Khaleej Times, Monday, Jan 23, 2023 | Rajab 1, 1444
Federal Tax Authority opens pre-registration for corporate tax
Emirates:
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) on Sunday announced that it launched early
registration for corporate tax through the EmaraTax platform to ensure digital
tax services to the registered members and businesses.
The latest move is in line with Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the
Taxation of Corporations and Businesses, which stipulates that taxable persons
will become subject to corporate tax from the beginning of their first financial
year that starts on or after June 1, 2023.
The authority explained that the early registration period is available from
January 2023 to May 2023 for certain categories of companies operating in the
UAE. These selected companies will be receiving invitations from the FTA by
email and SMS, allowing them to register via the EmaraTax platform.
"Since the announcement of corporate tax in the UAE, the FTA has intensified its
efforts, in collaboration with the competent authorities, to develop procedures
to implement it in accordance with the highest standards," FTA director-general
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, said.
He said the FTA will ensure the efficiency, accuracy, and seamlessness of
administrative procedures in a way that will not impact business operations and
flow. "The authority prioritises supporting all business sectors to comply with
tax regulations and procedures through flexible mechanisms that align with
international best practices,” Al Bustani said.
The UAE corporate tax regime, with only nine per cent levy from June 1,2023,
will be amongst the most competitive in the world. The corporate tax on business
profits above Dh375,000 ($102,110) will help diversify government revenue away
from the oil sector and broaden the government’s revenue base.
Who can register
Pankaj S. Jain, managing director of AskPankaj Tax Advisors, said the corporate
tax registration will be distinct and independent of the VAT registrations.
"All businesses (w.g. free zones, companies and individuals would be required to
register even if the taxable income is below the threshold of Dh375,000 per
annum or exempt," Jain told Khaleej Times on Sunday.
In reply to a question, he said businesses are not required to take any action
on corporate tax registration as of now unless they received an "invitation to
register" during the January-Mayperiod.
"No penalties relating to registration may be imposed if the businesses ensure
to register at least before the due date for tax return submission (i.e. nine
months from the end of the relevant financial year)," Jain said.
Mahar Afzal, managing partner at Kress Cooper Management Consultants, if the
individuals have taken the business licence and conduct commercial activity like
working as an owner of the sole establishment, civil company etc., such
businesses are liable to register for tax, and their taxable income will be
subject to corporate tax.
"The new tax regime allows a generous compliance period to implement the new
levies in the country. With a financial year starting on June 1, 2023, and
ending on May 31, 2024, businesses will have until February 28, 2025, to file
their tax returns and make payments," Afzal said.
After the pre-registration phase, the FTA will announce at a later date when
registration will be open for other companies and businesses.
The FTA will make sure to give ample time for companies and businesses to apply
for registration and meet their legal obligations. When registration opens,
priority will be given to companies and businesses that have a financial year
starting on June 1, 2023.
The authority welcomes any feedback and suggestions during this phase to ensure
continuous improvements of registration procedures and processes.
“The authority is committed to positioning itself as a partner and ally to
business sectors, making dedicated efforts to safeguard their interests and
support the national economy at the same time through balanced and transparent
procedures that strengthen the UAE’s competitive environment,” Al Bustani said.