Key Deadlines for VAT and Corporate Tax in UAE (2025)
Let’s face it. No one enjoys tax deadlines. But if you’re running a business in the UAE, they matter more than ever in 2025. One late return could cost you AED 10,000 or more. That’s not just a number. That’s a chunk of your profits, gone.
The good news? With the right plan, you’ll never miss a deadline again.
Important VAT and Corporate Tax Deadlines in UAE
The UAE recently rolled out corporate tax, and 2025 will be its first major test. Every business, freelancer, and consultant must now stay alert. Combine that with VAT filing, and your calendar can fill up fast.
This blog walks you through everything. You’ll know what’s due, when to file, and how to avoid penalties.
Corporate Tax Deadlines in UAE
You can’t talk about UAE taxes in 2025 without starting here. Corporate Tax in UAE is now live and fully enforced. Here’s what matters most.
📅 Corporate Tax Registration Deadlines
Let’s keep it simple.
- If your company was set up before 1 March 2024, the FTA will assign you a deadline. Check your EmaraTax portal.
- If your company was formed on or after 1 March 2024, you must register within 3 months of getting your license.
- Freelancers, social media influencers, and self-employed individuals earning over AED 1 million must also register.
- All businesses in UAE must apply for corporate tax registration regardless of turnover and size.
Miss the deadline? That’s an automatic AED 10,000 penalty. And yes, the FTA is now strict about this as UAE late corporate tax registration penalty waiver for 2025 is over.
🗓 First Corporate Tax Return Filing Deadlines
Filing your first Corporate Tax return also comes with a clock.
- If your financial year ends on 31 December 2024, you must file your return by 30 September 2025.
That’s the standard 9-month window. But there’s something even more important.
How to Avoid the AED 10,000 Penalty for late corporate tax registration?
Here’s the part many people miss.
In 2025, the FTA is offering a one-time waiver. If you were late in registering, you can still skip the fine. But only if:
- You file your first return or declaration within 7 months of your financial year-end.
- Therefore, for a December year-end, the cut-off is July 31, 2025.
Miss that, and the AED 10,000 comes back, no second chances.
VAT Deadlines in UAE
VAT has been around for a few years, but 2025 hasn’t made it any easier. The FTA still expects regular filing, and they won’t wait if you’re late.
🧾 VAT Filing Periods
Your VAT filing depends on your turnover:
- Most businesses file quarterly.
- If your turnover exceeds AED 150 million, you are likely required to file monthly.
The deadline is always the same:
- 28 days after the tax period ends.
Example:
- Q1 (Jan to Mar) deadline: 28 April 2025
- April (if monthly): 28 May 2025
Late VAT Return filing can cost you:
- AED 1,000 the first time
- AED 2,000 for repeats
- Plus daily interest and late payment penalties
Common Mistakes That Lead to Fines
We see these often. Avoid them and save yourself the stress.
- Forgetting your FTA login or EmaraTax password
- Not checking FTA messages about your registration deadline
- Filing a Corporate Tax return after 30 September
- Filing VAT on the wrong frequency
- Thinking you’re exempt when you’re not
Are You a Free Zone Company?
This is important. Even if you’re in a free zone and think you’re at 0% tax, you still need to file. That includes:
- Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP)
- Companies in DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ, and other zones
Failing to file on time might cancel your tax-free status.
Special Rules for Small Businesses
If your revenue is under AED 3 million, you can apply for Small Business Relief. But that doesn’t mean you do nothing.
You still have to:
- Register
- File a return
- Declare that you’re applying for relief.
Missing these steps can trigger penalties, even if you owe zero tax.
How Xact Auditing Helps You Stay Ahead?
We get it. Tax rules change fast. Deadlines creep up. It’s a lot to manage.
That’s why businesses across the UAE trust Xact Auditing. Here’s what we do:
- Handle full Corporate Tax registration and filing
- Manage VAT returns every month or quarter
- Apply for AED 10,000 penalty waivers
- Keep your EmaraTax dashboard updated
- Track all tax deadlines for you.
You’ll never miss another date. No stress. No fines. Xact Auditing is ready to support you through every tax filing in 2025. Reach out today, and we’ll handle the rest. You focus on your business. We’ll take care of the deadlines.
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