Services · Global solutions
Services in the UAE
Accounting, VAT and corporate tax for mainland and free zone companies in the United Arab Emirates, with every return reviewed by a partner before it is filed.
Corporate tax raised the bar for the books
Corporate tax applies to UAE businesses for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023, alongside the VAT regime in place since 2018. Taxable income starts from accounting profit, so the quality of the accounts now decides the quality of the tax return as well as the VAT return.
We keep the books, prepare VAT and corporate tax returns for filing through the Federal Tax Authority's EmaraTax platform, and produce the reporting a US parent needs, all from the same reconciled records. A partner reviews every deliverable before it reaches you.
What we cover
For mainland and free zone companies, on its own or as part of a monthly service.
Bookkeeping and accounting
Transactions posted, bank accounts reconciled and the books closed each month in your accounting software, under IFRS.
VAT
Registration, periodic VAT returns, input tax checked before it is recovered, and the records the Federal Tax Authority expects you to keep.
Corporate tax
Registration, the annual return, and the adjustments that turn accounting profit into taxable income, documented so that each one can be explained.
Free zone status
An annual review of whether a free zone company meets the conditions to be treated as a Qualifying Free Zone Person, and which of its income qualifies.
Transfer pricing
Related party disclosures and arm's length documentation where the corporate tax rules require them, coordinated with the group's policy.
Payroll accounting
Payroll journals, support for Wage Protection System files, end-of-service gratuity accruals and pension contributions for UAE nationals, with your payroll provider or team.
Financial statements and audit support
Annual IFRS financial statements and the schedules your auditor needs. Many free zones require audited accounts, and so does the corporate tax regime for some businesses; the audit itself is carried out by a licensed UAE auditor.
Reporting to a US parent
Monthly reporting packages in your parent's format, US GAAP adjustments where they are needed, and intercompany reconciliations.
Who it's for
Companies in the Emirates that want their tax position and their group reporting built on the same books.
- US companies with a mainland or free zone entity in the UAE
- UAE businesses filing corporate tax returns for the first time
- Free zone companies that need to confirm their qualifying status each year
- Groups with intercompany charges, loans or shared services (see corporate tax)
How it works
The same four steps as every engagement, starting with a conversation.
A conversation
A 30-minute call with a partner about your entity, its licence, its tax registrations and the reporting you need.
A review
We look at your registrations, recent returns and ledger, and for free zone companies, the activities behind each revenue stream.
A written proposal
Scope, timetable and terms in writing, within three business days of the review.
Onboarding
Access arranged, opening balances reconciled, and one month run in parallel before we take over.
At a glance
- Authority
- The Federal Tax Authority, for VAT, corporate tax and excise, through EmaraTax
- Entities
- Mainland and free zone companies, and branches of foreign companies
- Frameworks
- IFRS, with US GAAP reporting for US parents
- Your data
- Documents exchanged through an encrypted client portal; access limited to your team
Also in the Gulf: our services in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Questions
Does a free zone company pay corporate tax?
Every free zone company must register and file. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can apply a zero rate to its qualifying income if it meets the conditions, which include adequate substance in the free zone and audited financial statements; other income is taxed at the standard rate. Because the conditions apply year by year, we test them every year.
Who files our returns with the Federal Tax Authority?
Returns are submitted through EmaraTax under your own registration, once you have approved them. Where you have appointed a registered tax agent, we prepare the returns and working papers and work alongside them.
Can you audit our financial statements?
No. The audit is carried out by a licensed UAE auditor, and the firm that keeps a company's books should not also audit them. We prepare the financial statements and schedules and work with your auditor through to signing.
What do you need from us to start?
Your trade licence and tax registration details, recent returns and financial statements, access to your accounting software and bank feeds, and a contact for your EmaraTax account. We also verify the identity of the company and its beneficial owners before work begins.
Speak with a partner
Every enquiry is read by a partner and answered within one business day. Meetings are held at our offices, at yours, or by video.