Straight answers to the questions we are actually asked
Corporate tax, VAT, audit, AML and how we work. If your question is not here, WhatsApp us and we will answer it plainly.
Corporate Tax
When did corporate tax start in the UAE?
Corporate tax applies to tax periods beginning on or after 1 June 2023.
What is the corporate tax rate?
0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that threshold.
Do I have to register even if I will not owe anything?
Yes. Registration is mandatory for businesses in scope regardless of profit, and failing to register on time carries an AED 10,000 penalty.
When is my corporate tax return due?
Nine months after your financial year ends. A 31 December 2025 year-end means filing by 30 September 2026.
What is the penalty for filing late?
AED 500 per month for the first twelve months, rising to AED 1,000 per month thereafter.
Do free zone companies pay corporate tax?
Free zone persons must register. A qualifying free zone person can apply 0% to qualifying income, but the conditions are strict and tested continuously.
How long must I keep records?
Seven years.
VAT
What is the VAT rate in the UAE?
The standard rate is 5%. Some supplies are zero-rated or exempt.
When must I register for VAT?
Once taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous twelve months, or are expected to within the next thirty days.
Can I register voluntarily?
Yes, above AED 187,500. It can make sense if you incur significant input VAT.
When is my VAT return due?
Within 28 days of the end of your tax period. Most businesses file quarterly.
What if I file a VAT return late?
AED 1,000 for a first offence and AED 2,000 if it happens again within 24 months.
What is the minimum VAT refund claim?
AED 2,000.
Audit & Assurance
Why do I need an audit?
Audited financial statements are commonly required for licence renewal, bank facilities, investor due diligence and regulatory filings. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and free zone.
What is the difference between internal and external audit?
External audit gives an independent opinion on your financial statements for outside users. Internal audit examines your own controls and processes for management.
When should the audit start?
Well before the deadline. Audits that start late are the ones that find problems with no time left to fix them.
AML compliance
Which AML law applies in the UAE?
Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, with its implementing regulations.
Does AML apply to my business?
It applies to financial institutions and to Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions. Whether you are in scope depends on your licensed activity.
Is a written policy enough?
No. Procedures that are not operating will fail an inspection. They have to be applied and evidenced.
Working with us
How much do you charge?
Our pricing is published on the homepage. Audit fees are quoted separately because they depend on turnover, entity count and free zone.
How quickly can you start?
Usually within one to two weeks of the first conversation, depending on the state of your records.
What if my books are behind?
That is common and not a crisis. Backlog is priced per year and quoted before we start.
Do you sell trade licences?
No. We are an accounting, tax and audit firm and have no company-formation arm, so our advice is not a funnel into a licence sale.
Still have a question?
Send it over. We will give you a straight answer, whether or not it leads to work for us.