Corporate tax is a form of direct tax levied on the net income or profit of corporations and other business entities. It is also commonly known as 'Corporate Income Tax' or Business Profits Tax.'

In simple words, it is a tax levied on the net profit made by the businesses. It requires companies to pay a certain percentage of profit as tax. 

All the businesses whose taxable profit (net) is more than 375,000 AED fall under the purview of corporate tax and are required to pay a certain percentage of net profit as corporate tax. 

The corporate tax rate is at 9% of the net profit made by the businesses. In order extent support to small businesses and start-ups, the corporate tax rate will be '0' % if the net profit is up to 3,75,000 AED. 

The date of implementing the corporate tax is effective from the financial year starting on or after 1st June, 2023.

Corporate Tax will become effective in fiscal years beginning on or after June 1, 2023. Businesses adopting a fiscal year ending May 31, 2024, will be subject to corporate tax. The first tax returns will be filed in 2024. Corporations with fiscal years starting on January 1, 2023, and ending on December 31, 2023, will be subject to corporate tax. For Example, Corporations with fiscal years starting on June 1, 2023, and ending on May 30, 2024, will be subject to corporate tax, likewise: 

Financial year end                                          First Tax Period

30 June                                                              1 July 2023 - 30 June 2024

31 December                                                     1 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Given the profit threshold of 3,75,000 AED, all businesses that exceed the threshold have to pay the corporate tax. However, certain types of business or income are exempt from corporate tax. Below is the list of companies or income exempt from corporate tax: 

• Individuals will not be subject to corporate tax. As a result, any income from employment, real estate, investments in shares, and other personal income unrelated to a trade or business in the UAE will be exempt from corporate tax.

• Not applicable to foreign investors who do not carry on business in UAE.

• Corporate tax incentives are currently being offered to free zone businesses that comply with all regulatory requirements will continue.

• Capital gains and dividends received by UAE businesses from its qualifying shareholdings are exempt from corporate tax.

• Not applicable on qualifying intragroup transactions and restructurings.

• Corporate tax in UAE is calculated at 9% of the net profit shown in the company's financial statements. The 9 % corporate tax will be levied only if the taxable net profit exceeds 375,000 AED. In other words, the net profit up to 3,75,000 AED is taxed at 0%.

• For example, If the net profit is 4,75,000 AED, the corporate tax will be 9,000 AED (4,75,000-3,75,000 X 9/100).

Corporate tax will not apply to the following:

• An employee's salary or income will not have to comply with the new Corporate Tax. The individual, however, will be liable for company tax if the payment is derived from activities performed under a freelancing license or permission.

• Owning shares or other assets results in dividends, capital gains, and other income earned in a personal capacity.

• Investing in real estate is legal in the UAE, as long as the investor holds no business license.

• Individuals can earn interest and other revenue through bank accounts or savings plans through bank accounts or savings plans.

• Qualifying intra-group transactions and reorganizations will not be subject to UAE CT provided the necessary conditions are met.

• UAE CT will generally not be levied on a foreign investor’s income from dividends, capital gains, interest, royalties, and other investment returns, unless the income is generated through a business/commercial activity.

The Law provides the implementation of a Federal Corporate Tax (Corporate Tax) in the UAE and all businesses will become subject to it from the beginning of their first financial year that starts on or after 1 June 2023. 

Use the available information from the website of the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Tax Authority to determine whether your business will be subject to Corporate Tax and if so, from what date. Understand the requirements for your business under the Corporate Tax Law, including, for example –

• Whether and by when your business needs to register for Corporate Tax.

• Existing status of your books of accounts.

• Impact of Corporate Taxation on your business operations & cash flows.

• What is the financial year of your business?

• By when your business would need to file a Corporate Tax Return.

• What applications your business may or should make for Corporate Tax purposes.

• What financial information and records your business will need to keep for Corporate Tax Purposes.

The financial year for most of the companies start on 1 January of the respected year.

A legal entity incorporated and effectively managed and controlled outside of the UAE is considered a non-resident under the Corporate Tax Law. In addition, if a natural person is not engaged in taxable business or business activities in the UAE, they are considered to be a non-resident. 

Salaries and other employment income (whether from the public or private sector) are not subject to UAE corporate Tax. An individual’s employment may include a continuing service relationship in which the individual derives most or all of their income from one person. The service income is remuneration for the natural person’s labor. 

In accordance with the Cabinet Decision that will be issued in due course, self-employed persons will be subject to UAE Corporate Tax only if their activities are considered taxable businesses or business activities. Nonetheless, in spite of the fact that the self-employed individual may be regarded as conducting a taxable business or business activity, Corporate Tax is due on any profit/income in excess to the AED 375000. The Small Business Relief is the 0% charge in the first AED 375000.