A Tax Registration Number (TRN) is a unique number that consists of 15 digits and is assigned to businesses or individuals that get registered for VAT in the UAE. Also known as the VAT registration number, the TRN is assigned by the FTA to each business in the region for identification as well as differentiation purposes.

This blog covers the ins and outs of TRN verification UAE. This information will help you learn the eligibility, documentation requirements, and the complete TRN obtaining process so keep on reading till the end.

• What is the TRN Number in UAE?

• Format of the TRN

• Why is TRN Verification Important?

• Eligibility Criteria to Get TRN in UAE

• Required Documents to get TRN or VAT Number
  
• Step-By-Step Process for Getting TRN Number in the UAE
  
• Processing Time

What is the TRN Number in UAE?

TRN or tax registration number is a 15-digit distinct number that the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) of the UAE issues to those entities that have registered for tax purposes in the region.

All taxable entities in the UAE must obtain this number if they are to fully comply with UAE’s tax laws including the corporate tax and VAT. The TRN verification number is extremely important as it facilitates the identification of businesses for VAT purposes. This number is a part of all key tax-related transactions or correspondences including VAT return filings, tax credit notes, as well as tax invoices. 

All businesses whose taxable supplies exceed the VAT registration threshold must obtain a tax identification number UAE and display it on their every tax and other financial document.

This number not only ensures tax compliance but also authorizes businesses to charge VAT on their goods thus playing a key role in UAE’s tax system and overall economy. 

Businesses can use FTA’s online portal for TRN by adding accurate information along with required documents. After the approval of your application, you will be officially registered for VAT. You will receive essential documents like a VAT TRN, a generated international bank account number (GIBAN), along with a registration certificate.

You can easily download this certificate from your EmaraTax account portal. All of these documents are essential for confirming your VAT registration status and for showing compliance with the tax requirements in the region.

Format of the TRN

Here is the format of TRN:

123-456789012-345

In this number

• The first three digits represent the FTA
• The next nine digits are unique identifiers for each business
• The last three digits are check digits that are determined based on the previous nine digits

Why is TRN Verification Important?

Here is why TRN verification is crucial for businesses in the UAE:

• Businesses are legally required to add their TRN in VAT returns, tax invoices, credit notes, etc. This way they can validate their VAT registration and show compliance in all transactions.
• It ensures hassle-free communication between buyers and sellers by allowing businesses to track all transactions.
• It allows businesses to claim back tax they already paid on certain purchases.
• TRN gives your business a unique identity.
• This number when used in your invoices makes your business look authentic and legitimate which builds customer trust.
• Any communication with FTA is valid only when businesses add this number to the financial documents.
• Every business operating in the UAE is mandated to use the Emaratax portal by the FTA to register for tax registration and get a TRN. This unique identification number is a must for businesses and individuals to fulfill their tax obligations and show compliance with the country’s laws.
• Only those businesses that have a valid TRN certificate and a TRN are allowed to charge VAT to their customers.   
  

Upon registering for VAT, you automatically get a 15-digit unique number i.e., TRN from the FTA. This number sets that entity apart from the rest and they are required to add it to all of their VAT documentation.

The inclusion of TRN in such documents allows the government to track all of your financial transactions to ensure transparency as well as accountability in all financial activities.

Eligibility Criteria to Get TRN in UAE

For any company to register for VAT and get a TRN, it must meet a certain revenue threshold. Following are the main types of VAT registration and their criteria in the UAE:

• Voluntary Registration

Businesses whose taxable supplies exceed the revenue threshold of AED 187,500 can voluntarily register for VAT. The revenue range for this type of registration is between AED 187,500 to AED 375,00.

Businesses with a revenue less than AED 187,500 are not required to register for VAT. However, they can still choose to register and get benefits like reclaiming input VAT on their expenses. 

• Mandatory Registration 

The mandatory revenue threshold for businesses in the UAE is AED 375,000. If the revenue of a business exceeds AED 375,000 in the past year or is expected to cross this threshold in the next 30 days, such entities must register for VAT to avoid penalties. 

These rules ensure businesses of all sizes fulfill their tax responsibilities by adhering to all tax regulations. These criteria force larger businesses to mandatorily register for VAT to avoid fines and smaller businesses to register voluntarily to enjoy extra benefits.

Required Documents to get TRN or VAT Number

Following are some key documents that you must have by your side when applying for a TRN in UAE:

• Business Documents

These include the Incorporation Certificate of the Company, Articles of Association (AoA), and Memorandum of Association (MoA).

• Identification Proof

Copies of Emirates ID and Passports of the directors, partners, and authorized signatories of the company.

• Authorization and Contact Details

Proof of authorization for the person applying for registration along with their contact information such as address, cell no, and email.

• Financial Documents

These include bank statements that validate the business’s bank account details. Audited financial statements or financial reports such as proof of financial status are also required.

• Additional Documents 

You will also need:

• Power of attorney documentation (if applicable)
• Partnership deeds (if applicable)
• Customs registration documents (if applicable)
• Details of business activities or the nature of supplies
• Other relevant documents about the specific nature of the business

Step-By-Step Process for Getting TRN Number in the UAE

Following is a detailed step-by-step procedure to help you apply for the VAT registration number:

Step 1: Visit the FTA’s official website and create an EmaraTax account by adding your email and other relevant information. Activate this account using the confirmation email sent to your email ID.

Step 2: Log in to your account using accurate credentials. After that, navigate to the dashboard to proceed.

Step 3: Create a new taxable person profile. To do this, you need to add details like legal name, trade name, contact info, business activities, and other business details.

Step 4: Next, you can click on “View” to access your profile or newly created taxable person account.

Step 5: Go to the VAT section and click on “Register” to initiate the process.

Step 6: Fill out the registration form by adding the information about your finances, bank accounts, annual turnover, etc. After that, upload copies of your required documents that were mentioned in the previous section.

Step 7: Review the entire application one more time with great care to ensure accuracy. After verification, you can submit your application and wait for the approval.

Step 8: The FTA will review your application and request additional clarification or relevant information if the need arises. If everything checks out, the FTA will approve the application and issue a VAT registration certificate along with a unique UAE TRN.

These are the steps that you must follow to successfully register for VAT services and get a TRN to ensure compliance with UAE’s tax laws.

Processing Time

It can take up to 20 business days for a business to obtain a TRN in the UAE. In some cases where FTA needs more information to make the decision, it can take some extra days before you get the approval.

Conclusion

Every business operating in the UAE that is eligible for VAT must also obtain a TRN. This number gives your business a distinct identity and it helps you ensure legal compliance. Obtaining TRN is crucial since failure to do so can lead to fines and penalties.

This unique number facilitates better communication between your business and FTA. This number makes your business appear authentic which builds credibility in your customers when it comes to the legitimacy of VAT charges.

This is why you need to obtain your TRN as soon as possible to resume your operations in the region without major disruptions.

You can contact us at HRSG to get the best tax and TRN registration services in the UAE. Our dedicated team of experts can guide you to ensure accurate document filing. With our ongoing support, we can guarantee tax compliance as well as adherence to FTA guidelines for your business in the UAE.