UAE firms face penalties if 2025 corporate tax is not settled by next Monday

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) issued a final reminder on Saturday, 26 September, for all businesses and taxable persons whose taxable period ended on 31 December 2025 to file their Corporate Tax returns. The deadline for filing and payment is 30 September 2026, marking the close of the nine-month grace period mandated by UAE law. Compliance Requirements and Deadlines Under the Corporate Tax Law, taxable entities must submit their returns and settle any outstanding tax liabilities within nine months from the end of their financial year. For the majority of UAE-based firms operating on a calendar-year cycle, this deadline expires in four days. The requirement applies to all taxable persons, including those eligible for Small Business Relief, who must still file a return even if their tax liability is zero. Exempt persons who are required to register must also submit their annual declarations by the same 30 September deadline. The FTA confirmed that all filings must be processed through the EmaraTax digital tax services platform. Business owners can complete the process directly or through FTA-approved Tax Agents listed on the authority’s official portal. Record Keeping and Penalties The FTA warned that failure to meet the 30 September deadline will result in administrative penalties. Beyond filing, taxable persons are legally obligated to maintain all records and documents that support the accuracy of the information provided in their returns. These records must be…