UAE Corporate Tax: Is your business ready?

The UAE’s Corporate Tax regime may seem new to many entrepreneurs, but let’s be clear - September 30 isn’t just a deadline. It’s a litmus test. For your compliance, yes - but more importantly, for your clarity. Your systems. Your financial hygiene. And your ability to adapt to a landscape that’s moving fast, with little margin for error.

At Smart Zone Tax and Accounting, we’ve worked with over 2,000 businesses and managed Dh500M+ in client revenue in the last couple of years. Yet, this year feels different. There’s urgency. Confusion. And too many assumptions - like believing 0 per cent tax means zero action, or that profits under Dh375,000 exempt you from filing.

If your financial year ends December 31, 2024, you must file. Whether you’re a 9 per cent mainland entity or a 0 per cent Free Zone company, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requires full submission via EmaraTax - including financials, transfer pricing (if applicable), and supporting schedules.

• Skipping audited financials

• Misclassifying qualifying vs. non-qualifying income

• Delaying ERP/accounting upgrades

• Misunderstanding exemption status

These mistakes can cost you — through lost tax benefits, audits, or even MOFAIC/bank account freezes.

• “Do we file under 0 per cent tax?”. Yes.

• “Under AED 375,000 profit?”. Yes.

• “New company in 2024?”. It depends.

Kartik Sangar, Partner & Group CFO, Smart Zone, says, “Corporate Tax is no longer just a compliance checkbox. It’s a strategic lever. How you file, what you declare, and how robust your financials are — that’s what will define your risk exposure, your reputation, and even your valuation.”

Smart Zone Tax and Accounting has helped hundreds file right, and secure penalty waivers. We’re now offering a free Corporate Tax Health Check to help you prepare.

If you haven’t started preparing, now is the time. This isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about building a business that’s structured, credible, and future-ready.

Book a call with our tax advisors today!