VAT and tax services in the UAE

VAT registration

A business must register for VAT if its taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 per annum. Registration is optional for businesses whose supplies and imports exceed AED 187,500 per annum.

Registration is completed online through the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) portal. Before applying, there are choices to make, such as whether to register voluntarily and whether to register as a tax group or a standalone entity. We advise on those and handle the application.

VAT applies to tax-registered businesses on the UAE mainland and in free zones alike. Free zones that the UAE Cabinet has defined as designated zones are treated differently for tax purposes.

VAT return filing

At the end of each tax period, a VAT-registered business must submit a VAT return to the FTA. The return summarises the value of supplies and purchases made during the period and shows the VAT liability.

That liability is the difference between output tax (VAT charged on your supplies) and input tax (VAT incurred on your purchases). Where output tax is higher, the difference is paid to the FTA. Where input tax is higher, the excess is recoverable and can be set off against later payments.

Returns must rest on the business documents of the period, with documentary proof kept for every adjustment and calculation. Late or missing returns attract administrative penalties. We file monthly and quarterly returns on time and keep the supporting records in order.

VAT implementation

A well-planned VAT implementation makes compliance routine. We analyse your business model, processes, internal rules and accounting software, then present recommendations that are implemented once management approves them.

VAT advisory

VAT advisory is provided on an annual contract. Our VAT specialists study your business in detail and suggest where processes can be redefined, or new procedures created, to fit the VAT rules efficiently.

VAT deregistration

Deregistering from VAT has its own formalities, documents and deadlines, and missing them brings penalties. We guide you through the process, provided your business qualifies for deregistration under the UAE VAT rules.

Corporate tax

Corporate tax is a direct tax on the net income or profit of corporations and other entities from their business. The UAE applies it to financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023, at 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000.

We help you understand how the rules apply to your business, register, and prepare for filing.

Excise tax registration and advisory

Excise tax came into effect in the UAE on 1 October 2017. Eligible businesses must register, obtain an excise tax number and apply the excise rules. We register your business and advise on following the regulations as prescribed.

Transfer pricing

Transfer pricing concerns the prices of goods and services exchanged between companies under common control, for example when a subsidiary sells to its holding company or a sister company.

We work to understand how value is created through the functions performed, assets used and risks borne by each related party, and provide transfer pricing solutions that can be implemented and operated in practice, for local GCC subsidiaries of foreign multinationals and for GCC-owned groups.

International taxation advisory

Tax liability across several jurisdictions is complex: the coverage, rates and frequent rule changes all need experience to handle. Our professionals advise clients on their international tax position and compliance.

Tax compliance analysis audit

We examine your tax position the way the Federal Tax Authority would: whether VAT is applied correctly in your documents and processes, whether liabilities are calculated under the relevant laws, such as the UAE VAT and excise tax laws, and whether they are paid by the due date.

AML/CFT compliance

An Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) programme is a structured system that helps an organisation prevent financial crime. Banks, financial institutions and other regulated organisations must follow the AML rules. We help you build and maintain a compliant programme.