The UAE issued the Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses on 09 December 2022, which applies to both legal entities and natural persons who carry out business or business activities in the UAE. The law requires such persons to register corporate tax as natural persons and file tax returns annually. However, there are certain situations where a natural person may need or want to deregister from corporate tax, such as when the business ceases to exist, when the person no longer meets the criteria for being a taxable person, or in the event of death. This article will explain the conditions for the corporate tax deregistration for natural persons in the UAE.
According to the UAE Corporate Tax Law, a natural person is an individual who conducts a Business or Business Activity in the UAE. A natural person is subject to Corporate Tax on their Business or Business Activity only if their total turnover exceeds AED 1 million in a Gregorian calendar year. The income from wage, personal investment income, or real estate investment income is not taxable under the UAE Corporate Tax Law.
A natural person who is subject to Corporate Tax must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and file annual Tax Returns, reporting their Turnover and Taxable Income. However, there are certain situations where a natural person may need to deregister from Corporate Tax, such as when they cease their Business or Business Activities, or when they die.
A natural person who is registered for Corporate Tax, or sometimes their Legal Representative, must apply for Tax Deregistration with the FTA if they stop their Business or Business Activity due to closure, liquidation, or any other reason. They have to file the application within 3 months from the date they stopped the Business or Business Activity.
The natural person cannot file the deregistration application if they still have any active or ongoing Businesses or Business Activities, even if their Turnover is below the AED 1 million threshold in a Gregorian calendar year.
A natural person’s Tax Period is the Gregorian calendar year and their Taxable Income covers all the Businesses or Business Activities they did in that year. The Gregorian calendar year starts on 1 January and ends on 31 December. A natural person has only one Tax Registration Number for all their Businesses or Business Activities. If they have more than one Business or Business Activity, they should only deregister when they have stopped all of them.
If a natural person stops their Business or Business Activities in the middle of a Tax Period, the Tax Period ends. They have to submit the Tax Deregistration application within 3 months from the date they stopped and file the Tax Return according to the normal deadlines (9 months after the end of the Tax Period).
The FTA will not approve the Tax Deregistration if the natural person has not filed all the necessary Tax Returns, including the one for the Tax Period up to and including the date they stopped, and paid all the Corporate Tax and Administrative Penalties they owe.
If a natural person applies for deregistration and then starts a new Business or Business Activity in the same year after deregistration, the FTA will reactivate their suspended Tax Registration Number.
In instances where a natural person conducting Business or Business Activities dies, the natural person ceases to be a Taxable Person. The settlement of any outstanding Corporate Tax liabilities due from the natural person prior to the date of death shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Article 42(1) of the Tax Procedures Law. These apply as follows:
The estate representative or any of the heirs must file a Tax Deregistration application with the FTA within 3 months of the date of death of the natural person. The FTA will not approve the Tax Deregistration unless the estate representative or any of the heirs has filed all the required Tax Returns, including the Tax Return for the Tax Period up to and including the date of death, and paid all due Corporate Tax and Administrative Penalties.
A natural person who fails to apply for corporate tax deregistration within the prescribed deadline may face the following consequences:
If you are a natural person who conducts a business or business activity in the UAE, you may be subject to corporate tax if your annual turnover exceeds AED 1 million. However, if you decide to cease your business or business activity, or if your turnover falls below the threshold, you may be eligible to deregister from corporate tax and avoid paying unnecessary taxes and penalties.
Deregistering from corporate tax is not a simple process. You need to follow the rules and procedures set by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and submit the required documents and information. You also need to ensure that you have paid all your outstanding corporate tax liabilities and filed all your corporate tax returns before you can deregister.
This is where Tax Consultants in UAE can help you. We are a team of experienced and qualified tax consultants who can assist you with corporate tax deregistration for natural persons in the UAE. We can:
With our qualified Tax consultants, you can rest assured that your corporate tax deregistration will be handled professionally and efficiently. Click here, We will save you time, money, and hassle and help you avoid any legal risks or complications.
1. Who is considered a “natural person” for UAE corporate tax deregistration?
A natural person is an individual (e.g., freelancer, sole proprietor, or investor) conducting business activities in the UAE. You must deregister if you no longer meet the FTA’s tax registration criteria.
2. When must I deregister from UAE corporate tax as a natural person?
You must deregister within 3 months of ceasing business activities or falling below the AED 1 million revenue threshold.
3. What happens if I miss the FTA’s deregistration deadline?
Late deregistration can lead to penalties of AED 1,000 per month (up to AED 10,000 maximum). Timely compliance is critical to avoid fines.
4. How do I start the corporate tax deregistration process?
Submit a Tax Deregistration Application via the FTA portal, along with supporting documents like financial statements and proof of business closure.
5. What documents are required for tax deregistration?
*Typical documents include:
6. Can I deregister if I have pending tax liabilities?
No. You must settle all outstanding taxes, file final returns, and resolve audits with the FTA before deregistration.
7. Will I receive confirmation after deregistration?
Yes. The FTA issues a Tax Deregistration Certificate once approved. Keep this for future compliance records.
8. Do I need a tax agent to deregister as a natural person?
While not mandatory, hiring a tax agent ensures accuracy, avoids errors, and speeds up the process.
9. What are common mistakes to avoid during deregistration?
10. Can I re-register for UAE corporate tax after deregistration?
Yes. If you restart business activities meeting the FTA’s criteria, you must re-register within 3 months.
Shayan Khan is an experienced Corporate Tax Consultant with over 4 years of expertise. He’s skilled in negotiating and investigating taxes with government bodies like the Federal Tax Authority. Shayan is really good at reviewing and drafting tax papers and offers strategic advice on complex tax matters. Clients trust his guidance in navigating tax procedures and minimizing liabilities.