With the UAE’s corporate tax regime now in full effect, accurate and timely filing has become a critical part of doing business in Dubai. Whether you’re a mainland company or operating in a free zone, avoiding common tax mistakes can save your business from costly fines and delays.
At Profits Plus, we’ve supported businesses across the UAE in getting corporate tax ready. Below are the top 5 mistakes to avoid when filing your corporate tax return in 2025.
1. Missing the Corporate Tax Filing Deadline
All businesses must file their corporate tax returns within 9 months after the end of their financial year.
For businesses with a year-end of 31 December 2024, the filing deadline is 30 September 2025.
Missing this deadline can lead to administrative penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. We recommend setting reminders and preparing early.
2. Inaccurate or Incomplete Financial Records
Corporate tax is calculated based on net profit, following international accounting standards. Errors in your financial statements can result in incorrect tax returns or delays in filing.
Keep your bookkeeping up to date and ensure all expenses, income, and adjustments are well documented.
3. Failing to Register with the FTA
Even if your business qualifies for the 0% tax rate (i.e., taxable income under AED 375,000), you are still required to register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and obtain a Tax Registration Number (TRN).
Registration is done through the EmaraTax platform and should be completed as early as possible to avoid bottlenecks.
4. Neglecting Transfer Pricing Compliance
If your business engages in transactions with related parties (e.g., group companies), you may need to prepare and maintain transfer pricing documentation.
This includes a Master File, Local File, and other declarations depending on the size and structure of your business. Ignoring this can result in FTA queries or audits.
5. Filing Without Expert Guidance
Corporate tax in the UAE is still new, and many businesses are unaware of the finer details. Filing on your own without professional support could result in missed obligations or errors.
At Profits Plus, our tax experts ensure accurate filings, timely submissions, and full compliance—saving you time, money, and hassle.
Final Thoughts
Corporate tax compliance is not just about filing a return, it’s about ensuring your financial practices, reporting, and submissions meet FTA standards. Avoiding the above mistakes can protect your business from penalties and ensure a smooth tax year.
Need help filing corporate tax in 2025?
Let Profits Plus take care of it for you from registration to submission and beyond.
Contact us now to get started.