0% Corporate Tax benefits Key considerations

0% Corporate Tax Benefits Key Consideration

6/26/2023
0% Corporate Tax benefits Key considerations

0% Corporate Tax benefits Key considerations

Article 18 of the UAE Federal Decree Law No. 47 of 2022 outlines the conditions that must be fulfilled by a free zone person to be considered as a qualifying free zone and being entitled to claim the 0% tax rate. Below is an overview of the key requirements specified under Article 18 and of the potential consequences for non-fulfilment of the conditions.

Conditions

Ø Maintain Adequate Substance

  • Undertake core income-generating activities in the FZ.
  • Have adequate assets, expenditures and employees.
  • Adequate supervision of activities outsourced to another free zone.

Ø Derives qualifying income

  • All incomes earned from another free zone except from excluded activities.
  • All income earned from qualifying activities with non-free zone except from excluded activities.
  • Any other income subject to the de minimis rule.

Ø Complies with Article 34 & 55

  • Article 34 - Arm’s Length Principal
  • Article 55 - Transfer Pricing Documentation

Ø Not opted for 9% tax

  • Does not voluntarily choose to get taxed at the standard rate of 9%.

Ø Other Condition

  • Non-qualifying revenue ≤ De minimis requirement.
  • Prepares audited financial statements.

Consequences of failure to meet the conditions

  • Ceases to be a FZ person from the beginning of the tax period until 4 subsequent tax periods.
  • Subject to the standard CT regime.
  • Subject to the standard tax rate of 9%.

How can Crowe help?

  • Conduct a comprehensive assessment of business operations, financial structure, activities, ownership and other pertinent factors to determine their eligibility for claiming free zone status and ensuring compliance with the conditions.
  • Assist in maintaining accurate documentation and records and regularly monitoring the operations to ensure ongoing adherence to the conditions outlined in the legislation.

Contact Us 

Alessandro Valente
Alessandro Valente
International Liaison Partner - International Tax & Transfer Pricing