The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has undergone significant changes in its tax landscape with the introduction of Federal Decree-Law no. 47/2022 on Businesses and Corporation Taxation. This landmark legislation has broadened the scope of entities subject to corporate tax in the UAE, ranging from companies to various partnerships, unincorporated entities, and even natural persons engaged in business or business activities.

Also read: Corporate Tax Filing in UAE

This development marks a new era in corporate tax regulation in the UAE, and it necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the rules and procedures governing corporate tax registration in the UAE. Businesses operating in the UAE are required to register, file, and pay corporate tax returns to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

This comprehensive guide outlines the registration process, corporate tax rates, deadlines, required documents, and the significance of seeking expert advice from premier corporate tax advisors in the UAE.

Corporate Tax Registration in UAE

According to Federal Decree-Law no. 47/2022, all entities subject to corporate tax in the UAE must initiate the registration process with the Federal Tax Authority. This entails obtaining a corporate tax registration ID or number.

The registration process has been streamlined, and Taxable Persons can now register electronically through the Emara Tax Portal. It’s important to note that this registration requirement applies to businesses subject to both 0 percent and 9 percent corporate tax rates.

To facilitate a seamless corporate tax registration process and ensure compliance from the outset, corporations are commended to avail the services of trusted corporate tax advisors in UAE. These experts possess in-depth knowledge of the UAE tax system and can guide businesses through the intricate registration process, helping them avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Corporate Tax Rate in UAE

Corporate tax in the UAE is applied at varying rates, depending on the entity’s taxable income or generated revenue. It’s crucial to understand these rates to accurately calculate and prepare for corporate tax liabilities.

Corporate tax will be applicable at a headline rate of:

9% Corporate Tax Rate: Entities with taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 fall under this category and are subject to a 9 percent corporate tax rate on their earnings.

0% Corporate Tax Rate: Entities earning below the AED 375,000 threshold are not liable for corporate tax and enjoy a 0 percent tax rate.

Having a clear understanding of these tax rates is fundamental for businesses to budget effectively and ensure compliance with the UAE corporate tax law.

When to File and Pay Corporate Tax in UAE?

Once a business registers for corporate tax in the UAE, it is essential to adhere to the filing and payment timelines. Corporate tax is an annual obligation, and the tax period for each taxable entity corresponds to its fiscal year. The fiscal year is defined as a period of 12 months for which financial statements are prepared. Corporate tax payment is due within nine months from the end of the applicable tax period.

To illustrate this, let’s explore two different fiscal year scenarios:

Example 1: June 1 – May 31

For a business with a fiscal year running from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024:
The first tax period spans from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024, during which the business evaluates whether it has earned taxable income exceeding the threshold.
The second tax period runs from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, requiring the taxpayer to file and pay corporate tax for the first tax period.

In this case, the total timeframe for the fiscal year is 26 months. The taxable entity must register with the Federal Tax Authority for corporate tax purposes within this window.

Example 2: January 1 – December 31

For a business with a fiscal year from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024: The first tax period covers January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, during which the business assesses its corporate tax liability.
The second tax period extends from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, requiring the taxpayer to file and pay corporate tax for the first tax period.

The deadline for filing and paying corporate tax in this scenario is September 30, 2025. Tax payments can be made at any time before this due date. The total timeframe for the fiscal year is 33 months, and businesses are advised to complete their registration within this period.

Corporate Tax Registration Deadline in UAE for 2024

License Issuance Date	Deadline
1 January to 31 January	31 May 2024
1 February to 28/29 February	31 May 2024
1 March to 31 March	30 June 2024
1 April to 30 April	30 June 2024
1 May to 31 May	31 July 2024
1 June to 30 June	31 August 2024
1 July to 31 July	30 September 2024
1 August to 31 August	31 October 2024
1 September to 30 September	31 October 2024
1 October to 31 October	30 November 2024
1 November to 31 November	30 November 2024
1 December to 31 December	31 December 2024

Documents Required for Corporate Tax Registration in UAE

Ensuring a smooth corporate tax registration process necessitates the gathering of essential documents. These documents serve as evidence of the entity’s legal status, financial standing, and other vital information. While the exact documentation may vary based on the nature and structure of the business, the following list provides a general overview of the documents required for corporate tax registration in the UAE:

Proof of Address: Documenting the entity’s registered address is essential for identification purposes.

Company Details: Legal and trade names of the entity, along with comprehensive details of the Taxable Person, must be provided.

Audited Financial Statements: These statements verify the accounting period used for financial reporting. Additionally, any changes in the financial reporting period must be disclosed to the tax authority before filing tax returns.

Corporate Tax Law on Free Zone Persons

The UAE’s free zones have attracted numerous businesses due to their attractive tax incentives. When a business operating within a free zone meets specific conditions, it can qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on its Qualifying Income.

To be considered a Qualifying Free Zone Person, a business must meet the following requirements:

Derive Qualifying Income from relevant transactions.

Maintain an adequate presence or substance in the UAE.

Satisfy the de Minimis requirement.

Not have elected to be subject to Corporate Tax.

Comply with transfer pricing rules and documentation requirements under the Corporate Tax Law.

Maintain audited financial statements for the Corporate Tax Law.

Understanding the nuances of corporate tax incentives in free zones is crucial for businesses aiming to optimize their tax positions while remaining compliant with UAE tax laws.

Also read: A Complete Corporate Tax Compliance Guide for Business in UAE

Choose the Best Corporate Tax Advisory Services in the UAE

Navigating the intricate landscape of corporate tax registration and compliance in the UAE is a multifaceted task. With the issuance of Federal Decree-Law no. 47/2022, the importance of compliance and accurate tax reporting is essential. To ensure that your business operates within the bounds of the law and avoids potentially costly penalties, it is highly advisable to seek the expertise of reputable corporate tax consultants in the UAE.

Our team of experienced corporate tax experts possesses a profound understanding of the intricate financial landscape in the UAE and upholds unwavering principles of integrity. Our dedicated corporate tax advisors are committed to guiding our clients through the complexities of the tax system, ensuring that their fiscal performance is optimized to its fullest potential.

Our comprehensive range of services includes, but is not limited to:

Corporate Tax Readiness Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your business’s readiness for corporate tax compliance.
Corporate Tax Registration Support: Expert assistance with the registration process, ensuring accurate and timely submission.
Corporate Tax Calculation: Precise calculation of corporate tax liabilities based on applicable rates and income.
Corporate Tax Filing Services: Professional support in preparing and filing corporate tax returns, meeting all deadlines and requirements.

This comprehensive guide has illuminated the key aspects of corporate tax in the UAE, ranging from corporate tax registration processes and tax rates to deadlines, required documents, and the significance of expert guidance. By following the guidelines outlined here and considering the services of experienced corporate tax advisors, businesses can navigate the complex tax landscape of the UAE with confidence, ensuring compliance and optimizing their financial performance.

Thus, contact us today and we shall be glad to assist you.