The UAE month-end close checklist
A practical, UAE-specific way to close the books: sub-ledger cutoff, VAT and reverse-charge, WPS payroll and gratuity, free-zone consolidation, the FTA VAT return, and e-invoicing readiness. Built so the close is a review, not a scramble.
VAT, reverse-charge, and the FTA return
Standard, zero-rated, exempt, and import reverse-charge kept apart, then tied to the return before you file.
WPS payroll, gratuity, and leave
Payroll reconciled to the WPS file, the end-of-service gratuity provision updated, unused leave accrued.
Free-zone and mainland consolidation
Intercompany agreed and eliminated across free-zone and mainland entities, with foreign subsidiaries translated.
Prepare
- 01
Lock the sub-ledgers
Set the cutoff for AP, AR, expenses, and payroll inputs so no new transactions land in the period after review starts.
- 02
Reconcile every UAE bank account
Reconcile all AED and foreign-currency accounts, including the dedicated WPS salary disbursement account, and record FX revaluation on foreign balances.
- 03
Confirm intercompany balances
Agree intercompany positions across entities, including free-zone versus mainland companies, before consolidation so eliminations net to zero.
Record
- 04
Post accruals and prepaids
Book accruals and amortise prepaids for rent, trade-licence renewals, Ejari, insurance, and other UAE recurring costs.
- 05
Run depreciation
Post depreciation on fixed assets and capture any additions, disposals, or transfers made during the month.
- 06
Record VAT correctly by category
Book output and input VAT at the 5% standard rate, and separate standard-rated, zero-rated, exempt, and reverse-charge supplies (import VAT under the reverse-charge mechanism).
- 07
Reconcile payroll, WPS, and gratuity
Reconcile payroll to the WPS file, update the end-of-service gratuity provision, and accrue unused leave.
Reconcile & review
- 08
Tie the VAT control account to the return
Reconcile the VAT control account to the figures that will populate the FTA VAT return, and clear any timing differences.
- 09
Check tax-invoice sequences and e-invoicing readiness
Verify tax-invoice numbering is sequential and complete, and confirm invoice data is structured. The FTA e-invoicing mandate (PINT AE via an accredited service provider) phases in from 2026.
- 10
Consolidate entities and eliminate
Roll up free-zone and mainland entities, apply intercompany eliminations, and translate foreign-currency subsidiaries.
- 11
Clear reconciling items and review variances
Resolve open reconciling items and review material variances against budget and the prior period before anything is reported.
Report & file
- 12
Produce financial statements
Generate the P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow per entity and on a consolidated basis.
- 13
Prepare tax positions
Prepare the FTA VAT return for the tax period and update the UAE Corporate Tax provision at 9% on taxable income above the threshold.
- 14
Sign off and lock the audit trail
Circulate the management pack with commentary, obtain sign-off, and lock the period so the audit trail is defensible.
This checklist is general guidance for UAE finance teams, not tax or legal advice. Confirm filing thresholds and deadlines for your entities with the Federal Tax Authority or your advisor. Regulatory details current as of August 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Keep going
Close the UAE books in days, not weeks
Rivane reconciles continuously and keeps VAT, intercompany, and reporting current, so every item on this checklist is already done when period-end arrives.