There is no item in your cart
As an entrepreneur or sole proprietor, taxes are an integral part of your business operations. Understanding the taxation system in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is necessary to ensure compliance and avoid any legal issues. In this blog post, we will provide you with an overview of the UAE taxation system, including the types of taxes, registration procedures, and filing requirements.
Overview of the UAE taxation system
Types of Taxes:
The UAE has a relatively low tax regime, with no income tax or value-added tax (VAT) on most goods and services. However, there are certain taxes that businesses are required to pay, including corporate tax, excise tax, and VAT.
- Corporate Tax: The UAE has a 9% corporate tax rate, making it an attractive destination for foreign investors. The government may also impose taxes on companies that do not comply with certain regulations
- Excise Tax: The UAE introduced an excise tax in 2017 on certain goods that are harmful to health or the environment, including tobacco, energy drinks, and carbonated drinks. The excise tax rate is 100% for tobacco products and 50% for energy drinks and carbonated drinks.
- Value Added Tax: The UAE introduced a 5% VAT on most goods and services in 2018. Businesses that have an annual turnover of over AED 375,000 are required to register for VAT. The VAT registration process can be completed online, and businesses must file VAT returns every quarter.
The registration is Categorized as Mandatory Registration, Voluntary Registration, and Exception from registration
Registration Procedures:
To register for taxes in the UAE, businesses must obtain a tax registration number (TRN) from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). The registration process can be completed online.
Filing Requirements:
Businesses that are registered for taxes in the UAE must file their tax returns on time to avoid penalties and fines. The filing requirements depend on the type of tax and the business’s turnover. For example, businesses that are registered for VAT must file their returns every quarter, while those that are subject to excise tax must file their returns every month.
Penalties and Fines:
The UAE imposes penalties and fines on businesses that do not comply with the taxation requirements. For example, businesses that fail to register for VAT may be subject to a penalty of AED 20,000. Similarly, businesses that do not file their tax returns on time may be subject to fines and penalties.