The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched early registration for corporate tax through EmaraTax, the UAE’s digital tax services platform. The step comes in line with Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses (the Corporate Tax Law), which stipulates that Taxable Persons will become subject to Corporate Tax from the beginning of their first financial year that starts on or after 1st June, 2023.

The Authority explained that early registration is open from January 2023 to May 2023 for certain categories of companies operating in the UAE. These selected companies will be receiving invitations from the FTA by email and SMS, allowing them to register via the EmaraTax platform.

Following this phase, the FTA will announce at a later date when registration will be open for other companies and businesses. The FTA will make sure to give ample time for companies and businesses to apply for registration and meet their legal obligations. When registration opens, priority will be given to companies and businesses that have a financial year starting on 1st June, 2023.

FTA Director-General Khalid Ali Al Bustani said, “Since the announcement of corporate tax in the UAE, the Federal Tax Authority has intensified its efforts, in collaboration with the competent authorities, to develop procedures to implement it in accordance with the highest standards, and to ensure the efficiency, accuracy, and seamlessness of administrative procedures, in a way that will not impact business operations and flow. The Authority prioritises supporting all business sectors to comply with tax regulations and procedures through flexible mechanisms that align with international best practices.”

“The Authority is committed to positioning itself as a partner and ally to business sectors, making dedicated efforts to safeguard their interests and support the national economy at the same time through balanced and transparent procedures that strengthen the UAE’s competitive environment,” he said, in conclusion.

Meanwhile the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is calling on registered taxpayers to benefit from the facility to re-determine administrative penalties on tax violations to be 30 per cent of the total outstanding amount of administrative penalties that were not paid before 28th June, 2021.

The FTA stressed in December that the facility has a set deadline and that taxpayers who are eligible to benefit from the decision must complete all related procedures through the EmaraTax portal before Dec.31st, 2022, to be able to benefit from these facilities.

The Authority explained that after the deadline, tax registrants who have outstanding administrative penalties from before 28th June, 2021, will not be eligible to avail the re-determination facility and will be required to pay their penalties in total, instead of just 30 per cent of them, if met the required conditions within the deadline set by the Cabinet Decision on Re-Determining Administrative Penalties on Tax Violations in the UAE.