CT Filing Explained

What Is UAE Corporate Tax Filing and Who Must File?

UAE corporate tax filing is the annual CT300 return filed on EmaraTax. CT300 is the official FTA tax return form. It records accounting profit, CT adjustments, taxable income, elections, and transfer pricing disclosures.

Every registered taxable person must file an annual CT300. Zero revenue does not exempt you. A QFZP at 0% still files. SBR claimants still file. Failure to file triggers a monthly penalty regardless of tax owed.

Filing and payment are due on the same date: 9 months after your financial year end. Submitting the CT300 without same-day payment triggers late payment interest from that date.

Filing Process

How to File a UAE Corporate Tax Return

The CT300 return is filed exclusively through the FTA EmaraTax portal There is no offline alternative. Filing and payment must be completed on the same day.

Step 1

Prepare IFRS-Compliant Financials

Taxable income is calculated from IFRS financials. Audited accounts mandatory above AED 50M and for QFZPs.

Step 2

Calculate Taxable Income

From accounting profit: add back non-deductibles, deduct exempt income, check SBR and QFZP eligibility.

Step 3

Complete the CT300 on EmaraTax

Log in to EmaraTax, select the tax period, complete all fields, make elections, and complete TP disclosure.

Step 4

Upload Financial Statements

Upload IFRS-compliant financials and schedules. QFZPs upload audited accounts. Files must not exceed 15MB.

Step 5

Submit Return and Pay Tax Due

Submit the CT300 and pay tax due on the same day. Filing without payment is treated as late payment.

Deadlines and Penalties

Filing Deadlines, Penalties, and Voluntary Disclosure

Missing your CT300 deadline triggers an automatic monthly penalty. One day late counts as a full month. Two separate penalties run simultaneously if you file and pay late.

  • Deadline: 9 months after your financial year end — for Dec 2025, that is 30 Sep 2026
  • Late filing penalty: AED 500 per month for months 1 to 12 of delay
  • Late filing penalty: AED 1,000 per month from month 13 onwards
  • Late payment interest: 14% per annum on unpaid tax, calculated monthly from April 2026
  • Filing without paying on the same day triggers the late payment penalty regardless.
  • Voluntary disclosure before FTA audit: 1% per month on underpaid tax
  • Voluntary disclosure after FTA finds it: 14% per annum plus additional penalties
  • SBR sunset: 2026 is the final year Small Business Relief is available — plan now for 2027
Documents Required

Documents Required for UAE Corporate Tax Return Filing

The CT300 cannot be completed without accurate financial statements. Supporting documents vary by entity size, QFZP status, and whether transfer pricing thresholds are met. The FTA can request all supporting records for up to 7 years after filing.

Financial Statements (All Entities)

  • IFRS or IFRS for SMEs compliant profit and loss
  • Balance sheet as at the financial year end date
  • Cash flow statement for the tax period
  • Audited accounts required above AED 50M revenue
  • Reviewed financials acceptable below AED 50M
  • Audited accounts mandatory for all QFZPs

Taxable Income Computation

  • Non-deductible expense schedule with amounts
  • Exempt income schedule (dividends, capital gains)
  • Related party transaction amounts at arm's length
  • Entertainment expense 50% disallowance workings
  • Depreciation and amortisation reconciliation
  • Opening losses brought forward (if applicable)

Election and Relief Support Documents

  • SBR revenue calculation across all business licences
  • QFZP qualifying income analysis and categorisation
  • QFZP de minimis test workings (5% or AED 5M cap)
  • Tax group structure chart and ownership evidence
  • Prior period election records for consistency

Transfer Pricing Documentation

  • Related party transaction schedule if above AED 40M
  • Connected persons schedule if above AED 500K
  • Arm's length pricing analysis and benchmarking
  • Master File and Local File if revenue above AED 200M
  • Intercompany agreements supporting pricing applied

The FTA may request any of these documents during a compliance review or audit for up to 7 years after the filing date. Riz & Mona prepares and organises your full filing pack before any EmaraTax submission.

What Riz & Mona Handles in Your CT Filing

A CT300 error that triggers a 14% late payment charge costs far more than professional filing support. We manage every stage from financial statement review to EmaraTax submission.

1

Financial Statement Review

We review IFRS financials, confirm accounting profit, and identify CT adjustments needed before calculation.

2

Taxable Income and Elections

We calculate taxable income with all CT adjustments and assess SBR and QFZP eligibility before any election.

3

Transfer Pricing Disclosure

We prepare related party schedules, confirm arm's length compliance, complete TP disclosures.

4

EmaraTax Submission and Payment

We submit the CT300, coordinate same-day payment, and deliver a post-filing records pack for 7-year retention.

File With Confidence

File Your UAE Corporate Tax Return Accurately

Riz & Mona prepares your CT300, calculates taxable income, handles SBR and QFZP elections, completes transfer pricing disclosures, and submits on EmaraTax before your deadline.

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Filing deadlines depend on your financial year end. Riz & Mona confirms your exact deadline before engagement.