A Tax Compliance Checklist for UAE Businesses for the Year Ahead
Businesses in the UAE need to improve their strategies in 2023 to align with the global economy, regulatory requirements and technological developments. Business owners need to tread a cautious path as tax compliance in the UAE will be more challenging in 2023 with the commencement of the UAE corporate tax law and the new amendments to the Value Added Tax (VAT) law. Getting the services of tax consultants in Dubai has become crucial for entrepreneurs in this changing compliance landscape. As we start the New Year, here is a quick tax compliance checklist for you to prepare for the year ahead:
Be Fully Prepared for Corporate Tax
The UAE corporate tax will take effect on your company’s financial year beginning on June 1st 2023. The UAE corporate tax rate will be 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000, and 9% on any income over AED 375,000. Under the UAE corporate tax law, the personas are classified into taxable, exempt and out-of-scope. You will be required to file your first corporate tax return and tax payment at the end of 9 months from the end of the relevant financial year. You can consult with tax agents in Dubai to prepare for corporate tax compliance.
Comply with Transfer Pricing Rules
Along with the UAE corporate tax compliance, you have to comply with transfer pricing. It means you have to benchmark transactions with the company’s owners/directors, their relatives and other connected persons at arm’s length. You need to also ensure country-by-country reporting (CdCR) compliance as applicable to MNCs operating in the UAE. Tax authorities can challenge unjustified losses in the UAE entity of the MNCs. Tax advisers in Dubai can provide better advice on transfer pricing compliance.
Be up-to-date with Value Added Tax Laws
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has introduced many changes to the UAE VAT Law and overhauled the tax system with EmaraTax. Business owners need to ensure their tax positions are in alignment with the VAT Law and the guidelines issued by the FTA. Ensuring VAT compliance will become more critical in 2023 as the new amendments are expected to increase the frequency of VAT audits in the UAE.
You need to ensure that your documentation and returns are robust enough to face any tax audit or tax assessment by the FTA. Taxable persons may be required to file voluntary disclosures with relevant penalties. You must also need to review your eligibility for exception from existing VAT registration as per the new VAT Law amendments in the UAE.
Review of Free Zone Company Structure
Companies and their branches registered in the UAE free zones (Free Zone Persons) will be subject to corporate tax. Free zone companies, however, can continue to enjoy the incentives they currently receive by maintaining adequate substance and complying with all regulatory requirements. Free zone persons must immediately review their business operations/models for availing of the corporate tax benefits. They also need to have audited financial statements to enjoy corporate tax incentives.
Implement Robust Accounting Practices
In 2023, it will be paramount for business owners to develop robust accounting processes and disciplines. You must also implement effective document retention policies and procedures. Furthermore, businesses will be required to maintain the books of accounts to explain the information contained in the UAE Corporate Tax return and other documents submitted to the FTA. The books should be complete and with no undisclosed income or expenses.
Create an Effective Tax Strategy in 2023
The UAE is no longer a tax-free haven and companies need to plan for both corporate tax and VAT more effectively in the years ahead. You need to build a robust tax strategy to achieve full compliance with relevant taxes in the UAE.
Tax planning is much more than coming up with an estimate of your end-of-year tax liability and how much you should leave aside to pay your taxes. At a high level, it’s taking a look at the entirety of your financial situation and ensuring that all facets work cohesively to ensure you pay the least amount of taxes possible come tax time. With an effective tax strategy, you can avoid compliance failure, relevant penalties and reputation damage. You can seek the help of tax consultants in Dubai for more assistance.
Hire the Best Tax Agents in Dubai, UAE
Tax compliance should be your top priority in 2013 in view of the latest happenings in the UAE taxation regime. You can hire the best tax agents in Dubai such as Jitendra Chartered Accountants (JCA) to ensure you are not lagging behind your tax compliance requirements. JCA is one of the leading tax consultants in Dubai with more than 20 years of experience.
JCA has a team of highly qualified and experienced tax experts who can help you assess your current tax position, advise on the appropriate tax treatment, prepare clarification requests, or represent you in front of the FTA as registered tax agents in the UAE. We can also assist you with complying with the UAE corporate tax law, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Law. You can call us to discuss your specific tax requirements with JCA and determine the way forward.