Corporate Tax Obligations for UAE Tax Registered Businesses

With the recent commencement of corporate income tax in the UAE in June 2023, businesses are currently navigating this new taxation landscape. As UAE enterprises transition into this new tax regime, it becomes crucial for them to be well-informed about the necessary steps to take, the actions to avoid, and the overall process during their inaugural tax period and subsequent tax returns filing. In this article, we thoroughly explore the pivotal corporate tax responsibilities that UAE tax-registered businesses must comprehend and satisfactorily fulfill.

Record Keeping Requirements

A cornerstone of corporate tax compliance is meticulous record keeping. Tax registered businesses must maintain detailed financial records and documentation for a minimum of seven years. These records provide a transparent trail of financial transactions and are essential for audits, inspections, and substantiating tax returns.

Effective Bookkeeping Practices

Proper bookkeeping practices are a fundamental requirement under the tax law. They play a crucial role in accurately calculating tax liability and ensuring businesses don’t overlook any eligible tax deductions or relief thresholds. It is essential for businesses to maintain meticulous records, prepare accurate financial statements, and compute taxable income in alignment with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Additionally, businesses must make a decision regarding the preferred accounting basis to follow, whether accrual or cash basis, as allowed by regulations.

Fulfilling Tax Return Requirements

Accurate tax return filing stands as an unwavering requirement for businesses registered under the UAE tax system. Enterprises must conscientiously compute their taxable income, incorporating all required adjustments, to determine an accurate tax liability. Subsequently, submit their tax returns through the EmaraTax portal. Failing to meet tax return deadlines or presenting incomplete or inaccurate returns can result in tax overpayments, penalties and potential legal entanglements.

Understanding Tax Deductions and Credits

UAE Businesses have the opportunity to optimize their tax liability through eligible tax deductions and credits. These deductions, when properly identified and documented, can significantly reduce the taxable income. It’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the deductions and credits available to maximize tax benefits while ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines.

Assessing Eligibility for Tax Relief

The UAE’s corporate tax structure offers few reliefs, including the Small Business Relief, designed for businesses with revenues at or below AED 3 million to potentially exempt such revenue from Corporate Tax until December 2026. It is crucial for businesses to comprehend the specific criteria they must fulfill to avail of these reliefs and to be well-versed in the procedural steps required to claim them.

Complying with Anti-Abuse rules

The UAE’s Corporate Income Tax legislation encompasses general anti-abuse regulations. These rules are intended to scrutinize arrangements or transactions entered into solely for tax-related advantages that lack economic authenticity or commercial justification. Effective from the date of the Tax law’s publication, these rules must be adhered to for any ongoing or planned restructuring, ensuring full alignment with these provisions.

Complying with Transfer Pricing Regulations

Ensuring compliance with transfer pricing regulations is crucial for businesses involved in transactions with related parties and connected persons. These regulations are designed to prevent the manipulation of pricing in order to evade taxes. The scope of related and connected parties is broadly defined within the tax framework, encompassing business owners as well.

Staying Informed About Regulatory Changes

Tax compliance in the UAE is rapidly evolving. The corporate income tax law and regulations are consistently updated through cabinet and ministerial decisions as well as FTA guidelines. Businesses need to actively monitor and adjust to these changing tax regulations. Keeping up-to-date with these changes is crucial to maintaining compliance, reducing risks, and leveraging potential tax benefits.

Corporate tax obligations in the UAE necessitate a proactive and informed approach. By grasping the intricacies of tax registration, record keeping, bookkeeping, tax return filing, deductions, transfer pricing, and regulatory updates, businesses can navigate the corporate tax landscape with confidence. As UAE tax regulations continue to evolve, staying knowledgeable and compliant is key to securing financial success and sustainable growth for businesses in this dynamic and thriving business environment.