UAE Federal Tax Authority Sets Timeframe for Corporate Tax Registrations

Created On: June 12, 2024
Newsletter, U.A.E.

Modified On: January 12, 2026

Share

The FTA (Federal Tax Authority) of UAE has established deadlines for submitting Corporate Tax registration applications as a part of their efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships with Taxable Persons. Taking to various media channels, the authority disseminated this information to ensure smooth and accurate tax compliance.

In this edition, we have presented you with all the deadlines and requirements to ensure compliance with corporate tax.

New Extended Deadline 2024

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) of the UAE has announced an extension for corporate tax filing and payment deadlines for certain businesses.

Entities with short tax periods ending on or before February 29, 2024, now have until December 31, 2024, to file their returns and complete tax payments. This applies to companies established, formed, or recognized on or after June 1, 2023, whose first corporate tax period is shorter than the standard 12-month cycle, according to the Federal Tax Authority.

Khaled Al Bustani, Director General of the FTA, explained that the extension is intended to provide businesses ample time to meet their tax obligations without incurring administrative penalties.

The UAE’s federal corporate tax system, introduced with a 9% rate for financial years starting on or after June 1, 2023, applies to companies with annual profits exceeding Dh375,000 ($102,100).

In May last year, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that businesses with turnover exceeding Dh1 million in a calendar year will be subject to corporate tax. The tax system is designed to apply only to income derived from business activities.

Earlier Deadlines in 2024

The Director General of FTA, AL Bustani stressed the importance of meeting deadlines in FTA decision No. 3 of 2024, which is likely to be effective from 1^st March 2024. Taxable Persons holding licenses issued in January and February, not considering the year of issuance, and juridical persons without holding a license as of 1^st March 2024 need to submit their Corporate Tax registration application by the deadline of 31^st May 2024. Besides, resident juridical persons holding licenses that were issued in March and April have a deadline of 30^th June 2024 to submit their applications, regardless of the year of issuance.

Businesses operating in the UAE can have a look at this corporate tax compliance guide and ensure adherence to the new regime.

Campaigns to Spread Awareness

The FTA carried out this campaign during the launch of a new awareness workshop in Dubai. This is a part of the second phase of the comprehensive campaign by the FTA to educate business sectors and stakeholders on Corporate Tax Compliance. The campaign was initiated last year and aims to enhance knowledge on taxation, besides encouraging Taxable Persons to voluntarily comply with tax regulations.

With an impressive attendance of 842 stakeholders, including 52 senior officials from public and private sectors, the workshop witnessed record participation. Currently, the FTA is intensifying its efforts to enhance direct communications with tax stakeholders and business sectors throughout the country through virtual and physical workshops. The authority is also engaging with business assemblies and economic councils in industrial and commercial areas to achieve this goal.

Importance of Free Zones

Al Bustani also explained the significance of Free Zones in the economy of the UAE. Recently, the FTA has issued a comprehensive Corporate Tax Guide for Free Zone Persons. This guide outlines the main features of the Free Zone regime that encourage innovation and investment within these areas. The FTA remains committed to ensuring that all Free Zone Persons clearly understand these guides and can access the information.

Highlights of the Workshop

The high turnout of the workshop reveals strong interest from businesses to understand their obligations under the Corporate Tax regime in the UAE. The representatives of the FTA provided a detailed overview of the law and strategies to deploy it. It covers different aspects like taxable income, identifying Taxable Persons, Permanent Establishments of Non-Resident Persons, business restructuring relief, conditions to establish a tax group, and transitional rules. The FTA also clarified the standard for applying corporate tax in Free Zones. It includes the conditions that qualified Free Zone Persons must follow to benefit from the 0% Corporate Tax rate.

Registration Process

One can register for Corporate Tax any time, which is available 24/7 through the digital tax services platform called ‘EmaraTax’. The registration process is fast and easy, and takes just a few steps to be completed. The FTA has also expanded its channels to submit Corporate Tax registration applications through government service centres across the UAE.

Professional Assistance to Ensure Tax Compliance

While FTA strives to ensure tax compliance through its comprehensive approach, businesses operating in the UAE must be well-informed and prepared to fulfil the new set of obligations. Trusted corporate tax consultants in Dubai like the IMC Group continue to play a vital role in this evolving ecosystem, offering expert guidance and support to businesses navigating the changing tax regime. Successful companies operating in the country habitually partner with these professionals for assistance in ensuring tax compliance. This approach proves effective in fostering a robust and compliant economic environment in the UAE.

Expand your business faster with our Global Capability Center

Global Entity Management is more than compliance

Let’s build the full structure right

Cross-Border Succession Planning for UAE Family Businesses

Don’t rely on assumptions

Conduct Due Diligence across HR, financial, and operational areas.

Your Vision, Our Mission.
Let's Discuss.

Entity Management

International Expansion

Company Formation

Global Mobility Services

Tax & Statutory Accounting

Family Business

Trust and Foundation Formation

Lifestyle & Luxury Asset Management

Succession Planning Services

Private Company Services

Treasury Services

Accounting Services & Regulatory Reporting

CFO

Global Capability Center(GCC)

Accounting

Outsourcing

Due Diligence

UAE Federal Tax Authority Sets Timeframe for Corporate Tax Registrations

New Extended Deadline 2024

Earlier Deadlines in 2024

Campaigns to Spread Awareness

Importance of Free Zones

Highlights of the Workshop

Registration Process

Professional Assistance to Ensure Tax Compliance

Cross-Border Succession Planning for UAE Family Businesses

India’s Labour Code Rollout Is Now Moving Beyond Announcements

India Moves OCI Fully Online Under Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026

Your Vision, Our Mission. Let's Discuss

Get Started

About

Our Offices

Your Vision, Our Mission.
Let's Discuss