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Corporate Tax Registration

Pay Your UAE Corporate Tax Online: The EmaraTax Payment Guide

Paying your UAE Corporate Tax is a critical final step in your compliance cycle. This guide provides a direct, step-by-step walkthrough for making your payment online through the official EmaraTax portal. We cover the exact process, explain payment options, and help you verify your payment so you can complete your obligations accurately and on time.

This guide is based on the official FTA Corporate Tax Payments User Manual and updated for 2025 compliance.

Before You Pay: What's Needed for Your FTA Corporate Tax Payment

Gather these items before you begin the payment process. A few minutes of preparation can save you significant time and prevent issues.

  • EmaraTax Credentials: Your username and password for the portal.
  • Tax Registration Number (TRN): Your unique 15-digit number issued by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
  • Tax Liability Amount: The final tax amount payable from your submitted Corporate Tax return.
  • A Valid Payment Method: Access to a credit card, debit card, or the bank account you will use for a transfer.

How to Pay Corporate Tax via the EmaraTax Portal

Follow these exact steps to locate your tax liability, complete the payment, and confirm its success inside the portal.

Log in to EmaraTax: First, access the EmaraTax portal using your registered credentials. Your main dashboard will be the first screen you see after a successful login.

Locate Your Corporate Tax Return: On the dashboard, find the Corporate Tax section and view your submitted returns. The system will display any outstanding amounts due for payment.

Initiate the Payment: Select the Corporate Tax return that you need to pay. The portal will show you the total amount due. Click the clear "Make Payment" button to proceed to the payment gateway.

Select Your Payment Method: You will be presented with two primary options for making the payment:

  • Credit/Debit Card via MagnatiPay: A direct online payment gateway.
  • Bank Transfer via GIBAN: A transfer from your business bank account.

Choose the method that works best for your business operations.

Verify Payment Status and Download Receipt: After you complete the payment, navigate back to the EmaraTax dashboard. Go to the "My Payments" tab. Check that the transaction status for your Corporate Tax payment shows "Paid." From here, you can also download the official payment receipt PDF for your records.

Your UAE Corporate Tax Payment Options

Each payment method has specific characteristics. Choosing the right one depends on your preference for speed and your bank's features.

Payment Method Description Best For
Credit/Debit Card An instant payment made through the MagnatiPay gateway. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Businesses needing immediate payment confirmation to meet a tight deadline.
Bank Transfer (GIBAN) A transfer to a unique virtual bank account number provided by the FTA for your business. Companies that prefer to use bank transfers for all transactions or are making very large payments.

GIBAN Explained for UAE Businesses

A common point of confusion is the GIBAN. This is not your regular company IBAN. The FTA generates a unique Government Identification Bank Account Number (GIBAN) specifically for your TRN. Using this GIBAN ensures your payment is automatically credited to your tax account. You can find your GIBAN on the EmaraTax dashboard. Always use this specific GIBAN for tax payments, not the FTA's general bank account.

Late Payment Penalties: What You Need to Know

Failing to pay your Corporate Tax on time results in financial penalties. The FTA enforces these penalties to ensure compliance from all businesses.

According to Cabinet Decision No. 75 of 2023, the penalty for late payment of Corporate Tax is 2% of the unpaid tax due for the first month. An additional 4% is levied for each subsequent month the amount remains unpaid, calculated on the outstanding balance. These penalties compound quickly, making timely payment essential.

Common Payment Problems and Solutions

Even with a clear process, issues can arise. Here is how to handle the most frequent problems.

  • Card Payment Fails: If your card is declined, first check with your bank. The payment may exceed your daily online transaction limit, or you may need to pre-authorize international transactions.
  • Bank Transfer Isn't Reflecting: A bank transfer using the GIBAN can take 1-3 business days to appear in your EmaraTax account. If it takes longer, double-check that you used the correct GIBAN.
  • Paid the Incorrect Amount: Should you overpay or underpay, you must contact the FTA directly through their official channels. Do not attempt to fix it with a second payment without guidance.

Final Words About Corporate Tax Online Payments

Your duty does not end once the payment confirmation appears. Your final action should always be to save a record of the transaction receipt. Take a screenshot of the final confirmation screen in EmaraTax and save the bank transaction statement. Keep these records with the corresponding tax return file. In the event of an audit or inquiry years later, this documentation is your definitive proof of timely compliance. A payment is only truly complete once it is properly documented.

Sources

  • Federal Tax Authority (FTA), UAE
  • Cabinet Decision No. 75 of 2023
  • EmaraTax Portal for Taxable Persons