In short: EmaraTax is the Federal Tax Authority’s (FTA) online platform at eservices.tax.gov.ae. Businesses use it to register for tax, file returns, pay, claim refunds and request tax certificates. You log in with UAE PASS. Tax can be paid by GIBAN bank transfer, using the unique payment reference EmaraTax generates, or by Visa or Mastercard card. eDirham is no longer accepted.
What is EmaraTax?
EmaraTax is the digital platform the FTA uses to deliver its services. It replaced the separate systems businesses used in the early years of VAT and brings registration, returns, payments and account management into one place for VAT, corporate tax and excise tax.
If your business is registered for any UAE tax, EmaraTax is where you will spend most of your compliance time. It is also where the FTA sends notifications, so it is worth checking regularly, not only at filing time.
How to log in
The FTA states that its online services are only available through UAE PASS, the national digital identity. In practice:
- Go to eservices.tax.gov.ae and choose to log in with UAE PASS.
- Approve the login in the UAE PASS app on your phone.
- Select the taxable person (the business) you want to work on, if your UAE PASS is linked to more than one.
If you previously logged in with an email and password, link your UAE PASS to your existing EmaraTax account so you keep access to your history. Make sure the person who logs in is properly authorised to act for the business, and that access is not tied to one employee who might leave.
What you can do on EmaraTax
- Register for tax: VAT, corporate tax and excise tax registrations are all applied for through EmaraTax.
- File returns: VAT returns, corporate tax returns and excise returns.
- Pay tax: generate a payment reference or pay by card.
- Claim refunds: request a refund of excess VAT or other amounts due to you.
- Request tax certificates: such as a Tax Residency Certificate.
- Manage your tax account: update registration details, view your balance and transaction history, and respond to FTA requests.
How to pay tax on EmaraTax
The FTA accepts two payment methods:
- GIBAN bank transfer: EmaraTax generates a unique payment reference number for the payment. Use it exactly. If the reference or the amount is wrong, the FTA states the payment will be rejected.
- Card payment: through MagnatiPay, using a Visa or Mastercard prepaid, debit or credit card.
The FTA no longer accepts eDirham. Bank transfers are not always instant, so pay well before the deadline. A return filed on time with tax paid late can still attract a late payment penalty.
Deadlines to keep in mind
- VAT returns: due by the 28th day of the month after the end of your tax period. For a quarter ending 30 September 2026, that is 28 October 2026.
- Corporate tax returns: due within nine months of the end of your tax period, with any tax payable.
Your exact tax periods are shown in your EmaraTax account. Always go by those dates rather than assuming calendar quarters.
Common EmaraTax mistakes
- Using an old or wrong GIBAN reference. Generate a new reference for each payment and copy it exactly.
- Leaving access with one person. If the only authorised user leaves, you can lose time regaining access right before a deadline.
- Ignoring notifications. FTA requests and decisions arrive in EmaraTax and often have response deadlines.
- Not updating registration details. Changes to your trade licence, address, authorised signatory or activities need to be reflected in your tax registration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EmaraTax website?
EmaraTax is reached at eservices.tax.gov.ae. It is the Federal Tax Authority’s online platform for tax registration, returns, payments and refunds.
How do I log in to EmaraTax?
With UAE PASS. The FTA states its online services are only available through UAE PASS. If you used an email and password before, link UAE PASS to your existing account.
How do I pay tax on EmaraTax?
By GIBAN bank transfer using the unique payment reference EmaraTax generates, or by Visa or Mastercard card through MagnatiPay. eDirham is no longer accepted.
Can I register for corporate tax and VAT on EmaraTax?
Yes. VAT, corporate tax and excise tax registrations are all handled through EmaraTax.
Can someone else manage EmaraTax for my business?
Yes. A registered tax agent can be linked to your account and act for you with the FTA.
Get help from Alif
Alif is an accounting and tax firm in Dubai, with a tax team led by an FTA-registered Tax Agent. We manage EmaraTax for our clients: registrations, returns, payments, refunds and FTA correspondence. Book a free consultation to discuss your position.