UAE tax & accounting, answered.
The questions we hear most often from UAE founders and finance leads, grouped by topic. Can't find yours? Send us a message.
Corporate Tax
Who must register for UAE Corporate Tax?
All UAE resident juridical persons — mainland and free zone companies — must register with the FTA and obtain a Corporate Tax Registration Number, even if income falls within the 0% bracket. Certain natural persons conducting business in the UAE must also register once turnover exceeds AED 1 million in a calendar year.
What is the UAE Corporate Tax rate?
Taxable income up to AED 375,000 is taxed at 0%, and taxable income above AED 375,000 is taxed at 9%. Multinational groups in scope of Pillar Two may be subject to a different effective rate.
When is the Corporate Tax return filing deadline?
Returns must be filed and any tax due paid within 9 months of the end of your financial year. For a 31 December year end, that means filing and paying by 30 September of the following year.
Do free zone companies need to file a Corporate Tax return?
Yes. Free zone entities must file a return even when they qualify for the 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person rate. We make sure your free zone status is documented correctly so you keep the benefit.
What is the penalty for late Corporate Tax registration or filing?
Late registration triggers an AED 10,000 administrative penalty, and late filing carries its own penalties. TaxBox tracks deadlines and files ahead of them so penalties never apply.
VAT
When must I register for VAT in the UAE?
Registration is mandatory when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 in the past 12 months, or are expected to exceed it in the next 30 days. Voluntary registration is available above AED 187,500.
How often are VAT returns filed?
Most businesses file quarterly; larger businesses (turnover above AED 150 million) file monthly. Returns and payment are due within 28 days of the end of the tax period.
Do I need to file a VAT return if I had no sales?
Yes. VAT-registered businesses must file a return every tax period, even a nil return. We handle nil returns so nothing is missed.
Can I recover VAT on past expenses?
Input VAT can generally be recovered on goods and services used to make taxable supplies, subject to documentation and time-limit rules. We review your records during onboarding and recover what you're entitled to.
Bookkeeping & Catch-Up
Which accounting software do you support?
Primarily Zoho Books, Xero and QuickBooks Online. If you're on another platform we review it during onboarding and recommend whether to migrate.
What if my books are months or years behind?
Catch-up is what we do every day. We agree a fixed catch-up fee upfront and bring your records fully current — reconciled, compliant and ready for VAT and Corporate Tax.
Do you handle payroll?
Yes — WPS-compliant monthly payroll, end-of-service gratuity tracking and payslip distribution can be added to any bookkeeping plan.
Smart CFO
How can a Smart CFO help my business grow?
By providing strategic financial planning, cash flow management, and cost optimization, ensuring your business is financially stable and ready to scale.
Do I need a CFO if I already have an accountant?
Yes. An accountant records transactions, but a CFO guides financial strategy, forecasts growth and improves profitability.
Is Smart CFO support suitable for small businesses?
Absolutely. Our CFO services are designed to help businesses of all sizes optimize finances without the high cost of a full-time CFO.
Pricing
How is TaxBox priced?
Most engagements are on a fixed monthly fee scoped to your entity type, transaction volume and filing obligations. See our SME Starter, Business Growth and CEO Advantage tiers, or get an instant tailored number.
Are your prices monthly or annual?
The headline prices on the pricing page are billed annually. Pay monthly is also available — typically around 20% higher than the annual rate.
Can I get a custom quote for my business?
Yes. Our instant quote takes under a minute and produces a tailored monthly fee for your transaction volume and required services.
Getting Started
How do I start with TaxBox?
Two paths: book a free 30-minute consultation with a qualified advisor, or get an instant fixed-fee quote in under a minute. Both connect you with a real TaxBox accountant — no sales reps.
How long does onboarding take?
Most clients are fully onboarded within the first week — engagement signed, chart of accounts set up, historical books cleaned where needed, and the first monthly close scheduled.
Who will actually do my work?
Every TaxBox client gets a dedicated qualified accountant as the single point of contact — not a junior shifted between accounts. Senior reviewers (FCA / ACCA) sign off on every filing.
Let's talk
Let's get the boring bits off your desk.
Free 30-minute call. We'll tell you what you need filed, when, and what it'll cost. No obligation.
Dubai-based team · FTA-compliant · Instant Response