Bridgewater Management Consultancies — FTA Approved Agency
VAT Knowledge BaseVAT credits and refund applications

VAT credits and refund applications

BWMC Tax Team
Reviewed 14 September 2026
Introductory guide

A credit balance and an approved cash refund are different things. Review the available refund route, eligibility, supporting evidence and time limits. Special schemes have their own conditions and should not be confused with a taxable person's ordinary VAT refund.

Practical review checklist

  • Reconcile the credit to submitted returns and the ledger.
  • Prepare evidence for the transactions creating the credit.
  • Track FTA requests and do not assume an application guarantees payment.

Check the rules for your transaction

Use the current official FTA guidance and legislation and VAT public clarifications. This introductory guide does not cover every exception. Confirm the requirements for your business and the period concerned.

Need help reviewing your records?

Explore BWMC VAT consultancy or contact the team with the transaction type, reporting period and issue you need to resolve.