As a business owner in the UAE, filing taxes can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, understanding tax deductions and utilizing them can help you reduce your tax liability and maximize your profits. Here are some tax filing strategies for UAE that can be used to make the most of their deductions.

Understand the Types of Deductions

Before you can start utilizing tax deductions and tax filing strategies for UAE, it’s important to understand the different types of deductions that are available to UAE companies. The three main types of deductions are:

• Business Expenses: These are expenses that are incurred in the course of running your business, such as rent, salaries, advertising, and office supplies.
• Capital Expenses: These are expenses that are incurred in order to acquire or improve a long-term asset, such as land, buildings, or equipment.
• Personal Deductions: These are expenses that are incurred for personal reasons, such as charitable donations or medical expenses.

Identify Your Business Expenses

The first step in maximizing your deductions is to identify all of your business expenses. This can include expenses such as:

• Rent or mortgage payments for your office or retail space
• Salaries and benefits for your employees
• Insurance premiums
• Marketing and advertising expenses
• Travel expenses
• Professional fees, such as accounting or legal fees

Take Advantage of Depreciation

Depreciation is a tax deduction that allows you to recover the cost of certain assets over time. This can include assets such as buildings, equipment, and vehicles. By taking advantage of depreciation, you can reduce your taxable income and lower your tax liability.

Consider the Benefits of Outsourcing

Outsourcing certain functions, such as accounting or payroll, can help you save time and money. Outsourcing can also help you maximize your deductions by ensuring that all of your expenses are properly recorded and accounted for. By outsourcing these functions to a third-party provider, you can focus on running your business while leaving the tax details to the experts.

Understand the Rules for Personal Deductions

Personal deductions, such as charitable donations or medical expenses, can also help you reduce your tax liability. However, it’s important to understand the rules for claiming these deductions. For example, charitable donations can only be claimed if they are made to a registered charity in the UAE.

• Keep Accurate Records: Accurate record-keeping is critical for maximizing your tax deductions. Make sure to keep all receipts and invoices related to your business expenses. You can also use accounting software or a bookkeeper to help you keep track of your expenses.
• Deduct Your Home Office: If you have a home office, you may be able to deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage, utilities, and other related expenses. To claim this deduction, you must have a dedicated space that is used exclusively for business purposes.
• Consider Tax Credits: In addition to deductions, there are also tax credits available to UAE companies. Tax credits are even more valuable than deductions, as they reduce your tax liability dollar-for-dollar.
• Take Advantage of VAT: The UAE has a value-added tax (VAT) of 5%, which is applicable to most goods and services. However, businesses can also claim VAT refunds on certain expenses, such as business travel, trade shows, and advertising.
• Plan for Retirement: Contributing to a retirement plan, such as a pension or end-of-service gratuity plan, can also help you maximize your deductions. These contributions can reduce your taxable income and lower your tax liability.
• Be Aware of Filing Deadlines: Finally, it’s important to be aware of the filing deadlines for your tax returns. Failure to file on time can result in penalties and interest charges. In the UAE, the tax year runs from January 1 to December 31, and tax returns are due on March 31 of the following year.

Gulf state creates a tax on corporate earnings in line with its neighbors

Historically, many companies in the UAE have paid no income tax on their revenues. On January 31, 2022, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced that the UAE would implement a federal corporate income tax (CT). This, however, is about to change. It is anticipated that the CT system will be in effect for fiscal years beginning on or after 1 June 2023.

Following similar actions in neighboring Gulf States, the UAE is taking this action to comply with international tax norms while reducing the burden of compliance on UAE enterprises and protecting start-ups and small firms. The UAE, which is home to the important commercial center of Dubai, will continue to have one of the lowest rates of corporate taxation in the world, but the change will diversify state income away from fossil fuels.

The assurance of a competitive and best-in-class corporate tax environment, along with the UAE’s wide network of double tax treaties, will strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading center for business and investment, according to Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of MOF. It is anticipated that the CT system will be in effect for fiscal years beginning on or after 1 June 2023.

The following are the primary characteristics of the proposed CT regime, according to the MOF:

SCOPE

All commercial, industrial, and professional operations in the UAE are anticipated to fall under the planned CT regime, with the exception of resource extraction, which is now (and will continue to be) subject to taxation at the Emirate level. Insofar as they possess (or are required by law to possess) a business license or permit to engage in commercial, industrial, and/or professional activities in the UAE, individuals will likewise be subject to the CT regime. This covers earnings made by professionals who work as independent contractors for tasks completed in accordance with a license or authorization.

The proposed federal CT framework will, according to the MOF, also apply to banking activities in the United Arab Emirates (although branches of foreign banks are already subject to a CT regime at an Emirate-level). Additionally, it was announced that the corporate tax incentives now given to free zone enterprises would be honored as long as they complied with all applicable regulations and did not conduct business in the mainland of UAE.

PROPOSED RATES

A different rate (which has not yet been announced) for large multinationals that generate consolidated global revenues above EUR 750m (roughly AED 3.15 bn), in accordance with the Pillar Two of the OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project. 0% rate on taxable income up to AED 375,000 (c. US$ 102,000), 9% rate on taxable income above AED 375,000 and a different rate (which has not yet been announced).

REVENUES EXEMPT FROM CT

Income from the exploitation of natural resources (see previously), dividends and capital gains received by a UAE business from its qualifying shareholdings (i.e., an ownership interest in a UAE or foreign company that satisfies certain conditions to be specified in the UAE CT law). Qualifying intra-group transactions and reorganizations subject to certain conditions to be specified in the UAE CT law and foreign entities and individuals who do not conduct a trade or business in the UAE.

Consult with a Tax Professional

Filing taxes can be a complex process, especially for business owners. Consulting with a tax professional can help you navigate the tax code and identify all of the deductions that are available to your business. A tax professional can also help you plan for future tax liabilities and ensure that you are in compliance with all of the relevant tax regulations and what tax filing strategies for UAE should be adopt.

In conclusion, maximizing your deductions is an important part of tax filing strategies for UAE companies. By understanding the types of deductions that are available, identifying your business expenses, taking advantage of depreciation, outsourcing certain functions, understanding the rules for personal deductions, and consulting with a tax professional, you can reduce your tax liability and maximize your profits. With these strategies, you can file your taxes with confidence and focus on growing your business.