Business Resources
Resources for UAE founders
Practical guides on UAE corporate tax, VAT, accounting and compliance, written by the people who handle the work day to day.
A complete guide to corporate tax filing in Dubai: who must file, the 9-month deadline rule, EmaraTax steps, penalties, and how Small Business Relief works for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2029.

Corporate tax registration is mandatory for almost every UAE business — even at 0%, even in a free zone. This 2026 guide breaks down every deadline by entity type, the AED 10,000 penalty for registering late, and how the FTA's waiver lets you cancel or refund it.

Hit with a AED 10,000 late corporate tax registration fine — or worried you're about to be? The FTA's penalty waiver can cancel it entirely, or refund it if you've already paid, as long as you file your first return within 7 months of your first tax period's end. Here's exactly how it works and how to find your deadline.

Small Business Relief has been extended. Under Ministerial Decision No. 131 of 2026, businesses with revenue of AED 3 million or less can elect it for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2029. Here is who qualifies, what you still have to file, and when electing it is not the best choice.

Corporate tax registration is done online through the FTA's EmaraTax portal and is mandatory for almost every UAE business, even those taxed at 0%.

Value Added Tax remains a critical compliance obligation for UAE small businesses. This 2026 guide covers everything from EmaraTax portal steps to avoiding automatic FTA penalties.

Since the UAE introduced its federal corporate tax regime in June 2023, every business must understand their legal obligations to avoid financial consequences and FTA penalties.

Bookkeeping mistakes in the UAE can lead to expensive compliance failures. Learn how to avoid mixing personal finances, missing tax invoices, and other common errors.

Choosing a tax consultant in Dubai is a critical decision for UAE SMEs. This guide covers FTA registration, industry experience, and red flags to watch for in 2026.

Selecting the right accounting partner is a critical risk management decision. This 2026 guide explores how to evaluate UAE expertise, technology, and pricing structures.
Guides
In-depth guides
Longer-form walkthroughs on hiring an accountant, choosing a firm, and getting your books UAE-ready.
Who must file, the 9-month deadline rule, EmaraTax steps, penalties, and Small Business Relief for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2029.
A practical guide for UAE founders on what to look for, red flags to avoid, and how to shortlist the right accountant.
Bookkeeping, VAT, Corporate Tax and audit support, what a full-service Dubai accounting firm actually delivers.
How VAT-ready monthly bookkeeping works, what it includes, and typical pricing for UAE SMEs.