Checklist for Corporate Tax Filing_ Are You Fully Compliant?
                     Checklist for Corporate Tax Filing: 
Are You Fully Compliant?
Corporate tax in the UAE is no longer a future concern; it's a current legal 
obligation. Every business operating in the UAE must now ensure it's compliant 
with the new tax framework. Whether you're new to corporate tax or already 
registered, using a structured checklist can help you avoid mistakes, penalties, 
and audit risks.
This guide includes the essential tasks you must complete before filing your tax 
return. With the support of experienced corporate tax advisors in Dubai, you can 
streamline the entire process and stay fully compliant.
1. Confirm Your Corporate Tax Registration
Are You Registered With the FTA?
If your business is liable for corporate tax, you must register through the 
Federal Tax Authority (FTA) portal.
What You Need for Registration:
● Trade license
● Emirates ID and passport of shareholders
● Articles of Association
● Financial data for the past year
Why It Matters
Failure to register may lead to fines or inability to claim deductions. A tax 
consultant in Dubai can help ensure proper filing and data entry.
2. Identify Your Taxable Status
Determine If You're a Taxable Person
You're subject to corporate tax if:
● You operate a business in the UAE
● Your income exceeds AED 375,000 annually
● You're not an exempt entity
Understand Exemptions and Reliefs
Exempt categories include:
● Government entities
● Qualifying free zone companies (meeting conditions)
● Public benefit organizations
Impact of Misclassification
Incorrect tax classification can result in audits and non-compliance notices.
3. Track and Maintain Financial Records
Recordkeeping Obligations
You must maintain:
● General ledger
● Sales and expense records
● Bank statements
● Fixed asset register
Duration
Keep records for at least 7 years from the end of the relevant financial year.
Use of Software
Use accounting tools for accurate tracking. Corporate tax advisors in Dubai 
can suggest platforms compliant with UAE tax laws.
4. Calculate Your Taxable Income
Review Your Financials
Adjust accounting profits to align with tax laws:
● Deduct allowable expenses
● Add non-deductible items
● Apply exemptions
Common Adjustments
● Unrealized gains
● Entertainment costs
● Related-party transactions
Forecast Tax Liabilities
Planning quarterly helps manage cash flow. A reliable tax consultant in Dubai 
will help you forecast and plan payments.
5. Organize Deductible and Non-Deductible Expenses
Deductible Items Include:
● Salaries
● Rent
● Depreciation
● Marketing and advertising
Non-Deductible Items Include:
● Personal expenses
● Penalties and fines
● Bribes and illegal payments
How to Document Expenses
Invoices must match the business name, include tax details, and be verified 
monthly.
6. Review Related Party Transactions
Transfer Pricing Compliance
If your business deals with related parties, transactions must be at arm's length.
Supporting Documentation
You may need to submit:
● Transfer Pricing Disclosure Form
● Master File
● Local File
Risk of Non-Compliance
Mispricing can trigger FTA scrutiny. Many corporate tax advisors in Dubai 
offer transfer pricing support.
7. Prepare and File Your Corporate Tax Return
When to File
Returns are due within 9 months of the end of your financial year.
Information Required
● Income statement
● Balance sheet
● Adjusted taxable income
● Details of reliefs/exemptions
How to File
All returns must be submitted through the FTA e-portal. Ensure accuracy to 
avoid rejections.
8. Manage Payment and Deadlines
Corporate Tax Rate
● 0% on income up to AED 375,000
● 9% on income above that
How to Pay
Use the FTA portal to pay tax online. Confirm payment reference numbers 
are recorded.
Penalty Risks
Late filing or non-payment can lead to fines starting at AED 500 and increasing 
with delays.
9. Be Ready for an FTA Audit
What Triggers an Audit?
● Inconsistent reporting
● High-risk transactions
● Suspicious deductions
How to Prepare
● Reconcile all financial records
● Respond to FTA notices quickly
● Retain backup for all claims
Expert Representation
A seasoned tax consultant in Dubai can represent you during an audit and 
respond to FTA inquiries.
10. Review Your Tax Strategy Annually
Business Structure Analysis
Reassess your structure yearly:
● Should you form a tax group?
● Are there better ways to allocate expenses?
Plan Ahead
Forecast taxes quarterly. Corporate tax advisors in Dubai help you optimize 
operations and reduce tax legally.
Stay Updated
Tax laws in the UAE evolve. Stay current with:
● FTA updates
● Ministerial decisions
● Annual budget announcements
Final Compliance Checklist
Before you file:
● ✅ Are you registered with the FTA?
● ✅ Have you classified your business correctly?
● ✅ Are your financials updated?
● ✅ Have you adjusted your income for tax purposes?
● ✅ Have you documented all deductible expenses?
● ✅ Are related party transactions disclosed?
● ✅ Have you submitted your return via FTA?
● ✅ Did you pay your dues on time?
● ✅ Are you prepared for an audit?
● ✅ Is your tax strategy reviewed?
Final Thoughts
Corporate tax is more than a once-a-year filing. It's a year-round responsibility. 
By following this checklist, you stay compliant and gain control over your 
financial performance.
Working with trusted corporate tax advisors ensures you remain aligned with 
legal requirements while also identifying opportunities for tax efficiency. Don't 
wait for penalties to remind you it pays to be proactive.
Let Alzora Accounting & Advisory, your reliable tax consultant in Dubai, 
guide your business through every step of corporate tax compliance.
Brought to you by Alzora Accounting & Advisory
Your trusted partner in Dubai for corporate tax, VAT, accounting, and 
financial reporting services in the UAE.