FTA issues decision postponing deadlines for corp tax return filing

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has announced the postponement of the deadline to file a Tax Return and settle Corporate Tax Payable to 31st December 2024, applicable to short Tax Periods ending on or before 29th February 2024.

The FTA issued Decision No. 7 of 2024 on the Postponement of the Deadline to File a Tax Return and Settle the Corporate Tax Payable for Certain Tax Periods for the purposes of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses and its amendments.

Khaled Ali Al Bustani, Director-General of the FTA, emphasised the FTA’s dedication to supporting all taxpayers, stating, “We are deeply committed to taking proactive measures that benefit taxpayers. Recognising the potential challenges faced by businesses with a first Corporate Tax period shorter than a year, we have postponed the deadline by which certain taxpayers must file their Tax Return and settle their Corporate Tax Payable, to assist taxpayers in meeting their Corporate Tax obligations, especially for new businesses throughout their first Tax Periods.”

He added, “Our goal is to encourage timely and accurate tax filings by offering a reasonable timeframe for taxpayers to fulfil their obligations, thereby alleviating undue pressure and potential administrative penalties. This Decision reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and equitable tax environment in the UAE that encourages timely compliance while minimising tax burdens.”

The FTA’s Decision states that the due date for filing the Corporate Tax Return for Taxable Persons with a short Tax Period that ends on or before 29th February 2024 (e.g. those ending on 31st December 2023, 31st January 2024 or 29th February 2024) is postponed to 31st December 2024, and the Corporate Tax Payable for these Tax Periods may now also be settled with the FTA by 31st December 2024. The Decision is aimed at Taxable Persons incorporated, established or recognised on or after 1st June 2023 that have a financial year ending on or before 29th February 2024, which resulted in a first Tax Period that is shorter than the standard 12-month duration.

For example, if a company was incorporated on 10th June 2023 and had a financial year from 1st January to 31st December, its first Tax Period would be from 10th June 2023 to 31st December 2023. Prior to the issuance of FTA Decision No. 7 of 2024, it would have had to submit its Tax Return and settle the Corporate Tax Payable by 30th September 2024, in accordance with the provisions of the Corporate Tax Law. However, based on FTA Decision No. 7 of 2024, the deadline to file their Tax Return and settle the Corporate Tax Payable is now 31st December 2024.

UAE continues drive to combat money laundering: The United Arab Emirates has intensified its efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, implementing effective measures to tackle financial crime in line with international best practices, further solidifying its global standing in the fight against financial crimes and illicit financing.

In this context, the UAE is continuing its drive to enhance its position as a competitive economic hub, applying the highest standards of integrity and transparency in financial and trade oversight. The nation has reinforced its commitment to combatting money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism by enacting robust legal measures and regulations to enhance its legal and regulatory framework.

The UAE has focused on establishing a long-term, sustainable national system to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, equipped with the necessary capacities to address emerging risks. The reclassification of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations 1, 19, and 29 reflects the progress made by the UAE and its steadfast commitment to the quality of its financial operations and the safeguarding of the global financial system. This also acknowledges the nation’s efforts in promoting financial transparency and meeting international standards related to combatting financial crimes.

The UAE continues to work closely with the FATF and other international partners to protect the global economy and international community from the risks of money laundering and terrorism financing. The country is seeking to become a global leader in this field through the implementation of its National Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2027.

In recent years, the UAE’s efforts have led to improvements in global risk rankings. According to the London Stock Exchange Group’s Country Risk Classification, the UAE’s risk level was rated as “medium”, raising its overall score to 5.86 and improving the country’s global position by 13 places.

Similarly, the UAE has seen significant improvement in international rankings, including the Basel AML Index, with its FATF category score improving from 5.77 to 4.96, resulting in an overall score improvement from 5.74 to 5.43.

WAM