UAE Accounting & Tax
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Businesses with taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000 in the preceding 12 months must register for VAT. Voluntary registration is allowed for businesses exceeding AED 187,500. Free zone companies may also be required to register depending on their activities.

The UAE Corporate Tax rate is 9% on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. Income up to AED 375,000 is taxed at 0%. Small businesses may qualify for Small Business Relief (SBR) if their annual revenue is below AED 3 million through 2026.

Typically required: audited financial statements (prior year), trial balance, bank statements and reconciliations, sales and purchase registers, VAT returns, fixed asset register, payroll records, and board resolutions.

Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) can benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income if they meet specific FTA conditions. Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%.

Most businesses file VAT returns quarterly. Returns must be submitted and payment made within 28 days of the end of each tax period through the EmaraTax portal.

Yes. UAE Commercial Companies Law and the FTA both require businesses to maintain proper accounting records for a minimum of 5 years (10 years for real estate).