Tax Consultant in Dubai, UAE
Registered Tax Agent Regulated by the FTA (Federal Tax Authority)
Tax Consultancy Services in UAE
Expert VAT, Corporate Tax, and Excise Advisory for Businesses Across All Industries
The UAE’s tax framework spanning VAT, Corporate Tax, Excise Tax, and Economic Substance Regulations creates compliance obligations that require accurate interpretation, timely action, and ongoing management.
Farahat & Co. provides professional tax consultancy services tailored to businesses, investors, and individuals across the UAE — practical, FTA-aligned, and structured around your specific needs.
What Does a Tax Consultant Do?
A tax consultant provides expert advisory and compliance services on Corporate Tax, VAT, Excise Tax, and other obligations under UAE law. They help businesses navigate registration, filing, reporting, audit preparation, and dispute proceedings — ensuring full FTA compliance while identifying opportunities to manage tax exposure efficiently.
Tax consultants are particularly valuable for businesses that are launching, expanding, restructuring, or facing specific compliance challenges. They help businesses:
- Structure transactions and operations in a tax-efficient manner
- Meet all FTA registration and filing obligations accurately and on time
- Identify applicable deductions, exemptions, and reliefs
- Manage cross-border tax obligations including transfer pricing and double taxation
- Represent clients in FTA audits, reconsideration requests, and dispute proceedings
- Stay current with changes to UAE tax law and FTA guidance
Key Services Provided by Tax Consultants
Industry-Specific Tax Advisory
Tax obligations vary significantly across sectors. Our consultants provide tailored advisory for businesses across:
- Insurance — taxation strategy and regulatory compliance
- Manufacturing — Corporate Tax optimisation, excise planning, and supply chain compliance
- Real estate and construction — VAT treatment of commercial and residential supplies, corporate tax on property income
- Oil and gas — CT planning and energy-related tax structuring
What is the Difference Between Tax Consultant vs Tax Accountant
| Aspect | Consultant | Accountant |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Strategic advice, planning, compliance guidance | Preparation of taxes, financial record management |
| Services | VAT, CT, excise, FTA audits, cross-border planning | Calculation, filing, bookkeeping, financial reporting |
| Objective | Minimize liabilities, optimize finances, strategic advisory | Ensure accuracy, deadlines compliance, operational tax management |
| Scope | Advisory, risk mitigation, international taxation strategy | Accounting, documentation, return filing support |
| Interaction | Works closely with management for decision-making | Focus on transactional and operational tax tasks |
Types of Taxes in the UAE
The UAE operates a relatively low-tax environment, but several tax regimes apply to businesses and individuals. Our consultants assist with all of the following:
Corporate Tax: A direct tax on business profits introduced in June 2023. The standard rate is 9% on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. Qualifying Free Zone Persons may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income. All taxable persons must register with the FTA regardless of whether tax is payable.
Value Added Tax (VAT): A 5% consumption tax on most goods and services. Certain supplies are zero-rated — including exports, international transport, and some healthcare and education services. Others are exempt, including residential property and local passenger transport.
Excise Tax: An indirect tax on products considered harmful to health or the environment — including tobacco, energy drinks, carbonated beverages, sweetened drinks, and electronic smoking devices and liquids.
Customs Duty: A 5% duty on the CIF value of imported goods. Higher rates apply to specific products — 50% for alcohol and 100% for tobacco. Certain goods are prohibited from import.
Benefits of Engaging the Right Tax Consultants in Dubai, UAE
Here’s how your business stands to gain from selecting the appropriate tax consultants, such as Farahat & Co.:
- Enhanced Business Growth: Proficient tax consultants offer invaluable insights and strategies for expanding your business effectively.
- Error-Free Tax Filings: With expert assistance, tax returns are filed accurately, minimizing the risk of potential errors.
- Updated Taxation Knowledge: Stay informed about evolving taxation policies and regulations through the guidance of knowledgeable consultants.
- Financial Reporting Support: Access comprehensive tax accounting services, including assistance with financial statement preparation and audit facilitation.
- Streamlined Business Formalities: Receive aid in navigating various business formalities, from license renewal to revocation processes.
- Secure Financial Data Management: Ensure the safety and organization of your financial data with expert assistance from seasoned tax professionals.
- Compliance Assurance: Stay compliant with intricate tax laws and regulations, thanks to the ongoing support and expertise of your consultants.
- Penalty Prevention: Safeguard your business from hefty penalties by entrusting meticulous tax procedures to skilled consultants, thus mitigating risks effectively.
Tax Consultancy for Small Businesses
Small businesses face the same compliance obligations as larger entities — including VAT, Corporate Tax, and ESR — but often without dedicated in-house tax expertise. A professional tax consultant helps small businesses meet their obligations accurately, avoid penalties, and plan their tax position efficiently.
Key areas where small businesses benefit from tax advisory support include:
- VAT and Corporate Tax registration
- Return preparation and filing
- Interpretation of eligibility thresholds and exemptions
- VAT compliance and invoicing best practices
- Tax liability forecasting and planning
- FTA audit support and authority communications
For most small businesses, engaging a professional tax consultant is more cost-effective than the penalties, errors, or missed opportunities that arise from managing tax obligations without specialist knowledge.
Cost of Tax Consultant Services in Dubai
The cost of tax consultant fees in Dubai may differ according to the type of service, size of the business, or the complexity of tax requirements.
| Service Type | Approximate Fee Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VAT Registration Assistance | AED 1,000–AED 3,000 | Depending on business complexity |
| VAT Return Preparation | AED 2,000–AED 5,000 per period | Based on volume of transactions |
| Corporate Tax Registration & Compliance | AED 3,000–AED 8,000 | Includes TRN application & filings |
| ESR Compliance Reporting | AED 3,000–AED 7,000 | Depends on group structure |
| Full Tax Advisory Retainer | AED 8,000–AED 20,000+ annually | Ongoing support |
Note: The ranges are approximate. Final quotes are subject to the type of business, turnover, number of entities, and complexity of reporting.
What Influences Cost?
- Company type (LLC, Free zone, Branch, etc.)
- Number of VAT returns required
- Amount of Documentation & Book Keeping Already Present
- Other compliance obligations (ESR, TP, et al.)
At Farahat & Co., we provide clear fee structures and customized quotes based on a comprehensive evaluation of your needs.
Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) Compliance
The Economic Substance Regulations require certain UAE companies to demonstrate that they have genuine economic substance in the UAE in relation to their core income-generating activities. The regulations are designed to align the UAE with international tax transparency standards.
Our ESR support covers:
- Entity classification — determining whether your company is subject to ESR obligations
- Data collection and documentation — gathering contracts, invoices, and activity evidence
- ESR report preparation and submission to the relevant regulatory authority
- Gap analysis — identifying where operational substance needs to be strengthened
- Remediation advisory — guidance on operational changes to meet substance tests
Tax Advisory for Real Estate Investment
Real estate investment in Dubai involves VAT implications, Corporate Tax treatment of property income, and potential cross-border tax considerations for international investors. Professional tax advice ensures investment structures are correctly managed and compliant.
Key considerations for property investors include VAT treatment of commercial leases and sales, exemptions for residential property, Corporate Tax treatment of real estate income, and the application of UAE tax treaties where cross-border ownership is involved. Our advisors provide tailored guidance for property owners, developers, and investors across all asset types.
Why Choose Farahat & Co. for Tax Consultancy?
Farahat & Co. is a registered FTA tax agent with over 40 years of experience providing tax advisory and compliance services across the UAE. Our team combines deep knowledge of UAE tax law with practical, industry-specific expertise — delivering advice that is accurate, actionable, and aligned with your business objectives.
- FTA registration — formally approved as a registered tax agent, authorised to represent businesses before the FTA
- Comprehensive service coverage — VAT, Corporate Tax, Excise, ESR, transfer pricing, and dispute resolution under one roof
- Industry experience — tailored advisory across real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and more
- Transparent communication — clear timelines, defined scope of work, and straightforward pricing
- Proven track record — trusted by startups, SMEs, and established businesses across the UAE
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a tax consultant do in the UAE?
A tax consultant provides advisory and compliance services across Corporate Tax, VAT, Excise Tax, and ESR obligations. They assist with registration, return filing, audit preparation, dispute representation, and strategic tax planning — ensuring businesses meet their FTA obligations accurately and efficiently.
How does a tax consultant help with Corporate Tax in the UAE?
A Corporate Tax consultant assists with FTA registration, taxable income calculation, return preparation and filing, identification of applicable exemptions and deductions, transfer pricing documentation, and strategic planning to manage tax exposure. They also represent businesses during FTA audits and dispute proceedings.
What are the benefits of hiring a tax consultant in Dubai?
A professional tax consultant helps businesses avoid penalties, meet filing deadlines, identify legitimate tax reliefs, manage audit risk, and stay current with regulatory changes. They free up management time, reduce compliance errors, and provide strategic guidance that supports better financial decision-making.
How do I choose the right tax consultant in the UAE?
Look for a firm that is registered with the FTA as a tax agent, has direct experience in your industry, offers comprehensive service coverage across VAT, Corporate Tax, and other obligations, has a strong reputation supported by client references, and provides clear, transparent pricing. FTA registration is the most important credential to verify.
Can a tax consultant help with VAT and Corporate Tax at the same time?
Yes. A qualified tax consultancy firm provides integrated support across all UAE tax obligations — including VAT registration and filing, Corporate Tax compliance, Excise Tax, and ESR — ensuring consistency across all filings and reducing the risk of gaps between different tax positions.
Can a tax consultant assist with international tax matters?
Yes. Tax consultants assist with transfer pricing documentation, double taxation agreement interpretation, permanent establishment risk assessment, and Country-by-Country Reporting — supporting businesses with cross-border operations and multinational structures.
How does a tax consultant help resolve a tax dispute with the FTA?
A registered tax agent reviews the FTA decision, assesses the grounds for challenge, prepares the reconsideration application and supporting documentation, and represents the business before the FTA and — where required — the Tax Disputes Resolution Committee. Early professional involvement is the most effective way to achieve a favourable outcome.
What is ESR and does my business need to comply?
Economic Substance Regulations require certain UAE companies to demonstrate genuine economic activity in the UAE in relation to their relevant income-generating activities. Whether your business is subject to ESR depends on its activities and legal structure. A tax consultant can assess your obligations and manage the reporting process.
Can Farahat & Co. assist with tax consultancy services in the UAE?
Yes. Farahat & Co. is a registered FTA tax agent providing comprehensive tax consultancy services across the UAE — covering VAT, Corporate Tax, Excise Tax, ESR, transfer pricing, audit support, and dispute resolution. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
+971 52 6922588 | Tel: +971 4 2500251 | E-mail: [email protected]
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