Top 11 VAT Accounting Software in UAE (Updated 2024)

Handling finances and staying compliant with VAT regulations in UAE can be a daunting task for businesses. The right VAT accounting software makes this easier by automating tax calculations, providing detailed reports, and seamlessly integrating with other business systems, helping businesses stay organized and compliant.

This guide presents the top 10 VAT accounting software solutions available in the UAE, designed to streamline financial management and support compliance with local tax laws. No matter your business size, these solutions ensure efficient financial management, helping maintain accuracy, enhance productivity, and minimize the chance of mistakes.

Explore the features, pricing, and unique benefits of each to find the best fit for your business needs.

Software	Starting Price	Trial Period	Free version
Refrens	AED550/year	✔️	✔️
QuickBooks	AED357/year	✔️	❌
TallyPrime	AED2,340/year	❌	❌
Zoho Books	AED720/year	✔️	✔️
Odoo	Free	–	✔️
Oracle	Custom	–	–
SAP	Custom	–	–
Sage 200	Custom	–	–
ProfitBooks	$340/year	❌	✔️
Xero	$348/year	✔️	❌

Essential Features of VAT Accounting Software for UAE Businesses

• Invoice Management: Easily generate and send invoices, set up recurring billing, and integrate with local UAE payment gateways for efficient collections.
• Automated Invoicing API: Streamline billing with automated invoice creation that integrates directly with your existing systems for precise and prompt invoicing.
• Accounts Management: Effectively handle payments to suppliers, customer invoicing, and overdue payments with ease.
• Comprehensive Financial Reporting: Create crucial financial documents like income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports, with options for tailored customization.
• VAT Compliance: Automatically calculate VAT and generate VAT returns in accordance with UAE regulations, ensuring your business remains compliant with local tax laws.
• Expense Management: Log and categorize all business expenses to better manage budgets and reduce unnecessary costs.
• Inventory Control: Monitor stock levels, manage orders, and track inventory costs to support seamless business operations.
• Bank Reconciliation: Utilize automatic bank feeds to align your bank transactions with your accounting software, simplifying the reconciliation process.
• Support for Multiple Currencies: Handle transactions in multiple currencies, ideal for UAE businesses working with international clients.
• Seamless Integrations: Connect with other essential business tools (like CRM, and ERP) and UAE banking systems to enhance operational efficiency.
• Enhanced Data Protection: Safeguard your financial data with strong encryption measures and controlled user access to ensure privacy and security.

1. Refrens

Trusted by over 150,000 businesses across 170+ countries, Refrens has become the go-to platform for companies looking to streamline their financial management. This versatile, cloud-based software is designed to simplify complex accounting tasks, making it an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes.

Refrens provides access to a comprehensive suite of accounting tools, including invoicing, ledger management, inventory tracking, expense management, and client management. 

With Refrens, users can seamlessly generate and manage a wide array of essential financial documents—from invoices and quotations to proforma invoices, sales and purchase orders, as well as credit and debit notes—all conveniently from a single platform.

Features:

• VAT-Compliant Invoicing: Streamline your financial operations by effortlessly creating VAT-compliant invoices that align with UAE tax regulations, setting up automated recurring invoices for regular clients, and managing multi-currency transactions for international dealings—all within a single, robust platform.
• Advanced Accounting & Bookkeeping: Streamline financial management with automated ledgers, journal entries, and comprehensive financial reports.
• Accounts Payable & Receivable: Efficiently manage supplier payments and customer invoices, with automated reminders for overdue payments.
• Comprehensive Financial Reporting: Create detailed financial reports, including Balance Sheets, Profit and Loss Statements, Cash Flow Statements, and VAT Return Reports to support financial planning and decision-making.
• Invoice API Integration: Automatically create invoices for your website or app using the Refrens Invoice API.
• Audit Trails: For full transparency, monitor every modification made to invoices and other documents by team members using Refrens’ audit trail feature.

Additional Features:

Manage budgets and costs with streamlined expense tracking and automatic inventory updates. Enhance workflows through integrations with platforms like Shopify, Facebook, and Instagram, and optimize customer interactions with a robust sales CRM.

Pricing:

• Basic: Free
• Books Essential: AED550/year
• Books Pro: AED1000/year

User Reviews:

2. QuickBooks

QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for UAE small businesses. It simplifies financial management with features like VAT compliance, income and expense tracking, and automated invoicing. Accessible from any device, it integrates with popular business apps, providing real-time financial insights. QuickBooks Online helps UAE businesses streamline their accounting and focus on growth.

Features:

• Income & Expense Tracking: Easily track all transactions to keep your finances organized and accurate.
• Custom and Recurring Invoices: Create personalized invoices and automate recurring billing to save time and ensure timely payments.
• Payment Matching: Automatically match payments to invoices, reducing errors and saving time on reconciliation.
• VAT Management: Automate tax calculations and ensure compliance, simplifying the tax filing process.
• Scheduled Reports: Generate and schedule financial reports automatically for regular business performance insights.
• One-Click Reporting: Generate detailed financial reports with ease, providing insights for informed business decisions.
• Real-Time Data Access: Access up-to-date financial data from any device, allowing quick decision-making on the go.

Additional Features:

Includes bank feeds, project profitability tracking, accounting reports, inventory management, data migration, an expense tracker, and a mobile accounting app. Integration with platforms like Shopify and PayPal ensures streamlined operations and data synchronization.

Pricing:

• Simple Start: AED357/year
• Essentials: AED535/year
• Plus: AED753/year
• Advanced: AED1,506/year

User Reviews:

3. TallyPrime

TallyPrime stands out as a leading business software solution trusted by over 2.4 million companies across the globe. Focusing on VAT compliance and bilingual billing, TallyPrime makes it easier to navigate local regulations. With features like automated VAT returns, robust inventory management, and detailed business reports, it streamlines accounting processes and boosts operational efficiency.

Features:

• Flexible Invoicing: Enables quick creation of VAT-compliant invoices with customizable templates in multiple formats and languages (Arabic and English), ensuring regulatory compliance and customer flexibility.
• GCC VAT Compliance: Supports VAT regulations across GCC countries with bilingual invoicing, and automated error checks, ensuring accurate tax management and filing.
• Comprehensive Cash & Credit Management: Manage accounts receivable and payable with automated tracking, aging analysis, multiple bill settlements, and interest calculations. Set credit limits and receive alerts for overdue invoices to enhance credit control.
• Optimized Cash Flow & Financial Planning: Utilize cash flow projections, cash management tools, and payment performance reports to plan investments, manage expenses, and ensure smooth business operations.
• Extensive Business Reports: Access over 400 customizable reports for in-depth analysis and informed decision-making.

Additional Features:

Include advanced inventory management for tracking across multiple categories and locations, and over 800 integrable add-ons from the Tally Store, enhancing functionalities like invoicing and workflow management with simple one-click installation.

Pricing:

• SILVER Edition: AED 2,340 (Single-user edition)
• GOLD Edition: AED 7,020 (Unlimited multi-user edition)

User Reviews:

4. Odoo

Odoo redefines accounting with its advanced, AI-powered software that streamlines workflows and reduces manual tasks. It features an ultra-fast interface, smart bank reconciliation, and automated invoice processing, making financial management quicker and more efficient. 

With real-time reporting and global compatibility, Odoo adapts to any business’s needs. Plus, it’s free for unlimited users, offering a scalable solution that grows alongside your business.

Features:

• Smart Automation & Multi-Company Capabilities: AI-powered digitization simplifies invoice processing, while multi-company support allows for real-time reporting and automated workflows under one subscription.
• Accounts Payable & Receivable Management: Customize invoices with attractive templates and automate invoice drafts from sales orders or delivery notes. Manage credit notes, and refunds, and set credit limits with automated alerts for better credit control.
• Automated Payments & Efficient Bank Reconciliation: Automate bank transfers, direct debits, and batch payments, and streamline bank reconciliation with tools that match invoices and payments.
• Comprehensive Tax Management & Reporting: Ensure compliance with local tax laws through advanced tax calculation and reporting, including audit-ready and cash-based tax reports.
• Advanced Analytical & Asset Management: Manage cost centers, budgets, and assets with detailed analytical tools and automated depreciation and deferred revenue management.

Additional Features:

Include flexible integration with third-party apps through Odoo’s API, automated tax calculations with services like TaxCloud, and seamless integration with other Odoo applications such as Sales, Inventory, Purchase, and e-commerce modules to automate invoicing and transaction tracking for streamlined operations.

Pricing:

Odoo offers a free single-app plan, but accessing additional apps like CRM, Marketing, HR, and more, along with support, requires a paid subscription.

User Reviews:

5. ProfitBooks

ProfitBooks is a free accounting software tailored for small businesses, requiring no prior accounting knowledge. It simplifies financial management with features like invoicing, expense tracking, tax management, and inventory control. 

Trusted by over 75,000 businesses globally, ProfitBooks offers an easy-to-use platform for managing finances efficiently. With additional tools for bookkeeping and financial reporting, it’s an ideal choice for entrepreneurs seeking a hassle-free solution to maintain their financial health.

Features:

• Streamlined Invoicing & Payments: Effortlessly create and customize professional invoices, automate recurring billing, and manage receivables. Multi-currency support and seamless payment gateway integration simplify online transactions.
• Financial Reporting: Access comprehensive financial reports, including balance sheets, profit & loss statements, and tax summaries.
• Banking Automation: Automate bank reconciliations to streamline financial processes and enhance accuracy in financial reporting.
• Customization: Customize financial documents to align with your business needs, ensuring compliance and relevance to your specific operations.
• Efficient Expense & Inventory Control: Easily track daily expenses, manage reimbursements, and maintain inventory across multiple warehouses. Generate purchase orders, set re-order levels, and keep vendor relationships in check.

Additional features:

The platform ensures compliance with local tax laws through advanced tax calculation and reporting, featuring audit-ready and cash-based tax reports. It also simplifies payroll processing with automated calculations and tax management and allows direct collaboration with accountants or advisors for guaranteed financial compliance.

Pricing:

• STARTUP Plan: Free 
• SMB Plan: $240/year

User Reviews:

6. Zoho Books

Zoho Books is a comprehensive accounting software designed for growing businesses, offering tools for VAT compliance, expense tracking, and real-time financial reporting. It supports multi-currency transactions, integrates seamlessly with other apps, and automates routine tasks to enhance productivity. With user-friendly access across devices. A 14-day free trial is available for those ready to explore its features.

Features:

• Receivables Management: Streamline invoicing and automate payment tracking to enhance cash flow. The system supports multi-currency transactions, ensuring that global dealings are efficiently managed.
• Payables Management: Manage vendor bills and automate recurring expenses with ease. Implement approval workflows to maintain control over spending and optimize financial operations.
• Tax Compliance: Automate VAT and corporate tax management with built-in compliance tools and generate audit-ready reports.
• Advanced Reporting & Customization: Access and customize over 70 reports to analyze business performance, tailor templates, reports, and fields to fit specific business needs, and make data-driven decisions.
• Bank Reconciliation: Automatically sync and categorize bank transactions for quick and accurate reconciliation.
  

Additional features:

Include inventory and project management to optimize stock levels and resource tracking, collaboration tools for enhanced team and client interactions, and robust security with seamless integrations to streamline accounting processes and ensure compliance with global standards.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: AED 0 (1 Users)
• Standard Plan: AED720/year (3 Users)
• Professional Plan: AED1,080/year (5 Users)
• Premium Plan: AED1,440/year (10 Users)
• Elite Plan: AED3,360/year (10 Users)
• Ultimate Plan: AED7,920/year (15 Users)

User Reviews:

7. Oracle

Oracle Fusion Cloud Financials is a comprehensive platform that automates financial tasks such as payables, receivables, and expenses, using AI and machine learning to improve forecasting and reduce manual labor. This platform provides a complete view of financial health and ensures adherence to global standards.

Features:

• Automated Financial Operations with AI Insights: Automate most financial tasks to speed up the closing process. Machine learning aids in managing exceptions and detecting risks quickly, enhancing financial efficiency.
• Streamlined Processes and Unified Accounting: Maintain consistency in operations with standardized account charts and compliance controls, all managed from a central platform for effective financial management.
• Global Accounting and Unified Financial Data: Handle multiple currencies and languages, meeting global standards and integrating data from various ERPs for uniform financial reporting.
• Efficient Management of Joint Ventures and Intercompany Transactions: Automate calculations for partner shares for accurate invoicing and manage joint ventures effortlessly. Simplify inter-company transactions to reduce mismatches.
• Optimized Cash Flow & Payments: Better manage cash flow by automating payments and utilizing early payment discounts. Use predictive tools to make receivables more efficient.
• Integrated Budget & Expense Oversight: Improve financial control with integrated budgeting tools for better visibility and automated expense management to optimize spending.

Additional Features:

Includes automated security features, scalable infrastructure for global expansion, and seamless multi-cloud integration. It supports AI and machine learning capabilities for advanced analytics, simplifies workload migration, and promotes sustainability and continuous innovation to keep businesses competitive.

Pricing:

Customized pricing based on your business requirements.

User Reviews:

8. SAP

SAP’s financial management software empowers businesses to grow, control costs, and manage risks effectively. With advanced analytics and automation, it streamlines financial processes and enhances decision-making. The platform integrates sustainability metrics, helping companies align financial goals with environmental impact.

Features:

• Automate Financial Processes: AI-driven tools can automate invoicing, expense management, and reporting, enhancing efficiency and cutting costs.
• Simplified Compliance Management: Automate compliance workflows to reduce risks, ensure global regulatory adherence and improve audit readiness with real-time insights.
• Integrated Tax Solutions: Embed tax management directly into your operations for optimized strategies and automated compliance across multiple regions.
• Advanced Reporting Tools: Gain comprehensive, real-time financial insights with flexible reporting and sustainability metrics for better decision-making.
• Centralized Financial Platform: Consolidate financial data across systems for unified management, accurate reporting, and streamlined intercompany reconciliations.
• Sustainable Finance Integration: Align financial operations with ESG goals, integrating sustainability metrics for responsible business practices.

Additional features:

Enables global scalability with multi-currency and multi-language support while ensuring compliance with international standards. It also speeds up financial closing with real-time monitoring and continuous accounting for accurate reporting.

Pricing:

Customized pricing based on your business requirements.

User Reviews:

9. Xero

Xero is a streamlined accounting software built to make managing finances easy for small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers. It simplifies tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation, allowing users to focus on growth. With flexible plans and app integrations, Xero adapts to various business needs, from freelancers to retail stores. Its intuitive design ensures a smooth user experience, helping businesses stay efficient and organized.

Features:

• Accept Payments: Facilitate faster payments with credit, debit, or direct debit options to enhance cash flow.
• Online Invoicing: Send invoices, automate reminders, and manage invoicing from any device effortlessly.
• Bank Connectivity & Reconciliation: Connect to over 21,000 banks worldwide to automate bank feeds, simplifying reconciliation and ensuring accurate, up-to-date financial records.
• Reporting: Generate accurate accounting reports and collaborate with advisors in real time.
• Sales Tax: Automate sales tax calculations and generate reports for easy tax filing.
• Analytics: Monitor financial health, forecast cash flow, and analyze key metrics.

Additional features:

Includes expense management with easy claim and reimbursement processes manages timely bill payments with clear visibility of accounts payable and supports seamless multi-currency transactions for global operations.

Pricing:

• Starter Plan: $348/year
• Standard Plan: $552/year
• Premium Plan: $744/year

User Reviews:

10. Sage 200

Sage 200 Evolution stands out in business management software, tailored for medium to large enterprises seeking a competitive edge. This robust platform integrates essential business functions into a unified system, enhancing efficiency and decision-making with real-time data and automated processes. Its modular design allows for customized scalability, ensuring the software grows with your business needs.

Features:

• Unified Business Platform: This platform integrates all essential functions—accounting, inventory, sales—into one system, streamlining operations and boosting efficiency.
• Real-Time Insights: Provides up-to-the-minute data, enabling quick, informed decisions and agility in seizing new opportunities.
• Scalable and Customizable: Grows with your business through a modular design, offering tailored solutions to fit your unique needs.
• Powerful Analytics: Delivers dynamic reports and dashboards, giving you a clear view of business performance for strategic planning.
• Streamlined Financial Management: Simplifies financial processes with integrated banking and automated reconciliations, improving cash flow management.
• Custom Alerts & Reporting: Offers customizable alerts and reports, ensuring you’re always informed about key business metrics and potential risks.

Additional features:

Automates routine tasks like order entry and invoicing, boosting productivity and reducing errors. Supports real-time collaboration and mobility for team connectivity, and offers comprehensive sales management for sales, pricing, inventory, and customer relationships in one system.

Pricing:

Customized pricing based on your business requirements.

User Reviews:

11. Invoice Crowd

Invoice Crowd is a reliable invoicing and proposal management tool used by freelancers, agencies, and small businesses to streamline their financial operations. It offers VAT-compliant invoicing, making it a perfect solution for businesses in the UAE. With its easy-to-use platform, users can manage invoices, proposals, and expenses all in one place.

Features:

• VAT-Compliant Invoicing: Automatically generate VAT-compliant invoices, set up recurring payments, and manage multi-currency transactions easily.
• Proposal System: Create professional proposals using the drag-and-drop builder and customizable templates, perfect for freelancers and agencies.
• Recurring Invoices & Expense Management: Automate recurring invoices and manage expenses for comprehensive VAT compliance.
• Client Management: Store client profiles, track invoice history, and monitor payment statuses for efficient customer management.
• Customizable Invoice Templates: Access multiple templates to create branded invoices tailored to your business.
• Comprehensive Financial Reporting: Generate VAT reports, profit and loss statements, and other key financial documents.
• Audit Trails: Ensure full transparency with the audit trail feature, which tracks modifications to invoices and proposals.

Additional Features:

Invoice Crowd integrates with multiple payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, Payoneer and Razorpay for easy payment collection. Its expense tracking and VAT return reporting features offer a full accounting solution.

Pricing:

• Free Plan: AED 0 – Includes unlimited invoices, 1 business profile, and 5 customer profiles.
• Solo Plan: AED 36.75/month (billed annually) – Includes 100 customer profiles, 1 business profile, and unlimited recurring payments.
• Pro Plan: AED 50.75/month (billed annually) – 500 customer profiles, 2 business profiles, and team collaboration.
• Team Plan: AED 67.75/month (billed annually) – 1000 customer profiles, 5 business profiles, and more team member options.
• Business Plan: AED 95.50/month (billed annually) – Unlimited customer profiles, 10 business profiles, and additional team members.

User Reviews:

Key Considerations: Selecting Right Accounting Software For Your UAE Businesses

• Scalability for Business Size: Pick software that matches the size and needs of your company, from startups to larger enterprises.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Make sure the software’s purchase price and subscription fees fit within your financial plan.
• Initial Setup and Training Costs: Consider the expenses for implementation, staff training, and data migration in your budget.
• User-Friendliness: Opt for software that is intuitive and easy to use, requiring minimal staff training.
• Regulatory Compliance: Confirm the software is compliant with VAT and other local regulations.
• Integration with Other Systems: Ensure compatibility with existing systems like CRM, ERP, and local banking services.
• Data Protection and Privacy: Ensure the software has strong security measures and adheres to privacy standards.
• Data Backup and Recovery: Verify the software provides dependable backup and recovery options to safeguard data.
• Customer Feedback and Software Reputation: Look into user reviews and assess the software’s reliability for well-informed choices.

Conclusion 

Finding the perfect accounting software in the UAE can simplify financial management and guarantee VAT compliance. Opting for the best software solutions allows businesses to optimize processes, minimize manual tasks, and concentrate on growth and profitability. 

The right software not only keeps your accounts in order but also offers valuable insights, empowering you to make well-informed decisions for a prosperous future.

 Check out our detailed list of Top 8 VAT Invoicing Software In UAE.