English translation published by the NBR in its bilingual Regulations file (marked unofficial). The Arabic text published in the Official Gazette remains the legal reference in the event of any discrepancy.
Input VAT may be deducted where it is incurred in the Economic Activity for Supplies granting deduction, including standard- and zero-rated Supplies, Intra-GCC Supplies and certain Supplies outside Bahrain. Valid evidence such as an original Tax Invoice or customs document is required, and deduction cannot be deferred to a period more than five years after the end of the calendar year in which the right arose.
Purchasers, accountants and Return preparers reviewing expense and Import VAT.
Paying VAT does not automatically make it deductible. Business purpose, a Supply granting deduction and valid evidence must all be present, and the right is time-limited.
Current text
Input VAT deduction test
- 1
Identify the purchase and its actual purpose.
- 2
Link it to a Supply granting deduction.
- 3
Separate personal, exempt or non-business use.
- 4
Retain the original Tax Invoice, customs document or other accepted evidence.
- 5
Record when the right arose and do not exceed the time limit.
- 6
For lost, damaged or stolen Goods, obtain an official record or evidence of inherent deterioration.
Connected provisions
Law — Article (42)
Input VAT deductionThe Law creates the right; this Article details evidence, timing and loss or damage.
Open connected ArticleLaw — Article (43)
Deduction evidenceThe Law requires invoice or customs evidence and this Article lists accepted forms.
Open connected ArticleRegulations — Article (58)
Non-deductible Input VATUse may block deduction even where an invoice exists.
Open connected ArticleOfficial guides and tools
Connected Madar tools
An invoice exists, but purpose controls
A computer costs BHD 1,100 including BHD 100 VAT. With a valid original invoice and taxable business use, the BHD 100 may be tested for deduction. Personal use by the owner is not deductible merely because the invoice names the business.
Questions to help you apply it
- What is the actual purpose?
- Which eligible Supply does it support?
- Is valid original evidence held?
- When did the right arise?
- Is there personal or exempt use?