UAE Taxation (VAT & Corporate Tax)

The UAE Taxation Course by the Institute of Corporate Training (ICT) is designed to equip participants with in-depth knowledge of UAE’s evolving tax landscape. As the UAE continues to introduce and refine its tax frameworks, this course provides professionals with the essential skills to navigate compliance, optimize tax strategies, and manage tax-related obligations efficiently.

Through six comprehensive modules, participants will gain a foundational understanding of Value Added Tax (VAT), Corporate Tax, Excise Tax, and international tax principles. The course also covers specialized taxation topics for free zone entities, digital businesses, and regulatory frameworks like Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance.

This course is ideal for finance professionals, accountants, corporate leaders, and anyone looking to understand the intricacies of UAE taxation and enhance their tax compliance skills in a globalized business environment.

✅ Value Added Tax (VAT) – UAE

This module covers the core concepts and practical applications of VAT in the UAE:

• Overview of VAT: Introduction to VAT, its purpose, and how the 5% standard rate is applied in the UAE.

• VAT Registration: Who must register for VAT and a step-by-step guide on the registration process.

• VAT Return Filing: How to prepare and submit VAT returns via the FTA portal.

• Input vs Output VAT: Understanding recoverable input tax and payable output tax.

• VAT Invoicing & Record Keeping: Legal requirements for issuing tax invoices and maintaining records.

• Penalties & Fines: Common mistakes, how to avoid them, and consequences of non-compliance.

✅ Corporate Tax – UAE

This module provides a detailed understanding of the newly implemented UAE Corporate Tax system:

• Introduction to Corporate Tax: Scope, applicability, and key definitions of the 9% corporate tax.

• Taxable Persons: Identifying entities and individuals subject to corporate tax.

• Corporate Tax Rates & Exemptions: Applicable tax rates and criteria for exemptions.

• Tax Calculation: Determining taxable income, allowable deductions, and necessary adjustments.

• Corporate Tax Registration & Filing: A comprehensive guide to registering and filing returns.

• Transfer Pricing & Compliance: Key compliance requirements and documentation for related-party transactions.

✅ Excise Taxation – UAE

This module explores the fundamentals of excise taxation in the UAE:

• What is Excise Tax: Purpose, scope, and rates for products like tobacco and sugary drinks.

• Who Should Register: Identifying producers, importers, and stockpilers required to register.

• Excise Tax Return: Procedures for accurate filing and reporting of excise tax.

• Stockpiling & Warehousing: Compliance rules around designated zones and tax warehouses.

• Penalties & Inspections: Understanding enforcement, audits, and how to avoid penalties.

✅ Company Setup in the UAE (Mainland, Freezone, Offshore)

Gain practical knowledge on establishing a business in different UAE jurisdictions:

Mainland Companies

• Licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED).

• Allowed to operate anywhere within the UAE and internationally.

• May require a local sponsor or Emirati service agent, depending on business activity.

Freezone Companies

• Located in specific economic zones offering unique incentives.

• 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits, and tax exemptions.

• Ideal for trading, services, and international business operations.

Offshore Companies

• Primarily for holding assets, international trade, or wealth management.

• No business activity allowed within the UAE; no physical office required.

• Offers financial privacy and asset protection benefits.