Close
Corporate Tax Incentives and Exemptions for Industries in the UAE: Opportunities for Cost Savings
Blog

Corporate Tax Incentives and Exemptions for Industries in the UAE: Opportunities for Cost Savings

The UAE has established itself as a business hub, attracting companies from around the world with its business-friendly environment and tax advantages. With the introduction of corporate tax in the UAE, businesses now have the opportunity to explore various tax incentives and exemptions that can lead to significant cost savings. In this blog, we will delve into the different tax incentives available in the UAE and how they can benefit businesses. We will also explore potential opportunities for savings and provide insights on how to navigate the evolving tax landscape.

1. Foreign Tax Credit:

One major benefit for businesses operating in the UAE is the availability of a foreign tax credit. This credit allows businesses to offset taxes paid in foreign jurisdictions against their UAE corporate tax liability, providing a significant opportunity to avoid double taxation. Double taxation can occur when a business is taxed in both the country where the income is earned and in the UAE, resulting in a heavy tax burden and reduced profitability.

The foreign tax credit mechanism ensures that businesses are not taxed twice on the same income. It allows eligible businesses to claim a credit for the foreign taxes paid, reducing their overall tax liability in the UAE. This is particularly beneficial for multinational companies with operations in multiple countries, as it provides a means to eliminate or minimize the impact of international tax obligations.

At Trust Accounts Management, we understand the complexities of international taxation and can assist businesses in navigating the foreign tax credit system. Our expert team will work closely with businesses to identify eligible foreign taxes and properly calculate the credit. By leveraging the foreign tax credit, businesses can optimise their tax position and achieve significant cost savings.

Maximizing the benefits of the foreign tax credit requires a thorough understanding of the tax laws and regulations in both the UAE and the foreign jurisdictions where the business operates. Trust Accounts Management stays up-to-date with the latest tax developments and can provide businesses with comprehensive guidance on compliance requirements and strategies to maximize the credit.

Our team of tax professionals will ensure that businesses meet all the necessary criteria for claiming the foreign tax credit. This includes accurately documenting and reporting foreign taxes paid, maintaining proper records, and complying with any specific requirements set forth by the UAE tax authorities. By following these guidelines, businesses can confidently claim the credit and reduce their tax burden, ultimately leading to increased cash flow and improved financial performance.

It’s important to note that any un-utilise foreign tax credit cannot be carried forward or backward. This means that businesses must strategically plan and optimise their use of the credit within the same tax period to fully benefit from the cost savings. Trust Accounts Management can provide valuable insights and recommendations on the timing and utilisation of the foreign tax credit to ensure businesses maximise their tax savings.

2. Small Business Relief:

The UAE government recognises the importance of supporting small businesses, and the UAE corporate tax law includes provisions for small business relief. Small businesses that meet certain criteria can elect to be treated as not having derived any taxable income, thereby exempting them from certain tax obligations. This relief can significantly reduce tax liabilities for eligible businesses and provide a valuable opportunity for cost savings.

3. Transfers within a Qualifying Group:

The UAE corporate tax law provides tax relief for intra-group transfers of assets or liabilities between taxable persons that are members of the same qualifying group. This incentive is aimed at facilitating business reorganisations and simplifying tax implications for companies within the same group. By taking advantage of this provision, businesses can achieve cost savings by streamlining their operations and avoiding unnecessary tax liabilities.

4. Business Restructuring Relief:

Similar to transfers within a qualifying group, the UAE corporate tax law also offers tax relief for mergers, spin-offs, and other corporate restructuring transactions. When businesses undergo these transactions and transfer a whole or independent part of their operations in exchange for shares or other ownership interests, they may be eligible for tax benefits. This incentive encourages business growth and expansion while providing opportunities for cost savings.

5. Free Trade Zones (FTZs):

Companies operating in free trade zones in the UAE enjoy certain tax advantages. While they are considered taxable persons under the UAE corporate tax law, they can potentially benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate if they meet the criteria to be considered a qualifying free zone person (QFZP). QFZPs are subject to a 0% tax rate on qualifying income, offering substantial savings. However, it is essential for businesses to comply with transfer pricing rules and documentation requirements to maintain their QFZP status and maximise tax advantages.

Opportunities for Cost Savings:

1. Transfer Pricing Optimisation:

  • Strategically manage transfer pricing policies to align with international standards and maximize tax efficiencies.
  • Ensure compliance with transfer pricing regulations to minimize tax risks.
  • Optimize profitability by setting transfer prices in line with market values.
  • Achieve significant cost savings by reducing tax liabilities related to intra-group transactions.

2. Research and Development (R&D) Incentives:

  • Explore government incentives and grants available to promote R&D activities.
  • Offset R&D costs by leveraging incentives that cover expenditures on salaries, equipment, and technology.
  • Reduce tax liabilities and generate substantial cost savings by taking advantage of R&D incentives.
  • Drive innovation and economic growth while maximizing financial efficiency.\
Research and Development (R&D) Incentives

3. Investment in Infrastructure and Equipment:

  • Capitalize on tax incentives provided by the UAE government for investments in infrastructure and equipment.
  • Qualify for tax deductions or accelerated depreciation, reducing taxable income and generating cost savings.
  • Strategically plan and align investment decisions with applicable tax incentives to optimize tax positions.
  • Achieve significant financial benefits through tax-efficient investments.

4. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Implement energy-efficient practices and engage in sustainable initiatives.
  • Qualify for tax incentives and exemptions that reward businesses for their commitment to sustainability.
  • Participate in renewable energy projects, energy-efficient building programs, and waste reduction initiatives.
  • Enjoy tax savings while reducing carbon footprint and contributing to a greener business environment.

5. Employment Incentives:

Take advantage of employment incentives provided by the UAE government.

Benefit from reduced social security contributions or other financial support when hiring Emirati nationals.

Contribute to Emiratization efforts and increase employment opportunities for UAE citizens.

Save on employment-related costs and achieve significant cost savings while supporting socio-economic development.

Here are 5 hacks from Trust Accounts Management to help businesses maximise the benefits of corporate tax incentives and exemptions in the UAE

Here are 5 hacks from Trust Accounts Management to help businesses maximise the benefits of corporate tax incentives and exemptions in the UAE:

1. Understand Eligibility Criteria:

It is crucial for businesses to thoroughly understand the eligibility criteria for each tax incentive or exemption. Trust Accounts Management can assist businesses in assessing their eligibility and determining the specific requirements they need to meet. By ensuring compliance with the criteria, businesses can confidently claim the incentives and exemptions they are entitled to.

2. Strategic Tax Planning:

Trust Accounts Management advises businesses to engage in strategic tax planning to optimise their tax positions. By aligning business activities and transactions with the applicable tax incentives and exemptions, businesses can maximise cost savings. Our experts can provide guidance on structuring operations, managing inter-company transactions, and utilising available tax planning strategies effectively.

3. Document Properly:

Accurate and comprehensive documentation is crucial to substantiate claims for tax incentives and exemptions. Trust Accounts Management advises businesses to maintain detailed records of transactions, agreements, and other supporting documents. This documentation not only ensures compliance but also helps businesses demonstrate their eligibility and justify the benefits they are claiming.

4. Stay Updated with Legislative Changes:

The tax landscape is continuously evolving, and new incentives, exemptions, or amendments to existing regulations may arise. Trust Accounts Management stays up-to-date with legislative changes and advises businesses accordingly. By remaining informed about the latest developments, businesses can identify new opportunities for cost savings and ensure ongoing compliance with the applicable tax laws.

5. Seek Professional Guidance:

Navigating the complexities of corporate tax incentives and exemptions requires expertise and experience. Trust Accounts Management recommends that businesses seek professional guidance from tax advisors who specialise in UAE tax regulations. Our team of experts can provide tailored advice, conduct comprehensive tax reviews, and help businesses identify additional opportunities for cost savings.

Navigating the corporate tax landscape in the UAE requires a thorough understanding of the available incentives and exemptions. By leveraging these opportunities, businesses can achieve significant cost savings while ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Trust Accounts Management is dedicated to assisting businesses in maximising their tax advantages and optimising their financial positions. With expert advice and careful tax planning, businesses can thrive in the UAE’s evolving tax environment while enjoying the benefits of cost savings and sustainable growth.