identity details of the authorised representative

• Evidence confirming the supplier's business premises

• Commercial relevance of the proposed purchase

• Supporting explanations for unusual transactions

• Payment details consistent with the agreed arrangement

Businesses should also maintain evidence of how the information was verified rather than simply collecting documents without reviewing them.

How Supplier Verification Supports Input VAT Recovery

UAE VAT Supplier Verification focuses on checking suppliers and taxable supplies before input VAT is deducted, subject to the relevant exceptions.

These requirements are particularly important where a supply or supply chain may be connected with tax evasion.

Under Article 54(bis), the business's knowledge of such a connection can affect whether input VAT is recoverable. Failure to complete prescribed verification may count against the business when assessing whether it should have known about the issue.

Why Existing Vendors May Need Another Review

A supplier approved several years ago may have changed its business address, ownership arrangements or authorised representatives.

Under the applicable framework, repeat suppliers must be verified where they have not been verified during the preceding 12 months.

Businesses should therefore maintain a verification register that records the last review date and identifies suppliers requiring updated checks.

How to Maintain an Effective Supplier Verification Process

An effective system connects supplier verification with purchasing and accounting activities.

Assign Responsibilities Within the Business

Procurement teams can collect supplier information, while accounting teams review invoices, payment evidence and applicable transaction thresholds.

A designated reviewer can assess missing documentation and unusual circumstances before an input VAT deduction is made.

Keep Supporting Documents Accessible

Verification records should be stored systematically so that businesses can retrieve them during an FTA enquiry or internal compliance review.

Digital supplier folders, document checklists and periodic reviews can make this process easier to manage.

Conclusion

Supplier verification should be treated as an ongoing business process rather than a one-time administrative requirement.

Maintaining accurate records helps businesses identify supplier-related concerns, review transaction evidence and support eligible input VAT deductions.

Businesses seeking assistance with VAT procedures, accounting records and regulatory compliance can explore Accounting and Tax Services UAE through GetMyAccounting.

Establishing consistent verification practices can also improve coordination between purchasing, finance and compliance teams.