Accounting, VAT and corporate tax for UAE businesses
Books that stay VAT-ready and corporate-tax-ready all year, for mainland and free zone companies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and across the Emirates.
What we do for UAE businesses
- Monthly bookkeeping that meets UAE record-keeping rules, in Zoho Books, Xero or QuickBooks
- VAT registration, quarterly VAT returns and input VAT reviews
- Corporate tax registration and annual corporate tax returns
- A Small Business Relief check every tax period
- E-invoicing readiness: invoice data, software and service provider planning
- Management accounts and cash flow reporting
- Year-end accounts ready for your auditor, where your free zone or bank requires audited statements
- Company setup on the mainland or in a free zone
UAE rules and deadlines to know
| Topic | What applies |
|---|---|
| VAT registration | Mandatory once taxable supplies go over AED 375,000 in 12 months, and voluntary from AED 187,500. The standard rate is 5%. |
| VAT returns | Usually quarterly, filed on EmaraTax within 28 days of the end of each tax period. |
| Corporate tax | 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above, for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. |
| Small Business Relief | Resident businesses with revenue of AED 3 million or less can elect it for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2029, after the extension announced in August 2026. |
| Corporate tax returns | Due within 9 months of the end of each tax period, even when no tax is payable. |
| Late return penalties | AED 500 for each month or part month in the first 12 months, then AED 1,000 a month. |
| E-invoicing: revenue AED 50 million or more | Appoint an Accredited Service Provider by 30 October 2026 and go live on 1 January 2027. |
| E-invoicing: revenue below AED 50 million | Appoint an Accredited Service Provider by 31 March 2027 and go live on 1 July 2027. |
Qualifying Free Zone Persons have their own corporate tax rules and can't use Small Business Relief. Checked 27 October 2026. This is general information, not tax advice.
Who files what
We prepare your VAT and corporate tax returns ready to file on EmaraTax. They're submitted from your own EmaraTax account once you approve them, or by an FTA-registered tax agent if you appoint one. We confirm which applies, in writing, before we start.
How it works
Free Leak Check
A 20-minute introductory call, not an audit. You tell us where money feels tight, and we tell you the likely leaks.
Written proposal
Scope, deliverables, timing and a fixed fee, agreed in writing before any work starts.
Onboarding
Access to your software and bank feeds, and authorisation for the tax portals we'll use. Any backlog comes first.
Every month
Reconciled books and a dashboard by an agreed date, and every return ready before its deadline.
Who we work with
- Mainland SMEs
- Trading, service and contracting companies that need VAT-ready books and an annual corporate tax return.
- Free zone companies
- Companies in DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ and other free zones that need clean books, audit-ready accounts and a view on their corporate tax position.
- E-commerce and services
- Online sellers, agencies and consultancies invoicing customers inside and outside the UAE.
- Owners abroad
- Founders running a UAE company from Pakistan, the UK or elsewhere who need a finance team on the ground online.
Common questions
Do I have to register for corporate tax if I pay nothing?
Yes, for companies and other legal entities. Individuals doing business are generally in scope only once their UAE business turnover goes above AED 1 million in a calendar year.
Can I claim Small Business Relief?
If you're UAE resident and your revenue is AED 3 million or less in the period and every earlier period, you can elect it in your return for periods ending on or before 31 December 2029. Losses from a relief period can't be carried forward, so check before you elect.
When does e-invoicing apply to my business?
It depends on revenue. Businesses at AED 50 million or more go live on 1 January 2027, and the rest on 1 July 2027. Both must appoint an Accredited Service Provider first.
Do you work with free zone companies?
Yes. Free zone companies may qualify for 0% on qualifying income as a Qualifying Free Zone Person, which has its own conditions. We review your position before your first return.
What does it cost?
Most UAE clients pay a fixed monthly fee for bookkeeping and VAT, with the annual corporate tax return included or quoted separately. You get a written quote after the free Leak Check.
Guides
Other markets
We also work online with businesses in the USA and Australia. Ask us about your country.
Step one is free
Fix the leaks. Build the company.
Start with a free 20-minute Leak Check, online, wherever you are. Tell us where money feels tight and we'll show you where it's slipping away.
Or email info@sfglobalconsulting.com, or DM “LEAK” to @shazfinedge on Instagram.