UAE FTA urges businesses to maintain records and submit Corporate Tax returns within nine months to avoid penalties.
ABU DHABI: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has reminded all Taxable Persons in the UAE of their obligation to retain accurate records and supporting documentation when filing Corporate Tax Returns. The records are essential for verifying a company’s Taxable Income and ensuring compliance with the UAE Corporate Tax Law.
While required documentation may vary depending on the nature of the business, essential records include transaction logs for the Tax Period, details of assets and liabilities, and shareholding records at the end of each period. The FTA emphasised that failure to maintain such documentation will result in administrative penalties in accordance with the relevant legislation.
Exempt Persons are also required to maintain records to validate their exempt status. Both Taxable Persons and Exempt Persons must keep records for at least seven years from the end of the relevant Tax Period.
The FTA has further reiterated that all Taxable Persons must submit their Tax Returns and settle any Corporate Tax payable within nine months from the end of their financial year. For instance, a company with a fiscal year ending on 31 December 2025 is required to file its Tax Return and pay Corporate Tax by 30 September 2026. Exempt Persons that are required to register must also submit their annual declarations within the same timeframe.
To support businesses, the FTA has made Corporate Tax Registration, filing, and payments available through the EmaraTax platform, which offers 24/7 access and simplified digital services. Companies may also choose to seek assistance from registered tax agents listed on the FTA’s website.
The Authority has urged businesses to familiarise themselves with the Corporate Tax Law, Cabinet Decisions, Ministerial Decisions, and FTA-issued guides, all of which are accessible via tax.gov.ae. Timely compliance, the FTA stressed, will help businesses avoid late fines and ensure smoother tax administration.
