Corporate Tax Services in Dubai & UAE | Corporate Tax Advisory & VAT Consulting
The UAE's 9% corporate tax regime makes structural decisions matter more than filing mechanics. We provide specialized corporate tax advisory services Dubai enterprises rely on to build sound tax foundations. Whether you are setting up a new entity or evaluating business incorporation UAE structures, we advise on QFZP eligibility, transfer pricing, group structures, and VAT positioning first and handle corporate tax registration services, computation, and corporate tax filing services as downstream execution.
A 9% headline rate, with rules that reward careful structuring.
Federal Decree-Law No. 47 introduced corporate tax across the UAE for resident businesses earning above AED 375,000. Qualifying Free Zone Persons can access 0% rates, but de minimis rules are strict. Engaging professional corporate tax services in UAE ensures your corporate structure remains protected, compliant, and optimized under Federal Tax Authority regulations. If you require help organizing your financial records, review our corporate accounting and bookkeeping services.
Our Corporate Tax Services in Dubai
Both corporate tax and VAT, end to end. Operating companies need both; we deliver them together through integrated corporate tax services in Dubai.
- 01Corporate Tax Registration Services
Completing corporate tax registration services on EmaraTax under correct classifications, Resident Person, Qualifying Free Zone Person, Exempt Person, or Non-Resident Entity.
- 02QFZP Eligibility & Positioning
Evaluating qualifying activities, de minimis thresholds, and operational substance rules to secure 0% corporate tax rates for qualifying free zone entities.
- 03Annual Taxable Income Computation
Reconciling accounting profit to taxable income through expert corporate tax advisory services Dubai businesses use for adjustments and carry-forward loss calculations.
- 04Corporate Tax Filing Services
Executing accurate corporate tax filing services on EmaraTax with mandatory financial schedules, intercompany disclosures, and tax liability computations before statutory deadlines.
- 05VAT Registration & Compliance
Managing mandatory and voluntary FTA VAT registrations, quarterly return preparation, input tax recovery reviews, and official communication with tax authorities.
- 06Transfer Pricing Documentation
Drafting related-party disclosures, local files, and master files required under corporate tax compliance services to justify arm's-length intercompany transactions.
Navigating QFZP Rules, De Minimis & Onshore Trade
Establishing a presence in the UAE requires aligning your corporate entity with Federal Tax Authority expectations. While businesses utilizing company incorporation services select free zones for flexibility, securing 0% tax rates demands strict compliance. Our corporate tax compliance services ensure ongoing substance, revenue classification, and transfer pricing alignment across all operating units.
Key Requirements for QFZP Status:
- 01Adequate Substance
Maintaining adequate core income-generating activities (CIGA), qualified staff, and operational assets within a UAE Free Zone.
- 02Qualifying Income Stream
Deriving income from transactions with other Free Zone Persons or engaging in designated "Qualifying Activities" with non-free zone persons.
- 03De Minimis Compliance
Ensuring non-qualifying revenue does not exceed 5% of total revenue or AED 5,000,000 (whichever is lower). Exceeding this threshold causes the entity to lose QFZP status for 5 consecutive tax years.
- 04Arm's Length Principle & Documentation
Adhering strictly to UAE Transfer Pricing rules on all domestic and cross-border related-party transactions.
- 05Audited Financial Statements
Preparing annual financial statements audited by a registered UAE auditor.
Our corporate tax advisory services Dubai team conducts detailed structural reviews to verify your income streams, review intercompany contracts, and ensure your operational model protects your tax status.
Related-Party Transactions & Arm’s Length Compliance
Federal Decree-Law No. 47 mandates that all transactions between Related Parties and Connected Persons must be conducted at Arm’s Length. This applies regardless of whether the business is located on the mainland or in a free zone. Our corporate tax compliance services ensure complete transfer pricing alignment:
- 01Transfer Pricing Disclosure Forms
Filed alongside your annual corporate tax return to declare related-party transactions, intercompany loans, and management fee allocations.
- 02Master File & Local File Requirements
Mandatory for businesses meeting specific revenue thresholds (e.g., group revenue exceeding AED 3.15 billion or individual entity revenue exceeding AED 200 million).
- 03Benchmark & Economic Analysis
Methodological justification (Comparable Uncontrolled Price, Resale Price, Transactional Net Margin Method) supporting intercompany service charges, intellectual property licensing, and shareholder financing.
Integrating transfer pricing policy with executive strategy is vital for scaling entities. For broader strategic oversight across holding structures and operating entities, learn how our executive advisory for businesses aligns your finance function with UAE tax obligations.
The statutory deadlines that matter.
Missing statutory deadlines triggers an automatic AED 10,000 penalty under Cabinet Decision No. 10. Late VAT submissions attract additional fines. Our corporate tax compliance services track these dates so you do not have to:
- 01Corporate Tax Registration
Newly incorporated entities must submit their registration application on EmaraTax within 3 months of incorporation. Pre-existing entities follow timelines determined by their original trade license issuance month. Natural persons register by March 31 following any year exceeding AED 1,000,000 in business turnover.
- 02Corporate Tax Return Filing & Payment
Every taxable entity, including Free Zone companies and those electing Small Business Relief, must file its return and settle all due tax within 9 months of its financial year-end. For entities following a standard calendar year, the annual deadline falls on September 30.
- 03VAT Returns & Payment Deadlines
Registered businesses must submit quarterly VAT returns, or monthly returns for higher-turnover entities as mandated by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). All returns and corresponding tax payments are strictly due by the 28th day following the end of each specified tax period.
- 04Mandatory Record Keeping
Under UAE Tax Procedures Law, all supporting documents, financial ledgers, VAT invoices, intercompany agreements, and audit trails for both Corporate Tax and VAT must be retained for 7 years. Records must remain fully accessible for potential Federal Tax Authority audits.
Streamlining Compliance Through Financial Operations
Tax compliance depends on accurate accounting. Rather than treating VAT and Corporate Tax as isolated year-end tasks, our corporate tax filing services integrate calculations into monthly bookkeeping. When relocating key executives to support substance, manage residency smoothly through our residence visa services.
- 01Monthly Bookkeeping & Reconciliations
Maintain clean general ledgers and monthly closes as the base data layer.
- 02Quarterly VAT Returns & Input Recovery
Execute quarterly reconciliations, submit VAT filings, and track recoverable tax.
- 03Year-End Taxable Income & Profit Adjustments
Reconcile accounting profit with statutory adjustments and transfer pricing rules.
- 04Annual Corporate Tax Return & EmaraTax Filing
Finalize tax disclosures, supporting schedules, and execute submission on EmaraTax.
Tax questions, answered
I'm in a free zone. Do I still need to register for corporate tax?+
Yes. Free zone status does not exempt you from tax registration. It offers a potential 0% rate on qualifying income, but you must register using corporate tax registration services and file an annual tax return with the FTA.
What's the difference between a Free Zone Person and a Qualifying Free Zone Person?+
A Free Zone Person is any entity in a free zone. A Qualifying Free Zone Person meets substance rules, de minimis thresholds, and transfer pricing standards. Our corporate tax advisory services Dubai team helps entities maintain QFZP status.
What is Small Business Relief and should I elect it?+
Small Business Relief allows resident entities earning under AED 3 million to elect zero taxable income. As part of our corporate tax services in UAE, we evaluate whether this election aligns with your loss carry-forward plans.
When does my company need to register for VAT?+
VAT registration is mandatory when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over 12 months. Voluntary registration is available above AED 187,500. Our corporate tax services in Dubai handle all VAT registrations and filings.
Do I need transfer pricing documentation?+
The arm's-length principle applies to all related-party transactions. Master file and local file documentation is required above specific revenue thresholds. Our corporate tax compliance services assess your group exposure during initial scoping.
What happens if I missed the corporate tax registration deadline?+
Late registration incurs an automatic AED 10,000 penalty. Our team provides fast corporate tax registration services to submit your filing immediately and minimize further compliance risks.
Need a second look at your tax position?
We do a fixed-fee tax review covering structure, classification, and a written memo with our findings. No commitment to ongoing work afterwards.