Which taxes will apply to businesses in the UAE?

The UAE has recently implemented a Corporate tax and a Value Added tax. Depending on your business activities, you may also have to comply with customs duties and excise tax, and transfer pricing considerations.

Is VAT registration obligatory for all businesses in Dubai?

Certainly, VAT registration is obligatory for businesses with taxable supplies and imports over AED 375,000 each year. If your supplies and imports exceed AED 187,500, you can still register for VAT voluntarily.

Do Dubai Free Zone companies pay corporate tax?

Free Zone companies enjoy 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, assuming the company can demonstrate sufficient substance and compliance. Non-qualifying income could potentially be taxed at 9%.

How do I register for corporate tax in the UAE?

Businesses must register online at the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) portal and receive a Corporate Tax Registration Number (TRN).

What are the consequences of not registering for VAT or Corporate Tax in Dubai?

You may face monetary sanctions, punishments, potential for the cancellation of business licenses, and so on. The timely registration and filing of taxes are fundamentally important

Will people be subject to corporate tax in the UAE?

Corporate tax applies to taxable income; personal income, employment income, or investment income is not taxable income unless the income is derived from an activity, which is derived from a business entity, which is under license.

Why should I hire a tax consultant in Dubai?

A tax consultant supports you in accurate tax planning, registration, filing a return, compliance, representation with a tax authority, getting what you can claim for exemption or exemptions, and the avoidance of penalties.

How regularly do I need to file VAT returns in the UAE?

Filing a VAT return will be done quarterly for most businesses but you may have to file monthly depending on turnover/frequency, or the reporting of the FTA, or otherwise.

Expert Tax Consultant in Dubai, UAE

The Total CFO offers expert tax consultants in Dubai, UAE to help businesses effectively navigate complex VAT and corporate tax regulations. Our experienced consultants ensure your company stays compliant, reduces tax liabilities, and maximizes efficiency in line with the UAE’s evolving tax laws.

Navigating the Evolving UAE Tax Landscape

The introduction of new tax laws, including corporate tax, has altered the financial landscape for businesses in the UAE over the past two years. The UAE remains one of the world’s most vibrant business hubs, but companies now need to adapt to continually changing tax laws and regulations.

The Total CFO works with all business sizes, ranging from start-ups, SME, to multinational enterprises. Partnering with UAE tax experts means you get:

Strategic guidance on managing tax obligations effectively
Intelligent structuring for long-term tax efficiency
Reduced risk of costly missteps and penalties

A reliable Dubai tax consultant adds clarity and confidence to your financial decision-making. Now that you have a tax advisor in the UAE, you can focus on growing your business while we manage the complexity of taxation.

UAE Tax Law: What Businesses Need to Know

The UAE Federal Corporate Tax Law, effective for financial years starting on or after June 1, 2023, applies to all businesses that are registered, incorporated, or effectively managed and controlled in the UAE. It also applies to certain non-resident entities with a permanent establishment in the UAE.

The corporate tax rates are:

0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 (to support startups and small businesses/MSMEs).
9% on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 per tax period.

Note: The law applies to juridical persons (companies) and certain non-resident entities — not to individual residents unless they are conducting business activities in the UAE that fall under the tax scope.

The Importance of a Tax Consultant in Dubai, UAE

The UAE tax legislation establishes safety mechanisms with possibilities for growth, but the regulations are not without complexity and part of the difficulty is the fast pace of regulatory change. An experienced tax consultant in the UAE can help keep you ahead of the curve. Here is why it matters.

Understanding Complicated Tax Regulations

In the UAE, tax regulations frequently change and staying on top of new regulations is essential to being compliant and economically effective.
Mitigating Penalties and Legal Exposure

A small error can lead to severe financial exposure and legal issues. Working with a reputable tax consultant allows you to manage exposure and mitigate risk.
Tax Planning

Tax planning is ongoing and not a single event. A Tax Consultant is best placed to assure that your business is in a ready position for the future and manage its exposure to tax obligations.
Expert Advice for Every Type of Business

Professional tax consultants in the UAE are able to develop tailored strategies, not only for individuals and start-ups but also for SMEs and leading multi-national companies. Long term financial success goes through tax advisors; after all, you only get one tax return!

Our Tax Consultancy Services

At The Total CFO, we go beyond standard advisory by equipping businesses with practical tax management strategies that improve efficiency and mitigate risk. As a trusted Dubai tax consultant, we offer:

Tax Consulting and Planning

We provide expert guidance on VAT, excise, and corporate taxes to ensure compliance and optimize your tax position. Our team develops customized strategies that minimize liabilities, prevent penalties, and support sustainable business growth in Dubai and across the UAE.
Corporate Tax Advisory

We provide support on structuring your business and transactions to ensure compliance with corporate tax laws while optimizing tax efficiency and minimizing liabilities.
VAT Advisory and Implementation

We assist businesses with VAT registration, reporting, and recovery, providing expert advisory to ensure full compliance with UAE VAT regulations and optimize your tax processes.
Cross-Border and International Taxation

We provide expert guidance for businesses engaged in global trade, helping navigate international tax laws, optimize cross-border transactions, and ensure compliance with both UAE and international regulations.
Tax Risk Management

We help businesses identify, assess, and mitigate tax-related risks, ensuring compliance, minimizing financial exposure, and safeguarding your operations from potential penalties.
Transfer Pricing Advisory

We provide expert guidance on transfer pricing regulations for UAE businesses and multinational companies, ensuring compliance with local and international rules while optimizing intercompany transactions and minimizing tax risks.
Free Zone Advisory

Our Free Zone Advisory services help businesses choose the right free zone, understand applicable incentives, and comply with local regulations, ensuring maximum benefits while operating efficiently in the UAE.

Why Choose Us As Your Tax Consultant in Dubai, UAE

Comprehensive Knowledge of the UAE Tax Framework

A depth of knowledge and expertise in corporate tax, VAT, and cross-border taxation.
Bespoke solutions to your industry

Customized advisory specific to your industry, such as retail, trading, estate agents, or services.
Professional and reliable Consulting Team

The Total CFO has tens of years of combined tax expertise in Dubai, and we use that experience to benefit your firm.
Lower outsourced Tax solutions

Get the benefit of quality advisory without the cost of an internal team.
Proven Experience in Local & International Tax

We provide taxation services in both the UAE and global tax environments.
Focus on Accuracy & Adherence

Our approach is precision and alignment-focused so you can reduce the risks you face.
Flexible Outsourced Advisory Services

Customized offerings to suit your business stage, growth, and needs.
Ongoing Support with Regulatory Changes

Our consulting team is aligned with the latest developments in UAE tax regulations.

Client Testimonials

The TotalCFO, have done an exemplary job from the time they started working with us. Among their notable achievements was helping us understand our project-based transactions’ treatment for VAT and accounting of VAT Liability in a timely manner. This has enabled us to fine tune our Contracts with customers to bring them in line with VAT Legislation of UAE. This has a positive impact on our cash flow management between payment of VAT Liability to the government and collection of dues from customers. I highly recommend working with the The TotalCFO.

Fadi Azar

Chief Financial Officer Falcon Eye Technology LLC Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Total CFO, have been our VAT Consultant for compliance with various VAT Legislation requirements of UAE. We found out that more than required time was spent on preparing timely reports and filing VAT Returns. Accuracy was getting compromised and Reconciliation sheets were getting longer. We were managing the situation outside the ERP system in various Excel sheets

Rashida Rampuri

Financial Controller ME Acteon Middle East FZE JAFZA, Dubai, UAE

The Total CFO has been instrumental in streamlining our corporate tax compliance. Their expertise and hands-on approach have made navigating complex regulations seamless, ensuring that we stay compliant and efficient. They have truly become an extension of our team, helping us focus on growth with confidence.

Carlos de Ceballos

CEO ARANER Holding Ltd DIFC Dubai, UAE

Partner with Trusted Tax Consultants in Dubai

At The Total CFO, we provide clarity, confidence, and strategies that protect your profitability. As your trusted tax consultant in Dubai, we simplify complex regulations, reduce risks, and help you make smarter financial decisions. Partner with us today and position your business for sustainable growth in the evolving UAE tax landscape.

Book A Consultation Now

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Frequently Asked QuestionsYour Top Queries Answered

Which taxes will apply to businesses in the UAE?

The UAE has recently implemented a Corporate tax and a Value Added tax. Depending on your business activities, you may also have to comply with customs duties and excise tax, and transfer pricing considerations.
Is VAT registration obligatory for all businesses in Dubai?

Certainly, VAT registration is obligatory for businesses with taxable supplies and imports over AED 375,000 each year. If your supplies and imports exceed AED 187,500, you can still register for VAT voluntarily.
Do Dubai Free Zone companies pay corporate tax?

Free Zone companies enjoy 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, assuming the company can demonstrate sufficient substance and compliance. Non-qualifying income could potentially be taxed at 9%.
How do I register for corporate tax in the UAE?

Businesses must register online at the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) portal and receive a Corporate Tax Registration Number (TRN).
What are the consequences of not registering for VAT or Corporate Tax in Dubai?

You may face monetary sanctions, punishments, potential for the cancellation of business licenses, and so on. The timely registration and filing of taxes are fundamentally important
Will people be subject to corporate tax in the UAE?

Corporate tax applies to taxable income; personal income, employment income, or investment income is not taxable income unless the income is derived from an activity, which is derived from a business entity, which is under license.
Why should I hire a tax consultant in Dubai?

A tax consultant supports you in accurate tax planning, registration, filing a return, compliance, representation with a tax authority, getting what you can claim for exemption or exemptions, and the avoidance of penalties.
How regularly do I need to file VAT returns in the UAE?

Filing a VAT return will be done quarterly for most businesses but you may have to file monthly depending on turnover/frequency, or the reporting of the FTA, or otherwise.