Who is Exempt from Corporate Tax in the UAE?

As of 14 February 2024 by AccountAbility Team

Exempt persons, as defined by Federal Decree No.47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses, enjoy a privileged status in terms of taxation under specific circumstances. Understanding the key elements is important for businesses seeking to optimize their tax positions and ensure regulatory adherence in a dynamic and ever-evolving fiscal landscape.

Who is Exempt from Corporate Tax in the UAE?

Entities that are eligible for exemption can apply under the UAE Corporate Tax Law. After meeting specific criteria, the Federal Tax Authority may grant exemption upon examination of the application. Businesses and organizations exempted from Corporate Tax due to their significant importance and contributions to the UAE economy are subject to conditions set by the Ministry of Finance and are referred to as Exempt Persons which encompass:

Government Entities

    • Federal Government, Local Governments, Ministries, Government Departments, Government Agencies, Authorities, and Public Institutions of Local and Federal Governments.
    • Government-controlled companies wholly owned and controlled by the above Government entities.
    • Government entities conducting non-commercial business or business Activity/s

Business in Natural Resource Exploration and Exploitation

  • Persons engaged in activities related to water, oil, gas, coal, and other non-renewable natural resources in the UAE.

Natural Resource Processing and Distribution

  • Persons involved in the separation, treatment, refining, processing, storing, transporting, marketing, or distributing of natural resources in the UAE.

Public Benefit Entities

  • Entities exclusively serving religious, charitable, scientific, artistic, cultural, athletic, educational, healthcare, environmental, humanitarian, animal protection, or similar purposes, meeting specified conditions and listed by the cabinet.

Investment Interest Issuers

Pension and Social Security Funds

  • Public or private pension or social security funds under regulatory oversight, meeting prescribed conditions by the Minister of Finance.

Juridical Persons Wholly Owned and Controlled

  • Entities (organizations, groups, or companies) incorporated in the state, wholly owned and controlled by exempt persons, engaged in specified activities.
  • Engaged exclusively in holding assets or investing funds for the benefit of the Exempt Person.
  • Only carries out activities that are ancillary to those carried out by the Exempt Person.

Other Determined Persons

  • Exemption for any other person as determined by a decision issued by the Cabinet at the suggestion of the Minister which is subject to conditions.
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What else can businesses avail?

Apart from being exempt from Corporate Tax, Government Entities, Government Controlled Entities outlined in the Cabinet Decision, Extractive Businesses, and Non-Extractive Natural Resource Businesses may also enjoy relief from registration, filing, and other compliance requirements stipulated by the Corporate Tax Law. However, this exemption is contingent upon their non-engagement in activities subject to Corporate Tax.

When does the exemption from Corporate Tax take effect?

Under the specified clauses of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, the exemption from Corporate Tax becomes effective either from the commencement of the Tax Period stated in the application or any alternative date determined by the Authority. However, if an Exempt Person fails to satisfy the conditions outlined in the relevant provisions of the Decree-Law during a Tax Period, they will lose their exempt status from the beginning of that Tax Period.

What happens when you fail to meet the conditions?

To address specific situations, the Minister has the authority to define conditions allowing a Person to either maintain their Exempt Person status or cease being one from a different date. These instances include scenarios where failure to meet conditions results in the liquidation or termination of the Person, where the failure is temporary and can be promptly rectified with appropriate monitoring procedures in place, and any other situations as prescribed by the Minister.

How can AccountAbility help you?

Businesses operating in the UAE are advised to assess their tax obligations and seek guidance from tax consultants to ensure compliance. The UAE government has provided documents outlining which businesses are subject to corporate tax and which are exempt.

For an assessment of your eligibility as an exempt person or alignment with the specific criteria delineated in corporate tax law, our dedicated team at AccountAbility is here to help. Our professional services are designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws in a time-efficient manner. Feel free to contact us for expert assistance, and thorough guidance, safeguarding your interests and preventing any missed opportunities. 

Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION and explore how our services can benefit your business.

 

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