Is management remuneration always deductible in UAE corporate tax?

No, management remuneration is only deductible if it is fair, at market rate, and fully supported by records.

What counts as management remuneration?

It includes salaries, bonuses, incentives, and any other financial allowances given to company management.

What is an “arm’s length price”?

It’s the amount you would pay an unrelated business for the same service. UAE tax rules require this for related party transactions.

What records must a company keep?

Companies must keep contracts, job descriptions, meeting minutes, payment proof, and any reports on management work.

How can Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing help my business?

MAK Auditing can review your management pay, compare it to the market, keep your records up-to-date, and help you claim the right deductions.

Is Management Remuneration Deductible in UAE Tax?

Is Management Remuneration Deductible in UAE Corporate Tax?

Every business in the UAE wants to save money with tax deductions. But understanding the rules can be tough. One big question is, “Is remuneration paid to management a deductible expense for UAE corporate tax?” This article will help you find out how management payments work with tax deductions and why it matters for your company’s success.

Management Remuneration and UAE Tax Rules

Remuneration means the money you pay your managers and executives. This includes salaries, bonuses, and special allowances. UAE tax rules say companies can deduct these expenses if the payments are fair, reasonable, and connected to business needs.

Companies must keep clear records of every payment to management. If you pay more than what’s normal in the market, the tax authorities may not allow you to claim all of it as a deduction.

Factors That Affect the Deductibility of Management Remuneration

When you plan to deduct management payments from your taxable income, you need to look at some important factors:

Market Rate:
If you pay your directors, owners, or related people more than what other companies pay for similar jobs, the extra amount may not be allowed as a deduction.
Related Party Rules:
If your business pays fees to a parent company or any related business, transfer pricing rules will apply. The price must be what an outside company would charge (“arm’s length price”). Any payment above this rate will not count for deductions.
Real Business Need:
You must prove your company really needed the management service. If you pay bonuses, you should connect them to the company’s actual growth or success.
Evidence and Documentation:
Every payment must be supported with meeting minutes, job descriptions, contracts, and reports that show what the management did for the business.
Direct Benefit to Company:
Payments must help the company and not just the personal interest of one manager.

Steps to Ensure Your Remuneration is Deductible

You can take some steps to make sure you can claim these payments as deductions on your UAE corporate tax:

Do a Market Survey:
Find out the normal pay for similar management jobs in your industry.
Document Everything:
Keep records of every management contract, job role, and report.
Tie Payment to Performance:
Show that bonuses and other rewards are linked to your business results.
Review Packages Each Year:
Update salaries and allowances to match company growth and market standards.
Follow All Tax Rules:
Stay updated with any changes in UAE tax regulations.

Mistakes to Avoid with Management Remuneration

Some companies make mistakes that cost them during a tax audit. Avoid these:

Paying much higher than market rate without proof
Not keeping detailed records of meetings and reports
Giving bonuses not linked to business goals
Missing new rules about related party transactions

Example of Deductibility

Let’s say you have a company called “Dubai Smart Tech.” You pay your CEO AED 600,000 per year. Other companies in Dubai pay AED 500,000 for similar CEOs. The extra AED 100,000 may not be allowed as a tax deduction unless you prove the CEO’s role justifies it.

If you pay a management fee to your parent company, you must show what services they gave your business. You need invoices, contracts, and proof of work done.

Why Records Are Important

During a tax audit, the UAE tax authority will ask for all documents about management pay. If you can’t provide records, you might lose your tax benefit. Good records help you stay safe during checks.

How Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing Can Help You

Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing helps your business understand tax rules and deduct management remuneration properly. Our experts will guide you with the latest tax laws, review your pay packages, and make sure you keep the right records. We know the ropes, and we’ll help you avoid mistakes so your business stays safe and successful. When it comes to UAE tax, we believe in “leaving no stone unturned”—so nothing important gets missed!

For more information, visit our office:
Saraya Avenue Building – Office M-06, Block/A, Al Garhoud – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Or contact/WhatsApp: +971 50 276 2132

FAQs on Is Management Remuneration Deductible in UAE Tax

What’s the first step to get a VARA license in UAE?

The first step is sending a disclosure form to DET or a Freezone Authority, with business plans and documents, and then paying the first half of the fee.

What papers must I have for the VARA license?

You must prepare business certificates, owner lists, proof of capital, management plans, business forecasts, and insurance documents.

Can I start my business after initial approval?

No, you can only set up the company and hire staff. You can’t run any virtual asset activities until you get the VASP license.

How long does the VARA license process take?

The process time depends on how fast you send documents and answer VARA questions, but it usually takes several weeks to months.

How can Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing help my company?

MAK Auditing helps you gather documents, fill out forms, pay fees, and follow VARA rules so your company can run safely and legally.