Corporate Tax in UAE – Scopes & Exemptions

Overview

Am I supposed to pay Corporate Tax if? Corporate tax (CT) is a direct tax applied to the net income or profit of corporations and other entities from their business activities. It is also known as “Corporate Income Tax (CIT)” or “Business Profits Tax” in some regions. On January 31, 2022, the UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced the introduction of a federal corporate tax system, effective for financial years starting on or after June 1, 2023, and remaining the same until today. Excluding Bahrain, the UAE now offers the GCC region’s lowest corporate tax rate, set at 9%. All your queries regarding the CT are answered in this article.

Aims of Corporate Tax in UAE

By implementing corporate tax, the UAE seeks to:  

• Strengthen their status as a premier global center for business and investment.  
• Drive its growth and transformation to achieve key strategic goals.  
• Demonstrate its commitment to international tax transparency standards and the prevention of harmful tax practices.

Scope of Corporate Tax in UAE

Corporate Tax (CT) will apply to:  

• All businesses and individuals operating under a commercial license in the UAE.  
• Free zone businesses (The UAE CT regime will maintain the current tax incentives for free zone businesses, provided they meet regulatory requirements and refrain from conducting business in the UAE mainland).  
• Foreign entities and individuals if they conduct trade or business in the UAE on an ongoing or regular basis.  
• Banking operations.  
• Businesses involved in real estate management, construction, development, agency, and brokerage activities.

Exemptions of Corporate Tax in UAE

Here are a few exemptions from corporate tax (CT):  

• Businesses involved in natural resource extraction are exempt from CT as they remain subject to existing Emirate-level taxation.  
• Dividends and capital gains earned by UAE businesses from qualifying shareholdings are exempt from CT.  
• Qualifying intra-group transactions and reorganizations are not subject to CT, provided the required conditions are met.  
• Salaries & employment income from the public or private sector.  
• Interest and other earnings from bank deposits or savings schemes.  
• Income from dividends, capital gains, interest, royalties, and other returns earned by foreign investors.  
• Real estate investments are made in a personal capacity.  
• Dividends, capital gains, and other income from owning shares or securities in a personal capacity.  

Corporate Tax Calculation Rates – UAE

As per the Ministry of Finance, CT rates are:

• 0 percent for taxable income up to AED 375,000
• 9 percent for taxable income above AED 375,000 and
• a different tax rate (not yet specified) for large multinationals is set. 

Federal Tax Authority (FTA) will be responsible for the administration, collection, and enforcement of the CT. FTA  provides more references and guides about corporate tax and information on how to register and file returns on its website.

Conclusion

Hope things are clear! Corporate Tax (CT) in the UAE applies to businesses with a 0% rate for income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above it. Exemptions include natural resource businesses, certain dividends, capital gains, and personal investments. Free zone incentives remain intact. The FTA oversees CT administration. To get a clear idea it is always recommended to talk to one of our experts at Arnifi.