Filing corporate tax in the UAE requires meticulous preparation and accurate documentation. Since the UAE introduced its federal Corporate Tax on June 1, 2023, businesses must gather specific paperwork to comply with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) regulations.
Here’s a detailed overview of what’s needed:
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Financial Statements
Key documents include:
- Balance Sheet
- Profit & Loss (Income) Statement
- Cash Flow Statement
These statements form the core of your tax return, helping compute taxable income and justify any exemptions or deductions.
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Supporting Records
To substantiate your filings, maintain comprehensive evidence such as:
- Receipts and invoices for deductible expenses (e.g., salaries, rent, travel)
- Loan documents showing interest paid – especially finance-related deductions
- Details of foreign tax credits, if applicable
- Asset schedules or depreciation records
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Transfer Pricing and Related-Party Documentation
If your business is part of a multinational group or conducts intra-group transactions:
- Local and Master Transfer Pricing Files to prove transactions were at arm’s length
- Related-party transaction disclosures and agreements
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Exemption & Relief Claims
Many UAE businesses may benefit from exemptions or reliefs:
- Free Zone Entities can file declarations and provide proof of Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status (e.g., valid trade license, substance evidence)
- Small-business relief or group relief requires supporting documentation like turnover records and restructuring agreements
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Administrative Documents
Complete your filing by including:
- FTA-issued Tax Registration Number (TRN) and relevant tax period
- Certification of incorporation, trade license, and company contact details
- Passport and Emirates ID copies of owners/directors, and board resolutions or Memorandum/Articles of Association
Final Checklist at a Glance
Document Type Examples
Financials Balance Sheet, P&L, Cash Flow
Receipts & Loans Expense invoices, loan interest proof
Transfer Pricing Local & Master files
Exemption Files Free Zone proof, QFZP support
Admin Info TRN, trade license, IDs
Filing Timeline & Compliance
Corporate tax returns must be filed within nine months of the financial year-end.Failing to provide proper documentation can lead to significant penalties from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000.
Bottom Line
To file corporate tax accurately and on time, ensure you:
- Prepare audited financial statements under IFRS
- Organize supporting receipts, loan papers, transfer pricing and exemption documents
- Maintain administrative records—licenses, IDs, board minutes
- Meet the 9-month deadline and retain records for audits
For information on “Corporate Tax Filing”, contact finnection via email at info@finnection.ae or call us at our number +971 50 247 8681
Disclaimer: Above information is subject to change and represent the views of the author. It is shared for educational purposes only. Readers are advised to use their own judgement and seek specific professional advice before making any decision. Finnection is not liable for any actions taken by reader based on the information shared in this article. You may consult with us before using this information for any purpose.