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eDirham is no longer accepted on EmaraTax

MagnatiPay is the new payment gateway. Payments made without the correct GIBAN reference number will be rejected by your bank.

How to Pay UAE VAT on EmaraTax Using MagnatiPay (2026 Guide)

The FTA has retired eDirham and introduced MagnatiPay as the new payment gateway on EmaraTax. They've also changed how GIBAN payments work — a unique reference number is now required for every payment, and UAE banks will reject transfers without it. Here's exactly what you need to do.

Step-by-step: paying your VAT return

Go to eservices.tax.gov.ae and sign in with your UAE Pass or FTA credentials. This is the same URL as before — the platform has been upgraded but the address hasn't changed.

File your VAT return

Navigate to your VAT return for the current period (quarterly for most businesses — due 28th of the month after the quarter ends). Complete all boxes including any reverse charge supplies from foreign vendors.

Generate your unique GIBAN reference number

After submitting your return, EmaraTax will show you a unique payment reference number tied to that specific liability. Copy it — you must include this reference in your payment. Payments without the correct reference will be rejected by UAE banks.

Pay via MagnatiPay (replaces eDirham)

eDirham is no longer accepted. MagnatiPay is the new FTA payment gateway. It accepts any Visa or Mastercard — prepaid, debit, or credit. Select MagnatiPay on EmaraTax and enter your card details.

For GIBAN bank transfers — include the reference

If you pay via bank transfer using the GIBAN, you must include the unique reference number generated in Step 03. UAE banks are now integrated with EmaraTax and will validate the GIBAN against the reference and amount. If any detail is incorrect, the transfer is rejected — not just flagged.

Keep your payment confirmation

Save your MagnatiPay receipt or bank transfer confirmation. Late payment penalties apply immediately from the due date — 2% on day one, 4% after 7 days, then 1% per day. Your confirmation is proof of timely payment if any dispute arises.

Late payment penalties — don't miss the deadline

When	Penalty
Due date (day 1)	2% of unpaid tax immediately
After 7 days	Additional 4% of unpaid tax
After 1 month	1% per day until paid
Maximum	300% of original tax amount

Frequently asked questions

What replaced eDirham on EmaraTax?

MagnatiPay is the new FTA payment gateway. It accepts Visa and Mastercard prepaid, debit, and credit cards. eDirham was retired and is no longer accepted for VAT payments.

What is the GIBAN reference number?

A unique payment reference generated by EmaraTax for each specific tax liability. You must include it when making a GIBAN bank transfer. The bank validates this reference against your GIBAN and the amount — if anything is wrong, the payment is rejected.

What happens if I pay without the GIBAN reference?

Your payment will be rejected by the bank. This means your VAT payment is not received by FTA, late payment penalties begin accruing, and you'll need to re-initiate the transfer with the correct reference.

When is my UAE VAT return due?

Most UAE businesses file quarterly. Due dates are the 28th of the month following the quarter end: 28 April (Q1), 28 July (Q2), 28 October (Q3), 28 January (Q4). Monthly filers (turnover above AED 150M) file by the 28th of each following month.

What are the penalties for late VAT payment?

2% of the unpaid tax immediately on the due date, 4% if still unpaid after 7 days, then 1% per day until paid — capped at 300% of the original tax amount.

Can I still use my remaining eDirham balance?

Contact your issuing bank to redeem any remaining eDirham balances. They cannot be used on EmaraTax for VAT payments.

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