UAE VAT Fundamentals/Module 6: Tax Invoices & Records
5 min

Credit Notes, Debit Notes, and Vouchers

When and how to issue credit notes and debit notes, and the VAT treatment of vouchers.

Credit Notes

A credit note is issued when a supply is reduced after the original tax invoice was issued. This happens when:

  • Goods are returned
  • A discount is given after the sale
  • A supply is cancelled
  • An error in the original invoice is corrected

Credit Note Requirements

Must include:

  • Clearly marked as "Tax Credit Note"
  • Same identifying information as the original invoice (supplier name, TRN, recipient details)
  • Reference to the original tax invoice (invoice number and date)
  • The adjustment amount and VAT impact
  • A sequential, unique credit note number

Debit Notes

A debit note is issued when the supply value increases after the original invoice (e.g., a price increase or additional charges). Same requirements as credit notes but marked as "Tax Debit Note."

Vouchers

Face-value vouchers (e.g., gift cards, store credit):

  • Not treated as a supply when sold.
  • VAT applies when the voucher is redeemed for goods or services.

Other vouchers (e.g., discount coupons):

  • Treated as a discount when the underlying supply is made.
  • VAT is calculated on the discounted price.

Accounting Treatment

Credit notes and debit notes must be reflected in the VAT return for the tax period in which they are issued. The supplier adjusts output tax, and the recipient adjusts input tax (if registered).

Practical UAE example

**Dubai Electronics Store**: A customer returns a AED 2,000 laptop (including AED 95.24 VAT). The store issues a credit note referencing the original invoice, showing a reduction of AED 2,000 (including AED 95.24 VAT). The store reduces its output tax by AED 95.24 in the current VAT return. If the customer had bought a AED 500 gift card, no VAT is charged when the gift card is purchased — VAT applies only when the customer redeems the gift card for goods.

Key takeaways

  • Credit notes are issued when supply value is reduced (returns, discounts, cancellations).
  • Credit notes must reference the original invoice and show the VAT adjustment.
  • Debit notes are issued when supply value increases.
  • Face-value vouchers are not a supply when sold; VAT applies on redemption.

Authoritative sources

Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on Value Added Tax

United Arab Emirates — Federal Tax Authority · The VAT Law — Articles 1 to 82 (as amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 18 of 2022)

Effective: 1 Jan 2018Verified: 5 Oct 2026View source

Cabinet Decision No. 52 of 2017 on the Executive Regulations of the Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on VAT

United Arab Emirates — Cabinet / Federal Tax Authority · Executive Regulations (as amended by Cabinet Decisions No. 46/2020, 24/2021, 88/2021, 99/2022, 100/2024, and 100/2025)

Effective: 1 Jan 2018Verified: 5 Oct 2026View source

Federal Decree-Law No. 18 of 2022 — Amendments to the VAT Law

United Arab Emirates — Federal Tax Authority · Amendments to Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 — concerned goods, concerned services, tax invoices, input tax recovery

Effective: 1 Jan 2023View source
Knowledge check

1. When is a credit note issued?

Sign in to save your progress.

This lesson is general educational content, not individualized tax or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.