The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has urged all businesses subject to corporate tax to strictly comply with record-keeping requirements and tax return deadlines to avoid penalties.
9-Month Deadline for Filing Corporate Tax Returns
According to the FTA, companies are required to submit their corporate tax returns and payments within nine months from the end of their financial year.
- Example: A business with a financial year ending 31 December 2025 must file its return and pay any due tax by 30 September 2026.
Missing these deadlines may lead to administrative fines and penalties under UAE tax laws.
7-Year Record Keeping Requirement
Taxable persons must maintain complete financial records for at least seven years after the end of each tax period. These include:
- Transaction records
- Assets and liabilities
- Shareholdings and ownership details
Even entities that qualify for exemption are required to keep supporting documentation to prove their exempt status, depending on the exemption basis under the UAE Corporate Tax Law.
Simplified Compliance via EmaraTax Platform
The FTA highlighted that all corporate tax procedures — including registration, filing, and payments — can be carried out digitally through the EmaraTax platform. Businesses may also consult registered tax agents listed on the FTA’s official website for expert assistance.
Stay Updated with Corporate Tax Law
The authority strongly encouraged both taxable and exempt businesses to review:
- The UAE Corporate Tax Law
- Cabinet and Ministerial Decisions
- Official FTA guidelines
This ensures full compliance and minimizes the risk of errors or penalties.
