Tax consultancy and planning
Tax Planning and Consultancy Services in Dubai
Alif Accounting & Tax Consultants plans and manages the taxes your business pays in the UAE: corporate tax, VAT and excise tax. Our tax team is led by an FTA-registered Tax Agent, so your planning is practical, compliant and backed by someone who can deal with the Federal Tax Authority for you.
The basics
What is business tax planning?
Business tax planning means organising your affairs so you meet every UAE tax obligation and pay no more tax than the law requires. It covers choosing the right reliefs and elections, structuring transactions sensibly, and timing registrations and filings correctly. It is not about avoiding tax the law says is due.
For most UAE businesses, planning starts with corporate tax: which reliefs apply, how free zone income is treated, and how related party transactions are priced. VAT and excise tax then shape how you invoice, recover input tax and price your products.
Alif helps businesses understand how they are taxed, prepares accurate returns on time, and makes sure every legitimate relief and deduction is claimed.
UAE business taxes at a glance
0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above it, for resident businesses
Standard rate of 5% on most goods and services
Charged on specific goods, such as tobacco products and certain drinks
Federal Tax Authority (FTA), through the EmaraTax portal
Our tax services
Tax services for businesses in Dubai
One firm for every tax your business pays, planned together.
Corporate tax
Registration, return filing, free zone assessment, transfer pricing and planning.
VAT
Registration, returns, compliance reviews and advice on the VAT treatment of your transactions.
Excise tax
Registration, returns and compliance for businesses dealing in excise goods.
Economic Substance Regulation
ESR ended for financial years from 2023. We review 2019 to 2022 and complete any outstanding filings.
Tax agent representation
An FTA-registered Tax Agent to deal with the FTA on your behalf.
Corporate tax planning
Corporate tax planning in Dubai
Corporate tax planning in Dubai is about using the options the law gives you, correctly and on time. The decisions that matter most usually include:
- Small Business Relief: whether your business qualifies and should elect for it
- Free zone status: whether your free zone company meets the conditions to be taxed at 0% on qualifying income
- Related party transactions: pricing them at arm’s length and keeping the documentation
- Timing: registering, filing and paying by the right dates so no penalties arise
Our corporate tax consultants in Dubai handle registration and filing; planning is built into that work, not sold separately.
Guides from our team
Who leads your tax work
Meet our tax lead
Sameer Ansari
Tax Agent registered with the Federal Tax Authority
Sameer leads Alif’s tax work. He is a tax agent registered with the FTA, holds the ACCA qualification and a Master’s in Business Management from the American University in Dubai, and has completed specialised courses in VAT and corporate tax. He is also an AML compliance officer, supporting clients with their anti-money laundering obligations.
How it works
How we plan and manage your tax
Free consultation
We learn how your business works and which taxes apply to it.
Review
We check your registrations, past returns and the reliefs you could claim.
Plan
We agree the elections, structure and timetable that fit your business.
File and represent
We prepare and file your returns and deal with the FTA for you.
Plan your tax with confidence
Book a free consultation. We will review your tax position and show you where planning can help.
FAQs
Tax planning in the UAE, frequently asked questions
It is organising your business’s affairs so you meet every UAE tax obligation and pay no more tax than the law requires, for example by claiming the reliefs you qualify for and structuring transactions sensibly.
The main ones are corporate tax, charged at 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above it for resident businesses, VAT at a standard rate of 5%, and excise tax on specific goods such as tobacco products and certain drinks.
Typically deciding whether to elect for Small Business Relief, checking whether a free zone company meets the conditions for 0% on qualifying income, pricing related party transactions correctly, and meeting registration, filing and payment deadlines.
Not for planning itself, but a registered tax agent can also represent your business before the FTA. Alif’s tax team is led by an FTA-registered Tax Agent.
It depends on your business, the taxes that apply and the support you need. Book a free consultation for a quote based on your business.