When Can You Cancel — The "Resubmit" Window
You cannot cancel an FTA application that's in "Submitted" or "Under Review" status. The application is locked while the FTA is processing it. You simply have to wait.
However, when the FTA asks for additional information — the application status changes to "Resubmit" — the application opens for editing. This is your cancellation window. Instead of providing the additional information, you use the remarks field to request cancellation.
If the FTA hasn't asked for additional info yet, you can't cancel. You'll need to either wait for a "Resubmit" request, or contact the FTA directly at 600 509 994 (within UAE) or email to request the application be returned for resubmission.
The 4-Step Cancellation Process
This is the official process confirmed by the FTA for cancelling applications marked as "Resubmit":
Log in to EmaraTax Portal
Go to tax.gov.ae and log in to your EmaraTax account using your credentials.
Navigate to the Application & Select Edit/Resubmit
Find the application in question on your dashboard. Click on it and select the option to edit or resubmit. This opens the application form for modification.
Add a Cancellation Remark
In the designated remarks or comments section, clearly state your desire to cancel the application. Include a brief reason for cancellation — this helps the FTA process it faster. Example remarks: "Please cancel this application — duplicate submission" or "Requesting cancellation — incorrect information submitted, will resubmit with correct details."
Resubmit with the Cancellation Remark
Click Resubmit. The application goes back to the FTA with your cancellation request in the remarks. The FTA team will process the cancellation from their end.
Here's the FTA's own confirmation of this process:
"We understand you have inquiries regarding your application currently marked as 'Resubmit.' If you've decided to cancel this application, please follow these steps to ensure your request is processed smoothly:
1. Log in to your application on the EmaraTax Portal.
2. Navigate to the application in question, and select the option to edit or resubmit.
3. In the designated remarks or comments section, clearly state your desire to cancel the application. It's helpful to include a brief reason for cancellation to expedite the process.
4. Resubmit your application with the remark included.
This action will notify our team of your intent to cancel, and we will take the necessary steps from our end."
Which Applications Can Be Cancelled This Way?
This method works for any FTA application that reaches "Resubmit" status:
| Application Type | Can Be Cancelled? | After Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| VAT Registration | Yes (during Resubmit) | Submit a fresh application with correct info. VAT registration AED 199 → |
| Corporate Tax Registration | Yes (during Resubmit) | Submit a fresh application. CT registration AED 199 → |
| VAT Deregistration | Yes (during Resubmit) | Reapply when ready. VAT deregistration → |
| CT Deregistration | Yes (during Resubmit) | Reapply with correct docs. CT deregistration AED 399 → |
| Tax Group registration | Yes (during Resubmit) | Submit corrected application |
| Other FTA applications | Yes (during Resubmit) | Submit fresh as needed |
Common Reasons to Cancel an FTA Application
Duplicate application. You (or a previous tax agent) submitted the same application twice. The FTA flags duplicates and asks for clarification — cancel the duplicate during the Resubmit window.
Wrong information submitted. Incorrect trade licence number, wrong entity type, incorrect tax period dates, or wrong authorised signatory details. If the error can't be corrected within the existing application form, cancel and resubmit fresh.
Company details changed. Your trade licence was renewed with new details after the application was submitted. The old details in the application are now wrong.
Application no longer needed. You applied for deregistration but decided to keep the company active. Or you applied for VAT registration but your revenue dropped below the threshold.
Unauthorised submission. A previous tax agent submitted an application you didn't authorise. Cancel it and resubmit through your current agent.
💡 Pro tip: If the application is in "Submitted" status and hasn't been returned for resubmission yet, you can contact the FTA helpline at 600 509 994 and request them to return it to "Resubmit" status. Explain why you need to cancel. Once it's returned, follow the 4-step process above.
What If the Application Is Already Approved?
Once an application is approved, it cannot be cancelled through EmaraTax. Different rules apply:
Approved VAT registration: You're now VAT-registered. To undo this, you must apply for VAT deregistration — a separate process with its own requirements. You must file all pending VAT returns before deregistration is approved.
Approved CT registration: You're now CT-registered. CT registration is mandatory for most UAE companies — you likely can't "undo" it unless the company is being liquidated, in which case apply for CT deregistration.
Approved deregistration: The deregistration is effective. The certificate has been issued. This cannot be reversed — you would need to re-register if you want to resume operations.
If you know an application has wrong information, act fast. Once the FTA approves it based on incorrect data, correcting it becomes significantly harder — you may face amended assessments, penalties, or the need to file correction applications. Cancelling during the Resubmit window is the cleanest path.
Need Help with an FTA Application?
Whether you need to cancel a stuck application, resubmit with correct info, or start fresh — we handle it.
After Cancellation — What's Next?
Once the FTA processes the cancellation, the application status changes. You can then submit a fresh application with the correct information. Here's what Fastlane handles:
VAT Registration: AED 199. Fresh application with correct details. Start here →
CT Registration: AED 199. New submission on EmaraTax. Start here →
VAT Filing: AED 199/quarter. If you're already registered and need returns filed. Start here →
CT Filing: From AED 249. Annual CT return submission. Start here →
CT Deregistration: AED 399. Correct application with proper documents. Start here →
VAT Deregistration: Application with all returns filed and penalties cleared. Start here →
Written & Reviewed by Nithin — FTA-Registered Tax Agent (TRN: 104218042400003)
Based on the FTA's official guidance for cancelling applications in "Resubmit" status, and Fastlane's experience handling hundreds of EmaraTax applications across VAT and CT registration/deregistration.