The UAE has long been recognized as a tax-friendly destination, particularly for businesses operating within its numerous Free Zones. However, the introduction of Corporate Tax (CT) in 2024 marks a significant shift in the country’s fiscal policy. For Free Zone businesses, the new rules offer both challenges and opportunities. This blog explores the Corporate Tax regulations that apply to Free Zone entities, offering a clear breakdown of how businesses can navigate these changes while preserving the benefits available to them.

Eligibility for Corporate Tax Benefits in Free Zones

To take advantage of the 0% corporate tax rate, a business must be classified as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP). Here’s how a business can qualify:

• Substantial Presence in the Free Zone: The entity must maintain substantive operations in its designated Free Zone. This includes having adequate office space, employees, and business activities within the zone.
• Qualifying Income: The entity must generate what’s defined as “Qualifying Income.” This includes earnings from transactions with other Free Zone entities and certain approved activities with Non-Free Zone companies​.
• Transfer Pricing Compliance: Companies must adhere to transfer pricing rules, ensuring fair valuation of transactions between related parties​.
• Audited Financial Statements: A critical part of compliance is maintaining audited financial statements, which demonstrate adherence to the Corporate Tax Law.

What is Qualifying Income?

• Transactions with Free Zone Entities: The income derived from transactions with other Free Zone companies typically qualifies for the 0% tax rate, provided the activities are not classified as excluded.
• Transactions with Non-Free Zone Entities: Certain activities with Non-Free Zone entities can also qualify for the 0% rate, but they must fall under the approved categories, such as manufacturing or processing​.
• Excluded Activities: Income from excluded activities, such as certain financial services, or dealings with UAE property, is not eligible for the 0% rate​.

Corporate Tax Rates for Free Zone Businesses

• 0% on Qualifying Income: Free Zone Persons can benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on income classified as “Qualifying Income”​.
• 9% Tax on Non-Qualifying Income: Any income that does not meet the qualifications for the 0% rate will be taxed at the standard 9% rate, especially when it involves transactions with mainland entities​.
• Voluntary Opt-Out: Free Zone businesses can voluntarily opt to be taxed at the standard 9% rate. However, this election will apply for the tax period in which the opt-out is made and for four subsequent tax periods.

Compliance Requirements

Compliance is central to benefiting from the Free Zone Corporate Tax regime. Here's what businesses need to maintain:

• Substance Requirements: Companies must demonstrate that they have enough operational substance, including adequate staff and assets in the Free Zone. Each business activity that contributes to the company’s Qualifying Income must be supported with enough operational presence.
• Audited Financials: Keeping audited financial statements is mandatory for proving compliance with tax regulations​.
• Transfer Pricing Documentation: Businesses need to maintain transfer pricing documentation for all related-party transactions.

Types of Free Zones and Their Impact

• Designated Zones vs Free Zones: Designated Zones are specific Free Zones that qualify for VAT purposes. Businesses in these zones benefit from a 0% tax rate on goods distributed wholesale, but they are subject to 9% tax on mainland activities.
• Uniformity in Regulations: Despite the differences in Free Zones, the criteria for Qualifying Free Zone Persons remain uniform across the UAE. This standardization helps businesses in any Free Zone to understand and apply the same tax rules.

Taxation of Specific Business Activities

• Immovable Property Transactions: Income from immovable property (e.g., real estate) transactions is subject to the 9% tax rate, especially if the transaction involves a mainland entity.
• Intellectual Property: Qualifying income from intellectual property can still enjoy the 0% tax rate. However, there must be a clear link between the intellectual property and specific expenses incurred by the business.
• Double Tax Relief: Businesses with foreign operations can benefit from double tax treaty relief, ensuring they are not taxed twice on the same income.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to meet the eligibility criteria for the Free Zone Corporate Tax regime can result in serious consequences:

• Disqualification: If a Free Zone Person fails to comply, they may lose their eligibility for the 0% rate for five tax periods​.
• Standard Taxation: During disqualification, the business will be taxed at the regular 9% corporate tax rate, applicable to all income, both qualifying and non-qualifying​

Steps for Ensuring Compliance

• Regular Audits: Conduct regular internal and external audits to ensure that business activities align with the qualifying criteria.
• Maintain Proper Documentation: Keeping detailed records of all transactions, including those with related parties and mainland entities, is essential.
• Seek Professional Advice: For businesses unsure of their eligibility or compliance, seeking legal or tax professional advice can help prevent errors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the introduction of Corporate Tax in the UAE presents a new set of challenges for Free Zone businesses, it also reinforces the need for strategic planning and compliance. By understanding the eligibility requirements, maintaining substantial operations in Free Zones, and ensuring they meet the necessary documentation and reporting standards, businesses can continue to enjoy the 0% corporate tax rate. The UAE's Free Zone Corporate Tax regime is not just about compliance but also about leveraging opportunities for growth and efficiency in a competitive global market.