UAE Corporate Tax 2025: Important Deadlines
UAE Corporate Tax Filing Deadlines in 2025
What Every Business Must Know
If your company’s financial year ended on December 31, 2024, your first corporate tax return is due by September 30, 2025. This marks the first major tax filing deadline under the UAE’s new corporate tax regime, and many businesses are still catching up with what’s required.
Whether you’re in the mainland or a free zone, the UAE’s new tax laws apply to all businesses unless explicitly exempt. Understanding the filing timeline, registration requirements, and compliance obligations is critical to avoid costly penalties.
What Is the UAE Corporate Tax?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, the UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on taxable business profits exceeding AED 375,000, effective June 1, 2023. This applies to most entities operating in the UAE, including:
- Mainland companies
- Free Zone entities (with conditions)
- Foreign businesses with a permanent establishment in the UAE
Key Filing Deadlines for Corporate Tax in 2025
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requires that corporate tax returns be filed within 9 months from the end of the relevant financial year.
Examples of upcoming deadlines:
| Financial Year End | Corporate Tax Filing Deadline |
|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | September 30, 2025 |
| March 31, 2025 | December 31, 2025 |
| June 30, 2025 | March 31, 2026 |
These deadlines apply to both filing the tax return and paying any tax due.
Mandatory Registration with the FTA
All businesses, even if exempt or below the AED 375,000 threshold, must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority.
Failure to register on time can result in a penalty of AED 10,000, as per Cabinet Decision No. 75 of 2023.
Free Zone Companies: 0% Tax Is Not Automatic
While Free Zone businesses may continue to enjoy a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, they must:
- Register for corporate tax with the FTA
- File tax returns annually
- Meet substance and activity requirements
- Ensure income is from qualifying activities as defined under Ministerial Decision No. 265 of 2023
Any income that doesn’t meet the criteria may be subject to the standard 9% rate.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Missing a filing or payment deadline can lead to:
- AED 10,000 for failure to register
- Monthly fines for late submissions (starting at AED 500 and increasing)
- Penalties for inaccurate declarations, underreporting, or late payments
What You Should Do Now
If your financial year ended on December 31, 2024:
- Ensure you are registered with the FTA
- Prepare your financial statements (audited where your free zone or the law requires it)
- Submit your tax return by September 30, 2025 (for a December 31, 2025 year-end, the deadline is September 30, 2026)
- Consult a licensed tax advisor to determine if you owe taxes or qualify for exemptions
EZONE Tip: Don’t Wait for a Fine to Act
At EZONE, we believe that smart entrepreneurs act before deadlines, not after penalties.
We work with licensed tax consultants and FTA-registered advisors who can help you:
- Register your business for corporate tax
- Understand your obligations as a a free zone company or mainland company formation entity
- Prepare and submit accurate, compliant tax filings
Need Help Filing Your UAE Corporate Tax?
Reach out to EZONE today, and we’ll connect you with our trusted network of tax professionals.
Whether you’re a startup, SME, or established enterprise, we help you stay compliant without the stress.
For the rest of the year, beyond these dates, use our annual compliance calendar.
When your date is close, follow our step-by-step guide to filing the return so nothing is missed.
After the filing date has passed, this guide to what comes next covers the weeks that follow.
