As a consumer in the UAE, you are aware that VAT has been introduced, and you have paid VAT on many purchases since its implementation. However, there have been instances where suppliers have wrongfully charged VAT, even though they are not authorized to do so. While consumers may not always be familiar with the complexities of VAT law, there’s no need to worry. By using a simple checklist, you can ensure that you are receiving a legitimate Tax Invoice for your purchases. This checklist, combined with the ability to verify the validity of a supplier’s TRN (Tax Registration Number), empowers consumers to ensure they are paying VAT only to authorized suppliers, preventing any potential fraud.

Therefore, consumers should check these 4 key elements when receiving invoices for their purchases. A TRN (Tax Registration Number) is the unique identifier assigned to every business registered under UAE VAT. A business is not permitted to charge VAT unless it is registered and holds a valid TRN. If you suspect that the TRN provided by the supplier is incorrect, you can verify its authenticity. We’ve outlined the verification process in our article, “How to Verify Whether a TRN is Valid.” By following these steps, you can ensure that you are paying VAT only to businesses that are authorized to collect it.