Corporate Tax & VAT Services in the UAE
Veritas Edge Auditors provides corporate tax registration and filing, VAT compliance, transfer pricing documentation, AML frameworks and UBO filing for businesses operating in Dubai and across the Emirates.
The UAE Tax Compliance Framework
Corporate tax applies at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Businesses below that threshold remain subject to the full registration and filing obligations, with returns due within nine months of the financial year end. Late registration carries a fixed penalty of AED 10,000, and late filing accrues on a monthly basis irrespective of the tax payable.
Free zone entities are within the same regime. A qualifying free zone person must file annually to maintain the 0% rate on qualifying income, and the qualifying conditions are assessed for each tax period.
Our Taxation Services
Corporate Tax Advisory & Registration
Registration through the EmaraTax portal, impact assessment and preparation of the annual return. Engagements include reconciliation of accounting profit to taxable income, assessment of eligibility for Small Business Relief or qualifying free zone status, and evaluation of tax group formation.
VAT & Excise Tax Services
Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 over a rolling twelve-month period, and available voluntarily from AED 187,500. Returns are due within 28 days of the end of each tax period. Services comprise return preparation and filing, compliance health checks and support during Federal Tax Authority reviews.
Transfer Pricing
Transfer pricing obligations extend beyond multinational groups. Payments to connected persons, including shareholders, directors and their relatives, become disclosable once prescribed thresholds are exceeded, which frequently applies to owner-managed companies through remuneration and benefits. Services cover threshold assessment, disclosure form preparation and benchmarking analysis.
AML/CFT Compliance
Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions, including real estate brokers, dealers in precious metals and stones, corporate service providers and audit firms, are subject to anti-money laundering obligations. Requirements include goAML registration, a documented risk assessment, customer due diligence procedures, appointment of a compliance officer and staff training.
UBO Filing & ESR Remediation
Economic Substance Regulations no longer apply to financial years ending after 31 December 2022, and penalties relating to those later periods have been cancelled. Obligations for earlier years remain enforceable and penalties previously settled may be recoverable. Ultimate Beneficial Owner registers remain a live requirement and are filed with the relevant licensing authority.
Our Engagement Process
Position Review
Assessment of current registrations, filings submitted and obligations outstanding across corporate tax, VAT and registry requirements.
Exposure Assessment
Quantification of penalties accrued, identification of matters suitable for voluntary disclosure, and confirmation of the position to be adopted going forward.
Registration & Remediation
Completion of outstanding registrations and back filings, and preparation of supporting records to the standard required on review.
Compliance Calendar
A dated schedule of filing obligations for the following twelve months, with working papers prepared in advance of each due date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the firm a registered Tax Agent with the Federal Tax Authority?
No. Veritas Edge Auditors is not a registered Tax Agent. Tax agency services and formal representation before the Federal Tax Authority are provided in association with an FTA-registered Tax Agent engaged under contract. Registration, computations, return preparation, filing and advisory services are delivered by our own team.
What are the consequences of late corporate tax registration?
A fixed administrative penalty of AED 10,000 applies to late registration, with further penalties accruing monthly in respect of late filing. The exposure is quantifiable and ceases to increase once registration and outstanding returns are completed.
Do free zone companies have a corporate tax liability?
A qualifying free zone person is taxed at 0% on qualifying income only. Qualifying conditions, including adequate substance within the free zone and the preparation of audited financial statements, are assessed each tax period. Non-qualifying revenue is taxed at the standard rate. A return is required in all cases.
Are Economic Substance Regulations notifications still required?
Not for financial years ending after 31 December 2022. Notifications and reports outstanding for periods from 2019 to 2022 remain enforceable, and penalties settled in respect of cancelled periods may be recoverable on application.
Can support be provided during a Federal Tax Authority review?
Yes. Services include compilation of the supporting file, reconciliation of submitted returns to accounting records and preparation of responses. Where formal representation is required, this is arranged through our partner Tax Agent.
Request a Consultation
An initial review identifies the registrations and filing dates applicable to your entity. There is no charge for this assessment.