Corporate Tax Return
A Corporate Tax Return is a mandatory declaration filed with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to report the taxable income of a business. Introduced under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, the Corporate Tax system in the UAE ensures that businesses contribute fairly to the economy while promoting transparency and compliance with international tax standards. Filing a Corporate Tax Return involves reporting taxable income, claiming eligible reliefs, and calculating tax liabilities.
Purpose of Filing a Corporate Tax Return
Taxable Persons are required to submit accurate tax returns to the FTA within nine months following the end of their tax period. This self-assessment ensures:
- Fulfillment of tax obligations
- Proper computation of taxable income
- Payment of due corporate tax
Who Needs to File?
The following entities are mandated to file corporate tax returns:
- Resident juridical persons
- Non-resident juridical persons with UAE Permanent Establishments
- Resident and non-resident natural persons conducting business in the UAE
- Qualifying Free Zone Persons
- Tax groups approved by the FTA
Exempt entities, such as government bodies and public benefit organizations, must file in certain situations if conducting taxable activities.
Components of a Tax Return
The tax return comprises the following parts:
- Taxable Person Information: Details about the taxable entity, pre-populated from the EmaraTax system.
- Elections: Options such as the realization basis and exemptions.
- Accounting Schedules: Financial statements supporting taxable income computation.
- Adjustments and Exempt Income: Reconciliations for non-taxable and deductible items.
- Tax Reliefs and Credits: Claims for applicable deductions or reliefs.
- Taxable Income and Tax Liability: Final income and tax computation.
- Review and Declaration: Confirmation of accuracy by the filer.
Key Deadlines for Corporate Tax Return
- Tax returns must be submitted within 9 months of the tax period's end.
- Supporting documents must accompany the return where required.
Online Filing via Emara Tax
The FTA requires that all corporate tax returns be submitted electronically through its
Emara Tax platform. Taxable Persons should ensure their information is up-to-date in their Emara Tax account to avoid errors or missing fields.
Available Reliefs and Exemptions
Taxable entities may be eligible for certain reliefs, including:
- Small Business Relief: Available for businesses with revenue below AED 3 million.
- Transfers within Qualifying Groups: Tax-neutral transfers of assets/liabilities between group members.
- Business Restructuring Relief: Relief for qualifying transactions during business reorganization.
- Foreign Permanent Establishment Exemption: Excludes income from foreign establishments under specific conditions.
Importance of Compliance
Timely and accurate submissions help avoid penalties and ensure compliance with the UAE Corporate Tax Law. Taxable Persons are encouraged to review all fields, upload necessary documents, and validate their details before submission.
For further guidance, consult the
Corporate Tax Law and supporting decisions as provided by the FTA.