How will corporation tax returns be filed and what supporting documents are expected to be provided?

A company subject to Corporate Tax in UAE must enroll with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and get a tax identification number under the time frame that the final constitution will specify. If an individual does not willingly enlist a firm for Corporate Tax reasons, it is possible that the Federal Tax Authority will force it to do so. If a company is no longer liable to file Corporate Tax in UAE, it may also go through the process of deregistering. Corporations will just require to equip and file single tax returns (together with supplementary pertinent favoring schedules) with the federal tax authority (FTA) for every tax interval, which will save time and money on managerial tasks. Within 9 months of the conclusion of the applicable tax period, a Corporate tax return must be completed and any associated payments must be furnished. Read ahead to learn more about filing corporation tax;

Filing of corporation tax returns and supporting documents 

It is confirmed that corporate tax returns will be electronically catalogued through a website gateway, much like the VAT and Economic Substance Regulations filings. The supporting documents that require to be filed have not yet been given any details but will definitely be stated in the final law update.

According to corporate taxes in different countries, you possibly need to have the following documents;

  1. Financial records
  2. Computation of taxable income that displays changes brought to the net yield in accounting.
  3. Worksheets and schedules for tax devaluation
  4. Records regarding transfer pricing
  5. Information on transactions involving relatives
  6. Provisions movement

Moreover, if we navigate the proposed corporate tax regime thoroughly, the following details are given regarding the process of filing documentation to meet up the proposed compliance requirements;

  • A firm will only be required to equip and file one tax return with the Federal Tax Authority for each tax period, together with any additional applicable supporting records, to reduce the administrative load on taxpayers. A corporation won't be required to submit a provisional corporate tax return or pay back advance Corporate taxes.
  • The Federal Tax Authority must receive each tax return along with any necessary supporting records within 9 months after the conclusion of the applicable Tax Period.
  • Within 9 months after the conclusion of the applicable Tax Period, expenses must be made to relieve a taxpayer's Corporate Tax liability for that duration. If a taxpayer can show that a Corporate Tax refund might be owed, the taxpayer can apply to the Federal Tax Authority to ask for a refund.

Knowledgeable corporate tax advisors not only help you to design your policies according to the proposed corporate tax regime but also facilitate you through the entire process of filing tax returns.

Read More: How is corporate tax Calculated?

What are documentation requirements as per the corporate tax regime? 

The Corporate Tax return and other papers filed to the Federal Tax authority must be supported by monetary and other documents that the business must keep at hand. Additionally, some exempted individuals will need to keep evidence so that the Federal Tax Authority can verify their exempt status.

The relevant corporation rules and laws still control whether an organization's financial statements must be audited by a certified audit enterprise. A Free Zone individual, however, has audited financial accounts to take advantage of the corporate income tax UAE regime's 0% corporate tax rate.

You should also consult corporate tax advisory services to avoid any conflict regarding compliance and documentation.

UAE's participation in the extensive framework of OECD implements Corporate Tax logic, especially in light of talks surrounding the Pillar II suggestion. Comparing the planned rate of tax to additional jurisdictions, it is yet very affordable at nine percent. 

Additionally, the Consultation Document illustrates that the proposed Corporate tax regime is established on internationally accepted and widely used doctrines, which makes the tax and implementation process for companies prone to comparable regimes in distinct jurisdictions reasonably efficient. The bill appears to also protect several of the most distinctive tax advantages of the UAE, such as the tax advantages granted to firms established in free zones.

Read more: Corporation Tax Planning in UAE: Tax Saving Strategies for Businesses

What are transitional rules in the administrative process of corporate tax in UAE?

Corporations will not need to restate their balance sheets to comply with the UAE Corporate Tax system once they do so. Rather, a taxable individual's closing balance sheet for financial reporting goals for the duration that ends right before the start of their first tax period would typically be their beginning balance sheet for Corporate Tax purposes.

When will the first tax period start?

Federal corporate tax law will be enforced with full effect in the upcoming year 2023. Consequently, the first reportable period will start on 1st July 2023 and will last up to 30th June 2024. All businesses that fall under the scope of corporate tax in United Arab Emirates will have to prepare to report their taxes as soon as the first period starts. The businesses will be required to file their taxes before march 2025, and so on and so forth