How do Tax consultants add benefits to a business in UAE?
Hiring a tax consultant is a preferable choice since it makes a corporate entity knowledgeable of the country’s tax rules. Tax professionals assist in the preparation of tax-related matters. They benefit your company by doing the following:
- Lower your tax liability by staying up to date on the latest tax amendments
- Assisting you in deciding whether the VAT system is best for you – voluntary or mandatory
- Analysing the tax advantages and disadvantages of your company’s activities
- Implementing a metrics-based evaluation to assess industry trends and its tax implications
Different Categories of Tax in UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been one of the foremost appealing destinations for budding firms, mid-sized firms, and major corporations because of its 0% personal income tax as well as a multitude of business permits and operations permitted in the free zones and cheap import tariffs. The UAE government has always made an effort to make the country’s tax environment as attractive and reasonable. The United Arab Emirates has produced different tax categories over a period.
A - CORPORATE TAX
For the fiscal year beginning on or after June 1, 2023, the United Arab Emirates has decided to impose a corporate tax on business profits. The proposed UAE corporate tax rates are as follows:
- There is no tax on taxable income up to AED375,000
- Taxable income above AED375, 000 is subject to a 9% tax rate
Non-Taxable Income & Exemptions
- Businesses that engage in commercial activities and the exploitation of natural resources
- On domestic and cross-border payments, there will be no withholding taxes.
- Individuals who own shares or other assets in their own name and get dividends, capital gains, or other forms of income. Individuals who have bank accounts or savings plans earn interest and other income.
- An individual’s earnings are determined by their salary or employment income.
- Dividends and capital gains are generated by qualifying shareholdings in a UAE firm.
- Intra-group transfers and reorganizations that qualify
- Individuals who do not require a company license or license to invest in real estate in the UAE can do so in their personal capacity.
B - VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)
VAT (Value Added Tax) which was established on January 1, 2018 is a sort of indirect tax that is collected on the purchase and sale of goods and services. The UAE government’s decision to impose VAT is part of a larger approach to minimize the nation’s reliance on oil and petroleum products as a source of funding, and the VAT rate is 5% on a range of products.
Zero rated supplies include:
- Medical Supplies and Equipment
- Trading in gold, silver, and platinum
- Natural Gases and Crude Oil
- Residential sold for the first time.
- Healthcare
- Exports, as well as international transportation
- Education
Exempt supplies include:
- The provision of certain financial services as defined under VAT legislation
- Residential real estate
- Vacant land
- Passenger service in the local area
C - EXCISE TAX
Excise tax is a type of indirect tax levied on things that are often damaging to people or the environment.
The following items must be categorized as excise commodities:
- Tobacco-based items
- Carbonated drinks excluding unflavoured aerated water
- Electronic smoking devices and equipment
- Drinks that have been sweetened.
- An energy drink is any beverage that is promoted or sold as such and includes stimulator ingredients that provide mental and physical stimulation
The following items are free from excise tax in the UAE:
- Standard 654 of the GCC Standardization Organization recognizes beverages for particular dietary requirements.
- Standard 1366 of the GCC Standardization Organization recognize beverages consumed for medicinal purposes.
- Beverages that are ready to drink (with at least 75 percent milk or milk substitutes)
- Baby formula or baby food
In the UAE, the excise tax percentages for qualifying items are:
- Tobacco items receive 100%
- 100% on e-cigarettes and e-cigarette accessories
- For carbonated beverages, 50% is the tax
- 50% off items containing added sugar or other sweeteners
- 100% for energy drinks
D - TOURIST TAX
Tourists must pay a tourist tax at eateries, hotels, hotel apartments, and resorts across the country. In the UAE, various facilities may levy one or more of the following taxes:
- 10% off the room rate
- Municipal fees are 10%
- The service charge is 10%
- The Tourism Dirham Fee was implemented in Dubai in 2014, and it is levied by hotels, hotel flats, guest houses, and vacation homes in the emirate.
- The Tourism Dirham Fee is payable per room per night and varies from AED 7 to AED 20, depending on the hotel’s star rating.
- The city tax (varies from 6% to 10%) The tourism charge is 6%.