Over 640,000 UAE businesses have registered for corporate tax ahead of the September 2025 deadline for entities with financial years ending on 31 December 2024.
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) said this milestone reflects compliance levels exceeding global benchmarks, with businesses showing high awareness, timely filings, and prompt payments under the UAE’s evolving tax framework.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director-General of the FTA, noted that the surge in registrations underscores the effectiveness of the country’s legislative and procedural tax system, supported by advanced digital compliance platforms aligned with international standards.
The EmaraTax platform has processed hundreds of thousands of tax returns and declarations, offering 24/7 digital services marked by speed and transparency. The FTA’s call centre also handles thousands of daily queries, providing immediate support during peak periods.
Al Bustani added that the UAE’s business-friendly tax environment encourages voluntary compliance, reinforced by initiatives such as a Cabinet decision exempting certain corporate taxpayers from administrative penalties for late registration, provided their first return is filed within seven months of the start of their tax period.
To facilitate smooth implementation, the FTA extended filing and payment deadlines to 31 December 2024 for companies established on or after 1 June 2023, whose first tax period ended on or before 29 February 2024.
ZATCA also allowed a grace period for businesses that delayed updating tax records between 1 January 2024 and 31 March 2025, permitting amendments without penalties.
Al Bustani said these steps reflect the FTA’s commitment to supporting businesses through practical compliance facilitation, flexibility, and continuous engagement.
