Heads Up – UAE Corporate Tax Assessments Have Officially Started | What Businesses Need To Do Now?

If you’re running a business in the UAE, here’s a heads-up you shouldn’t ignore: authorities have started issuing official Corporate Tax Assessment notices. This isn’t theory anymore. It’s happening, and companies are already receiving requests under the UAE Tax Procedures Law.

Why does this matter?

Corporate tax in the UAE may be new, but the enforcement framework isn’t. The Federal Tax Authority can now review and assess your filings, verify your taxable income, and request documentation. Think of it as the VAT era all over again, except now it’s corporate profits on the table, not just indirect tax.

An unorganized file isn’t just frustrating. It can lead to assessment delays, penalties, and unnecessary back-and-forth with the FTA.

Documents the authorities may request

If you receive an assessment notice, expect to provide:

• Corporate structure plus branches and locations
• Audited or management accounts prepared under IFRS
• Detailed trial balance and general ledger reports
• Employee list with joining dates, salaries, and benefits
• Revenue and project-wise sales report with cost and margin
• Bank statements with supporting records
• Related-party and connected-person disclosures
• Transfer pricing documentation (if applicable)
  

So how should companies prepare?

Let’s break it down:

Get your books IFRS-ready
Management accounts are fine, but audited financials carry more weight.

Maintain supporting documents for every transaction
Invoices, bank proof, payroll records, they matter now more than ever.

Map out your corporate structure clearly
Branches, group companies, and ownership layers provide clarity and avoid suspicion.

Review related-party transactions
If you deal with sister companies or shareholders, make sure the pricing is justified and documented.

Have tax files organized before you get a notice
Because scrambling after the fact is never fun.

A quick reality check

Most UAE businesses aren’t used to income-tax-style scrutiny. That’s why the compliance mindset shift matters just as much as the paperwork.

The companies that stay on top of records and treat corporate tax seriously will have a smooth ride. The ones who wait for a notice to start organizing their books? Not so much.

Final takeaway

Corporate tax assessments in the UAE have officially started. The best move right now is to get your financial records tight, your documentation complete, and your team aligned. Being audit-ready isn’t about fear. It’s about running a smart, compliant business in a maturing regulatory landscape. Get expert help at Arnifi!