Bookkeeping services in Dubai record and organise your business transactions so that your VAT returns and corporate tax filings are accurate. UAE law requires corporate tax records to be kept for at least seven years after the end of the tax period they relate to, and VAT records for at least five years. Good bookkeeping is how you meet both without a scramble at filing time.
What do bookkeeping services in Dubai include?
Scope varies by provider, so ask for a written list. A typical monthly service covers:
- recording and categorising sales, purchases and expenses
- bank and card reconciliation
- tracking amounts owed to you and by you
- keeping invoices, receipts and supporting documents organised
- preparing VAT-ready records
- producing monthly management reports such as profit and loss and balance sheet
Bookkeeping is the record-keeping layer. Preparing VAT returns, corporate tax returns and advisory work are separate services, and some providers bundle them.
What records does UAE law require you to keep?
Corporate tax. Taxable Persons and Exempt Persons must keep relevant records for at least seven years following the end of the tax period they relate to. The FTA says Taxable Persons must keep:
- records of their transactions in the tax period
- a record of assets, including purchases and disposals
- a record of liabilities
- a record of any shares held at the end of the tax period
VAT. VAT-registered businesses must keep records such as balance sheets and income statements, records of wages and salaries, fixed asset records, records of all supplies and imports of goods and services, and all tax invoices and tax credit notes issued and received. The minimum retention period is five years after the end of the tax period, and longer periods apply to some assets such as real estate.
Extra time for refund claims. From 1 April 2026 the retention period is extended by two years for tax periods linked to a refund claim that was submitted before the statute of limitations expired.
| Tax | Minimum retention |
|---|---|
| Corporate tax | At least 7 years after the end of the tax period |
| VAT | At least 5 years after the end of the tax period, longer for some assets |
| Refund claims | 2 extra years for the tax periods linked to the claim |
The FTA warns that failing to keep the required records leads to administrative penalties under the relevant tax legislation.
How does bookkeeping connect to your tax filings?
- VAT: registered businesses must report the VAT they charged and the VAT they paid on a regular basis. The numbers come straight from your books. See our VAT return filing guide.
- Corporate tax: returns are due within nine months of the end of the tax period, and the FTA uses your records to verify revenue and taxable income. See our corporate tax filing guide.
- Reliefs and elections: claiming a relief means you need records that prove you qualify.
What should you check before hiring a bookkeeping service?
- Scope in writing. Which tasks, which reports, and how often?
- Transaction limits. How many monthly transactions does the fee cover, and what happens above that?
- Reconciliation. Are bank and card accounts reconciled every month?
- VAT-readiness. Are records kept so that VAT returns can be prepared from them?
- Document handling. How do you send receipts and invoices, and where are they stored?
- Named contact. Will you deal with a dedicated accountant?
- Fee model. Is it a fixed monthly fee, and what is outside it?
Our guide to choosing an accounting service in Dubai goes deeper, and 10 bookkeeping mistakes UAE small businesses make shows what to avoid.
What if your books are behind?
Many small businesses fall behind before a deadline. Catch-up bookkeeping rebuilds the missing months from bank statements and documents so you can file accurately. Our catch-up accounting service does this, and the earlier you start, the less it costs.
How TaxBox bookkeeping works
TaxBox offers monthly bookkeeping on fixed monthly fees that depend on your transaction volume, with plans for up to 50, 150 or 300 transactions a month. Every plan covers the accounting work plus VAT and corporate tax filing, with WhatsApp support. See our pricing or book a free consultation to find the right fit.
Frequently asked questions
What do bookkeeping services in Dubai include? Typically recording and categorising transactions, bank reconciliation, tracking invoices and bills, organising supporting documents, preparing VAT-ready records and producing monthly reports. Scope varies, so ask for it in writing.
How long must I keep accounting records in the UAE? Corporate tax records must be kept for at least seven years after the end of the tax period they relate to. VAT records must be kept for at least five years, and longer periods apply to some assets.
What happens if I do not keep proper records in the UAE? The FTA states that failing to keep the required records results in administrative penalties under the relevant tax legislation.
Is bookkeeping the same as accounting? No. Bookkeeping records and organises transactions. Accounting includes preparing returns and financial statements, analysis and advice. Many providers offer both.
Can a bookkeeper fix books that are months behind? Yes. Catch-up bookkeeping rebuilds missing months from bank statements and source documents so VAT and corporate tax filings can be prepared accurately.
Sources
- Federal Tax Authority: Record retention requirements for corporate tax
- Federal Tax Authority: Get to know your tax obligations (VAT record-keeping)
- Ministry of Finance: Amendments to the Tax Procedures Executive Regulation effective April 2026
- Ministry of Finance: Corporate Tax in the UAE
This article is general information, not tax advice. Rules, dates and penalty amounts change, so check the Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority before you act.