AN OVERVIEW CORPORATE TAX IN UAE: 4 KEY FEATURES YOU MUST KNOW

 Corporate tax in the UAE is an important consideration for any business looking to expand or operate in the region. Understanding the various laws and regulations can be a daunting task, but it is essential to ensure that all businesses are compliant with their local taxation system. In this blog post, they provide an overview of corporate tax in UAE and highlight four key features that business owners must know. With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions about your business operations in the UAE.

THE BASICS OF CORPORATE TAX

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), corporate tax is a form of taxation on companies and businesses. Companies are taxed on their profits, or income that is gained from the sale of goods and services. Corporate taxes can come in different forms, including value added taxes (VAT) and income taxes.

The UAE has implemented VAT since January 2018, which is charged at the rate of 5%. Businesses must register for VAT and file a Vat return filing when required. The filing must include all information about sales, purchases and expenses incurred throughout the year. The filing must be done in accordance with the local law and regulations set forth by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

For income taxes, companies must pay based on their taxable profits, which is calculated by subtracting the allowable expenses from the gross income. The current rate of corporate tax in UAEis 55% for non-resident companies and 20% for resident companies. Companies may also be eligible to receive tax exemptions and reductions if they meet certain criteria. It is important to note that these exemptions and reductions are subject to change without prior notice.

THE TYPES OF TAXES IN UAE

When it comes to taxation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are three main types of taxes that businesses need to be aware of. The first type is the Value Added Tax (VAT), which is charged at a standard rate of 5% for most goods and services. Companies registered for VAT in the UAE are required to complete a VAT return filing every quarter, outlining their sales and purchases for the period, and remit the amount of tax due to the Federal Tax Authority.

The second type of tax is Corporate Tax, which applies to companies with either local or foreign ownership. As of 2019, the corporate tax rate is 0%, meaning that companies operating in the UAE are not required to pay any corporate tax. However, businesses must still file their tax returns with the Federal Tax Authority.

The third type of tax is Excise Tax, which applies to certain products such as tobacco, energy drinks, and sugary beverages. Excise Tax is set at a fixed rate of 50% on the taxable value of these items, and businesses must also register with the Federal Tax Authority and file returns annually. All businesses operating in the UAE must comply with the country’s taxation system and file their tax returns with the Federal Tax Authority. Failing to do so can lead to hefty fines and possible closure of the business.

THE RATES OF CORPORATE TAX

When it comes to corporate tax in UAE, the rate of taxation is generally set at fifty percent (50%). However, certain conditions may apply for different types of businesses. For instance, businesses who are registered as a value-added tax (VAT) payer in the UAE, the applicable rate of taxation is fifteen percent (15%) on their Vat return filing. In addition, foreign companies that are established in UAE Free Zones are not subject to corporate taxes, while mainland companies and business branches are liable to pay corporate taxes.

The rates of corporate tax can be changed by the federal government in Dubai and other emirates, so it is important to keep up-to-date with any changes that have been announced. To ensure that businesses are not exposed to any penalties due to non-compliance, they should also make sure they pay their taxes in full and on time.

THE PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

When it comes to taxes, the UAE is strict on compliance. Non-compliance can lead to a range of penalties depending on the severity of the offense and the type of tax. Generally speaking, for late VAT return filing, businesses may be subject to fines up to AED 10,000 or more. If a company is found to have committed tax fraud, they can face prosecution and even prison sentences. Companies can also be subject to penalties if they fail to register with the Federal Tax Authority or submit a tax return within the specified time frame.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that businesses are compliant with their tax obligations and that any potential losses are prevented or minimized. To help achieve this, the government has put several measures into place including audit trails and mandatory Vat return filing. These filings must be completed annually and all relevant information must be accurate and up to date. Businesses should take extra care when preparing these returns as incorrect information could trigger an audit from the FTA which could result in hefty fines and other consequences.

Additionally, businesses must keep an eye out for any changes to the Vat rate as this could cause discrepancies between their filed returns and what’s required by law. In some cases, taxpayers may need to fill out a special form to make sure their returns reflect the updated rate. Ultimately, understanding how Vat return filing work will help business owners remain compliant and avoid penalties associated with non-compliance. Read full blog