UAE Corporate Tax Compliance and Administration Rules
Key Compliance Steps for UAE Corporate Tax
The UAE started its federal corporate tax law for the first time. Now, every business must follow the new tax rules. Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing helps businesses stay on track. The law says all companies in the UAE must register for tax, file tax returns, pay their taxes, and keep good records.
Here are the most important compliance steps for UAE businesses:
- Register for Corporate Tax:
Every taxable business must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) within 30 days after becoming liable for corporate tax. - File Tax Returns:
Businesses must file their CT returns electronically with the FTA before the set deadline. - Pay Tax On Time:
Companies must pay their tax bill on time to avoid penalties. - Keep Records:
Businesses must keep all records and documents for at least five years, so they can prove the numbers on their tax returns.
How UAE Manages Tax Law and Audits
The FTA (Federal Tax Authority) controls all tax activities in the UAE. Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing always reminds clients to follow the FTA’s latest rules. The FTA can:
- Issue new regulations or rulings to guide companies.
- Do tax audits to check your company’s tax return and find mistakes.
- Send tax assessments if they think you owe more tax than you paid.
- Allow businesses to appeal tax assessments or penalties using the official process.
You can also read: Registration and Record-keeping Obligations of Exempt Persons Under Corporate Tax
Preparing for UAE Corporate Tax
You need to stay up-to-date about every tax change. Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing gives simple steps for UAE companies to prepare for corporate tax:
- Review the Ministry of Finance website to see if your business needs to pay corporate tax.
- Watch for the tax start date for your industry or activity.
- Learn about your accounting period, the deadline for tax returns, and which financial records you need.
- Keep checking the FTA and Ministry of Finance websites for updates.
- Keep complete and accurate financial records, because you need them for tax and business.
Financial Statements:
Your financial statements are important. They show your profit or loss and help you calculate taxable income. If your business makes less than AED 3,000,000 in a year, you can use the cash basis for accounting. If your revenue goes above AED 3,000,000, you must switch to accrual accounting.
Tax Applications and Elections
Companies can make “elections” or “applications” to use some tax benefits in the law.
- Elections: You choose these yourself, and you don’t need FTA approval. For example, you can choose small business relief or apply general tax rates as a Qualifying Free Zone Person.
- Applications: These need FTA approval. They include tax exemptions, letting a group of companies be taxed as one person, or forming a tax group.
Filing Tax Returns and Paying Tax
Every company must file its CT return and pay the tax within nine months from the end of the tax period. If you file late or pay late, you’ll get a penalty.
Clarifications and Assessments:
If you’re unsure about your tax position, you can ask the FTA for clarification. The FTA can also review your company’s taxes if they think you didn’t follow the law.
General Anti-Abuse Rule:
The law has a rule to stop companies from using tricks or fake deals to get a tax advantage that isn’t fair.
Main Tips for UAE Tax Compliance
Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing helps clients with:
- Understanding registration and tax deadlines.
- Setting up the right record-keeping systems.
- Preparing and filing correct tax returns.
- Applying for exemptions or special rules.
- Getting ready for tax audits.
How Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing Can Help Your Business
When it comes to UAE corporate tax, staying compliant is as important as bread and butter! Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing helps you make sense of every rule, so you never miss a deadline or face a penalty.
We help you with:
- Explaining new tax laws in simple language
- Helping you register with the FTA
- Filing your tax returns on time
- Setting up your business to meet all record-keeping rules
- Answering your tax questions any time you need help
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
