Question 1

Do I need to register for both VAT and Corporate Tax?

Accepted Answer

Most operating UAE businesses need to register for Corporate Tax, while VAT registration depends on whether your taxable supplies cross the relevant threshold. We assess your business against both separately, since the requirements and thresholds aren't the same.

Question 2

What counts as a deductible business expense for Corporate Tax?

Accepted Answer

Generally, expenses incurred wholly for business purposes are deductible, subject to specific rules and exclusions set out in the Corporate Tax law. We review your expense categories against those rules as part of preparing your return.

Question 3

Can I switch accountants mid-year without losing my records?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we can take over your bookkeeping and accounting at any point in the financial year, as long as we have access to your prior records. We review what's already in place before continuing, so nothing gets duplicated or missed.

Question 4

How far behind can my bookkeeping be before it becomes a problem?

Accepted Answer

The risk grows the longer records go unreconciled — errors compound, and it becomes harder to prepare accurate tax filings or financial statements under time pressure. We can help you catch up on backlogged bookkeeping rather than just managing it going forward.

Question 5

Do I need separate accounting for VAT and Corporate Tax?

Accepted Answer

No — both are calculated from the same underlying financial records, just with different rules applied. Accurate, consistent bookkeeping supports both filings, which is why we treat them as one connected process rather than two separate ones.

Question 6

What records do I need to keep for tax purposes?

Accepted Answer

You're generally expected to retain invoices, contracts, bank statements, and supporting documentation for a set number of years, as UAE tax authorities can request them during a review. We advise on record-keeping practices as part of our ongoing support.

Question 7

Can you help if I've never registered for VAT or Corporate Tax and should have?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we assess your position, confirm what you should have registered for and when, and manage the registration and any required disclosures with the relevant authority. Addressing it proactively is generally better than waiting for it to be flagged.

	VAT	Corporate Tax
Rate	5% standard rate	0% up to AED 375,000 profit, 9% above
Who must register	Businesses with taxable supplies over AED 375,000/year	All UAE businesses, with limited exemptions
Filing frequency	Typically quarterly	Annually
Voluntary registration	Available above AED 187,500/year	Not applicable

VAT, Tax & Accounting

VAT vs. Corporate Tax at a glance

Ongoing support, once you're registered

Frequently Asked Questions

Not sure where your business stands?