Corporate Tax Period and Submission: All You Have to Know

Having knowledge of taxation is crucial for running any business. If you're operating a business in the UAE, it's important to understand the country's tax system, which now includes corporate tax. In this blog, we'll explore the basics of UAE corporate tax, including the tax period and submission deadline.

In order to align with international standards, the UAE government has introduced a new corporate tax structure. Traditionally, the UAE has relied heavily on its oil-based economy, but now it aims to change that by implementing this tax structure. The government has been investing in innovation and technology to diversify its sources of revenue and has also been making tax reforms to attract more businesses. This process began with the introduction of VAT in 2018 and has now progressed with the introduction of corporate tax. On January 31, 2022, the Ministry of Finance announced the implementation of UAE corporate tax, which is set to begin in June 2023, coinciding with the start of the new financial year.

Understanding the UAE Corporate Tax Period

The UAE corporate tax period refers to the specific timeframe during which a business is required to report its financial information and file tax returns. The UAE corporate tax period is usually aligned with the Gregorian calendar year, which means it follows the regular January to December timeframe. It can also be based on the twelve-month period for which the business prepares its financial statements.

If a business wishes to change its tax period, such as altering the start or end date or opting for a different time frame, it can submit a request to the tax authority. However, any changes in the tax period are subject to certain conditions and regulations established by the authority.

Deadline for UAE Corporate Tax: When and How to Submit

As per Article 51 of the Decree, businesses subject to UAE corporate tax must submit their tax returns to the authorities following the guidelines provided. It is important to note that the tax return should be filed within nine months from the end of the applicable UAE corporate tax period or by a date specified by the tax authority.

To better grasp the process, let's consider the following examples:

UAE Corporate Tax Period and Filing Deadlines based on Financial Year End

If a business's financial year ends on May 31st:

  • The Corporate Tax Law will take effect from June 1, 2023, and the first tax period will run from June 20, 2023, to May 31, 2024.
  • The deadline for filing the tax return for this period will be February 28, 2025.

 

If a business's financial year ends on December 31st:

  • Although the UAE Corporate Tax Law starts on June 1, 2023, it will be applicable to the business from the next financial year, beginning January 1, 2024.
  • The first tax period for such a business will span from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
  • The deadline for filing the tax return for this period will be September 30, 2026.

 To know more about Corporate Tax registration period and registration requirements, check out here.

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