Introduction

As the UAE solidifies its corporate tax regime, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) continues to strengthen awareness efforts across the business community. On 29 May 2025, the FTA held a large-scale workshop in Dubai titled “Rules for Determining Income Subject to Corporate Tax,” as part of its expanding education campaign.

This initiative comes two years after the implementation of the UAE Corporate Tax Law, and the FTA is actively working to enhance voluntary compliance through nationwide events, updated guidance, and registration support.

Workshop Overview: Understanding Corporate Taxable Income

Held at a packed venue with over 940 attendees—including representatives from businesses, government entities, and stakeholders—the workshop focused on a crucial subject: how to determine taxable income under UAE Corporate Tax.

Topics included:
✅ General corporate tax principles
✅ Taxable income recognition and calculations
✅ Accounting methods (accrual basis vs. others)
✅ IFRS-compliant financial statements
✅ How to apply the Corporate Tax Law practically

The FTA walked participants through the taxable person definitions, income recognition criteria, and applicable rates, ensuring clarity on both procedures and legal obligations.

Ongoing Awareness Campaign Across the UAE

The Dubai workshop is one of many events planned for 2025, both in-person and virtual, covering all seven emirates. The FTA confirmed six more workshops will take place throughout the year. These sessions are part of a broader campaign to:

• Provide clear understanding of tax laws
• Address sector-specific queries
• Promote digital compliance through EmaraTax
• Encourage early registration and timely filing

The campaign tailors content for key business groups, ensuring targeted and practical information reaches the right people at the right time.

Important Update: Penalty Waiver Opportunity

A major highlight of the workshop was the FTA’s reminder of a penalty waiver initiative:
Businesses that missed the deadline for corporate tax registration can still avoid administrative penalties by registering and filing within the newly specified period.

To qualify:
✔ Submit your first tax return (or declaration) within 7 months from the end of your first tax period
✔ Applies even if the return due date is before or after the new Cabinet Decision
✔ This relief is only available for the first tax period

This presents a golden opportunity for late registrants or exempt persons required to register to stay compliant without incurring fines.

What UAE Businesses Should Do Now

✅ Register immediately on the EmaraTax platform if you haven’t
✅ Review your accounting method and financial statements in light of IFRS and accrual basis requirements
✅ Prepare to file your corporate tax return within the legal time frame
✅ Stay updated on all upcoming workshops and FTA advisories

How Capital Zone Accounting Can Help

At CZ Accounting, we support businesses across all emirates with:

• Corporate tax registration via EmaraTax
• Preparation and filing of tax returns
• Assessment of taxable income
• IFRS-based financial statement setup
• Representation during audits or reviews
• Ongoing advisory for penalty exemptions

Whether you’re a mainland company, free zone entity, or exempt person, our team ensures you’re 100% compliant and audit-ready.

🔗 Useful Resources

👉 FTA Official Website – Corporate Tax Info
👉 EmaraTax Portal – Registration & Login
👉 Cabinet Decision No. 49 of 2021 – Administrative Penalties (PDF)
👉 FTA Voluntary Disclosure User Guide (PDF)

📞 Need Help Navigating Corporate Tax in 2025?

Let The Capital Zone guide your business through every step—registration, accounting, and filing.
📧 Book your free consultation now or visit our office in Dubai for expert support.