The implementation of corporate tax in the UAE places emphasis on compliance, reporting, and transparency. Under the current regime, a key deadline is 30 September 2025, marking the corporate tax filing due date for entities with an accounting period ending on 31 December 2024. Failure to comply may result in penalties, financial strain, and complications with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Accordingly, all businesses, whether small enterprises, free zone entities, or large corporations, must understand the requirements, necessary documentation, and preparation steps for corporate tax return filing in the UAE.
Importance of the 30 September 2025 Deadline
For businesses with a financial year ending on 31 December 2024, the corporate tax filing deadline in the UAE is 30 September 2025.
Timely and proper filing ensures:
- Avoidance of UAE corporate tax penalties.
- Smooth business operations without last-minute compliance pressure.
- Clean financial records to enable audits or review of taxes.
- Good standing with investors and regulators.
Penalties for Missing the Corporate Tax Deadline
The FTA has stipulated strict terms of non-compliance. Businesses delaying corporate tax filing UAE may face penalties as follows:
- AED 500 per month (maximum 12 months) for late submission of tax returns.
- AED 10,000 penalty for late corporate tax registration.
- Additional penalties for errors, misdeclarations, or incomplete submissions.
What Businesses Must Do Before Filing
To meet the corporate tax filing deadline UAE on time, businesses are advised to ensure the following:
- Prepare financial statements - Ensure your accounts are properly maintained, preferably audited, in readiness for your filing.
- Calculate taxable income – Dealing with exempt income, reliefs, and deductible allowances under the UAE Corporate Tax Law.
- Determine tax liability – Businesses pay 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000, and 9% on income above that threshold.
- File online using EmaraTax – Submit your tax return on the government's FTA portal.
- Pay on time – Payment of any delayed tax on the due date of the company tax avoids extra charges.
Common Mistakes Resulting in Rejections
The most common mistakes include:
- Submission of incomplete or incorrect documents.
- Classifying exempt or deductible expenses.
- Postponing the audit timing to the last moment.
- Omitting eligible reliefs or group filing benefits.
- Reliance on unaudited data in calculating taxable income.
Practical Steps to Stay Compliant
The following are advised practical steps for the September 2025 corporate tax UAE filing deadline:
- Start early – Don’t wait until the final quarter; begin preparing your financial records now.
- Engage a professional auditor – Verified accounts reduce the risk of rejection.
- Review tax group options – Businesses with subsidiaries may benefit from tax grouping.
- Set internal reminders – Ensure finance teams are aware of the filing timeline.
- Work with tax consultants – Professional guidance ensures you avoid errors and penalties.
By taking these proactive steps, businesses can file on time and ensure compliance with the corporate tax filing UAE framework.
At Corporate Tax UAE., we are committed to assisting businesses with the following:
- Ensuring accurate tax calculations.
- Reviewing exemptions, reliefs, and deductions.
- Filing returns directly with the FTA on time.
- Representing businesses in case of disputes or clarifications.
- Providing ongoing compliance support for future filing periods
With decades of expertise in tax and audit services, Corporate Tax UAE provides businesses with comprehensive support to ensure accurate and compliant corporate tax filing in the UAE, minimizing the risk of penalties. Contact us today for professional assistance.
FAQs
What is the UAE 2025 corporate tax filing deadline?
If your 31 December 2024 financial year-end date, you are required to file your corporate tax in the UAE by 30 September 2025.
My company is late with the UAE corporate tax filing deadline. What happens?
Being late will attract UAE corporate tax penalties of AED 500 a month, and the penalty will increase if you fall further behind.
How do UAE businesses file their corporate tax return?
You need to prepare accurate accounts, calculate the taxable income, and file the corporate tax return through the Emara Tax portal of the Federal Tax Authority.
What documents should I have ready for filing a corporate tax return in the UAE?
Typically, businesses need audited financial statements, an income and expenditure statement, and any supporting schedules for exemptions, deductions, or relief claims.
Why do I have to hire a tax consultant for filing company tax in the UAE?
A professional corporate tax consultant makes sure your filing is correct, completed on time, and spares you penalties — saving money and hassle.
Abrar Ahmad holds a Master’s as well as an MPhil in Finance and has an extensive experience of 10+ years in managing all aspects of Taxation, VAT Consulting and Accounting. He also carries with him a working knowledge of corporate tax and has helped drive value and growth to the businesses of numerous clients.
