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  How I Use Zoho Books to Stay Compliant with UAE FTA VAT Rules Managing VAT compliance in the UAE can be challenging, especially with all the requirements from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Over time, I found that using the right tools is key to making this process much easier—and one tool that really helps me is  Zoho Books . Why VAT Compliance Matters to Me Since VAT was introduced in the UAE, I realized how important it is to keep accurate records, generate the right invoices, and file my VAT returns on time. Missing any of these can lead to penalties or unwanted complications. How Zoho Books Helps Me Manage VAT Easily Here’s why I rely on Zoho Books for my VAT needs: Automatic VAT Calculations:  Zoho Books calculates VAT on all my sales and purchases automatically according to UAE rules, which saves me time and avoids mistakes. FTA-Compliant Invoices:  The invoices I generate include all the details required by the FTA, so I’m always confident they’re correct...
  When to File UAE Corporate Tax: Key Deadlines You Need to Know With the introduction of Corporate Tax in the UAE, it’s essential for businesses to understand their tax filing obligations to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. What Is the Filing Deadline for UAE Corporate Tax? The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requires all businesses subject to Corporate Tax to file their tax returns  within 9 months after the end of their financial (tax) year . This means: If your company’s financial year ends on  December 31 , your Corporate Tax return must be submitted by  September 30  of the following year. If your business has an alternative tax period approved by the FTA, the 9-month deadline starts from the end of that specific period. Why Is Timely Filing Important? Failing to file your Corporate Tax return on time can lead to: Penalties and fines  imposed by the FTA. Potential complications in your business operations or future registrations. Increased scrutiny ...
  Understanding Corporate Tax for Free Zone Companies in the UAE As the UAE continues to implement its Corporate Tax regime, many businesses operating in Free Zones are asking:  Do Free Zone companies need to register and pay Corporate Tax?  The answer is yes—with some important considerations. When Must Free Zone Companies Register for Corporate Tax? You must register if your Free Zone company: Earns  taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 per year . Conducts business  outside the Free Zone  or with companies in the mainland UAE. Even if your Free Zone company does not owe tax,  you are still required to register and file tax returns , including nil returns, to comply with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requirements. Key Compliance Points for Free Zone Companies Registration is generally mandatory  for Free Zone companies regardless of whether tax is payable. Filing tax returns  is required every year, even if your company owes no tax. If you...
  UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) Eases Corporate Tax Rollout with New Measures The UAE is continuing to evolve its tax landscape, and the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has recently introduced important updates aimed at helping businesses adapt smoothly to the new Corporate Tax regime. Late Corporate Tax Registration? No Penalty — For Now One of the most significant recent announcements from the FTA came on  May 7, 2025 : the authority announced a  waiver of penalties for late corporate tax registrations . This move is designed to ease the transition into the new tax system by offering businesses a grace period to comply without facing administrative fines. Here’s how it works: Businesses and certain exempt entities that missed the original registration deadline will  avoid penalties if they submit their tax returns or annual statements within seven months from the end of their first tax period . This approach is intended to encourage early compliance while reducing ...

Late Corporate Tax Registration? You Could Have Your Penalty Waived!

Missed your UAE corporate-tax registration deadline? You’re facing a AED 10,000 penalty—but there’s still hope. File your corporate-tax return within 7 months of your financial year-end, and you can request a full waiver. Why it works: The FTA grants a “second-chance” window: file within 7 months, and late-registration fines may be scrapped. Citing valid causes—such as health setbacks, misunderstandings of the new law, or unforeseen business disruptions—strengthens your waiver request. Quick Steps to Stay Penalty-Free Register Today: Don’t delay any longer—get your entity on the FTA portal. File on Time: Submit your return within 7 months after year-end. Request Waiver: Attach a brief cover letter outlining your reasons and any supporting docs. Missed the Window? You’ll owe AED 10,000 and could face extra fines—but you can still: Apply for an installment plan Petition the FTA for reconsideration (with strong justification) Bottom Line Act swiftly: ...