Corporate tax return filing in Dubai
Expert, efficient and affordable. Our tax consultants handle your corporate tax returns with precision and in line with UAE tax laws, so you can focus on growing your business.
What is corporate tax return filing in Dubai?
Corporate tax return filing is the mandatory process of reporting your company's annual financial performance and tax liability to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). It is a legal requirement for registered businesses in Dubai and across the Emirates.
It involves calculating your taxable income, applying the correct tax rate and submitting comprehensive financial documentation within the deadline. Accurate filing supports compliance and helps avoid costly penalties.
- Failure to register on time triggers an AED 10,000 penalty
- Late filing draws AED 500 per month for the first twelve months
- It then rises to AED 1,000 per month
- The return and payment are due nine months after your financial year end
Comprehensive tax services portfolio
Beyond filing: complete tax solutions to protect and grow your business.
Complete, end-to-end handling of your corporate tax returns, from initial documentation to final FTA submission.
- Document review
- Form completion
- Electronic submission
Proactive planning to minimise your liability legally, with strategies aligned to your business goals.
- Deduction analysis
- Future planning
- Risk assessment
Support during FTA audits and inquiries. We handle the communication and back your position with documentation.
- Audit preparation
- FTA correspondence
- Resolution support
We track your filing obligations and send timely reminders, for continuous compliance year-round.
- Deadline tracking
- Regulatory updates
- Compliance calendar
Guidance on business structure for tax efficiency, to help you make informed decisions on mergers, acquisitions and reorganisations.
- Structure analysis
- Tax implications
- Merger support
Errors in a previous return can be corrected. It is far better to amend voluntarily than to have the FTA find it during a review.
- Prior return review
- Amendments prepared
Required documents for tax filing
Have these ready for a smooth, hassle-free filing. If you don't have them all, we will guide you through collecting anything missing.
Important deadlines you can't miss
Stay compliant and avoid costly penalties. The date is fixed by your financial year, not by the calendar.
After your financial year end.
Payment is due with the return.
For the first twelve months.
From the thirteenth month.
- Year ending 31 December 2026: return and payment due by 30 September 2027.
- Year ending 31 March 2027: return and payment due by 31 December 2027.
- Penalty example: late registration of AED 10,000 plus twelve months of late filing at AED 500 comes to AED 16,000.
- Extensions: the FTA may grant one in exceptional circumstances, with valid reasons and supporting documents. It must be requested before the original deadline and approved in writing.
UAE tax rate structure
Understanding your tax obligations.
| Annual taxable profit | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to AED 375,000 | 0% |
| Above AED 375,000 | 9% |
Corporate tax applies to financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. Small Business Relief is available only for periods ending on or before 31 December 2029, with revenue of AED 3m or less.
Why choose ACL Tax Consultants?
Our team specialises in UAE corporate tax law and Dubai business regulations, with 9+ years of experience.
We shape our approach around your industry, business size and financial complexity.
Our process is built to catch errors early and keep your return ahead of the deadline.
Regular updates, clear communication and full visibility of your filing status.
We keep your financial data confidential and handle sensitive information with care.
Our team answers your questions and provides expert guidance throughout the year.
How to submit a corporate tax return in Dubai
We gather audited statements, ledgers, bank records and supporting documentation for a complete submission.
Our experts review your financial statements for accuracy and identify the applicable deductions.
We calculate your tax liability under UAE tax regulations and complete all required forms.
We file through the FTA portal. You receive the confirmation and payment instructions, and we keep the file for the seven-year retention period.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about corporate tax filing in Dubai.
Who needs to file corporate tax returns in Dubai?
Businesses registered for corporate tax, including mainland companies, free zone entities and branches of foreign companies. A registered business files a return whether or not tax is payable.
When is my corporate tax return due?
Nine months after the end of your financial year. A year ending 31 December 2026 is due by 30 September 2027, with payment due on the same date.
What happens if I miss the filing deadline?
Late filing costs AED 500 per month for the first twelve months, rising to AED 1,000 per month after that. Filing on time but paying late also attracts a penalty.
How much does corporate tax filing cost?
Fees vary with your annual revenue, number of transactions, industry and whether you need services such as tax planning or audit support. Contact us for a free consultation and customised quote, with no hidden fees.
Can I file my own corporate tax return?
It is possible, but UAE corporate tax rules are complex and even minor errors can lead to penalties or audits. Professional filing helps you get the return right and claim the deductions you are entitled to.
How long does the filing process take?
It depends on the completeness of your records and the complexity of your business. We recommend starting at least 30 days before your deadline to allow time for any unexpected questions.
What is the difference between tax registration and tax filing?
Registration is a one-time process with the FTA that gives you a Tax Registration Number (TRN). Filing is an annual obligation where you submit your financial statements and calculated tax liability.
Do free zone companies need to file tax returns?
Yes. Some enjoy a 0% rate on qualifying income, but filing is still required. The details depend on your free zone, activities and whether you meet the qualifying income conditions. We can assess this during a consultation.
Do I file if I made no profit?
Yes. A registered business files a return whether or not tax is payable.
What records must I keep?
Seven years of supporting documentation.
What our Dubai clients say
About ACL Tax Consultants
Since 2017, ACL Tax Consultants has supported more than 500 businesses across the UAE with accounting, audit, VAT and corporate tax services — from one team, at fixed fees agreed upfront.
Ready for stress-free tax filing?
Let's discuss how we can help your business stay compliant. Send us your year-end date and we will tell you when your return is due and what we need to file it.
File on time. Get started now.