Tax and Compliance

Deadlines in business are easy to ignore until the fines arrive. That is exactly why every company in the UAE needs to pay close attention to the September 30, 2025 corporate tax deadline. For the first time, a large number of businesses operating on the January to December financial year cycle must submit their corporate tax returns. This is not optional, and late filing means penalties that can quickly add up. Let’s break it down step by step so you know exactly what applies to you, what the deadlines are, and how to avoid trouble. Who Needs to File Corporate Tax in the UAE? Corporate tax applies to almost all businesses and legal entities in the UAE, whether in the mainland or free zones. You need to file if: Your company is registered in the UAE (mainland, free zone, or offshore). You earned profits during the tax year 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024. Your taxable profits are above AED 375,000. Key points to note: Mainland companies pay the standard 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000. Free zone companies can continue to enjoy 0% tax on qualifying income, but they still need to register and file. Not filing is considered non compliance. Small businesses under the AED 375,000 threshold still need to file to declare income but will not pay tax. What is the September 30 Deadline? If your business follows the January to December financial year, your first corporate tax filing must be submitted by September 30, 2025. That means your tax period runs from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024, and all returns must be filed within 9 months of the end of the financial year. So in short: Tax period: Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024 Return due date: Sept 30, 2025 Penalties for Missing the Deadline The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has made it clear — failure to register or file on time will result in fines. Here’s what happens if you delay: Failure to register for corporate tax: AED 10,000 penalty Failure to file by the deadline: Additional penalties as per FTA guidelines (daily fines, interest on unpaid tax, and potential suspension of licenses in severe cases) Incorrect or false declarations: Heavy fines, which can reach a percentage of underpaid tax For companies that already missed the July 31, 2025 registration deadline, there was a chance to avoid the AED 10,000 penalty if they filed by that date. Now, moving forward, compliance is non negotiable. What Documents Do You Need for Corporate Tax Filing? To file correctly, your company must prepare: Audited financial statements Revenue and expense records Payroll data Proof of qualifying income (for free zones) Tax calculations and supporting schedules Businesses that do not maintain proper books will find it impossible to file correctly — and that opens the door to penalties. Why This Deadline Is a Big Deal This is not just another formality. September 30, 2025 marks the first major corporate tax filing cycle for thousands of UAE businesses. Missing it signals to the authorities that your company is not serious about compliance. The reputational risk is as high as the financial penalties. Why Choose AB Capital for Corporate Tax Filing Filing corporate tax in the UAE is not just about meeting deadlines. It is about filing accurately, on time, and in compliance with FTA rules. That is where AB Capital Services comes in. Here’s why businesses choose us: FTA Approved Agency – We are officially recognised to guide businesses through tax registration and filing. 20+ Years of Experience – Our founder Bharat has led finance, accounting, and taxation projects for global brands across India and the Middle East. End to End Support – From registration and bookkeeping to filing and tax advisory, we handle it all. Penalty Protection – We ensure you avoid unnecessary fines by submitting everything correctly and on time. Strategic Tax Planning – Beyond compliance, we help you structure your business to benefit from exemptions and incentives where available. With AB Capital Services FZE, you don’t just meet the September 30 deadline. You get peace of mind that your business is compliant, optimised, and prepared for the future. Final Thoughts The UAE corporate tax regime is here to stay, and September 30, 2025 is the first major test for many companies. The smart move is to prepare now & get your books in order, know your obligations, and partner with experts who live and breathe compliance. Missing this deadline is simply not worth the penalties. FAQs 1. What is the UAE corporate tax filing deadline for companies with a December 31 financial year-end? If your business follows the calendar year (January to December), the corporate tax return must be filed by September 30, 2025—that’s exactly nine months after year‑end. 2. Who must file corporate tax in the UAE before September 30, 2025? Every UAE‑registered company—including mainland, free‑zone entities, and offshore businesses with permanent establishments—must file, even if there’s no tax due, or if free‑zone incentives apply. 3. What happens if I miss the September 30 corporate tax deadline in the UAE? Missing the deadline draws penalties. FTA typically charges AED 500 per month for up to a year, then AED 1,000 per month thereafter. Unpaid tax also accrues interest, and your license or portal access could be suspended. 4. Is there a penalty waiver opportunity if corporate tax registration was late? Yes. The FTA introduced a waiver initiative for late registrants. If your business submitted its tax return by July 31, 2025, the AED 10,000 registration penalty could be waived or refunded. 5. What are my filing obligations even if my business has no taxable profit? Even zero‑profit businesses must register with the FTA and submit a tax return by the deadline. Free‑zone companies, as well as entities below the profit threshold, still need to file to stay compliant. Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general guidance only and may change due to updates in government policies or