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Excise Tax Compliance — Regulatory Overview

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 1. Definition and Purpose Excise Tax is an indirect tax levied on the import, manufacture, production, or release for consumption of specific goods that are deemed harmful to human health or the environment, or that require controlled consumption. Excise tax compliance ensures that such goods are properly declared, taxed, and monitored by the tax authority. From a regulatory standpoint, excise tax is both a revenue mechanism and a public policy control tool . 2. Goods Commonly Subject to Excise Tax While the scope varies by jurisdiction, excise tax typically applies to: Tobacco products Carbonated drinks and sweetened beverages Energy drinks Alcoholic beverages Electronic smoking devices and liquids Entities involved in manufacturing, importing, warehousing, or distributing such goods are generally within scope. 3. Registration and Licensing Requirements Businesses subject to excise tax are required to: Register with the tax authority as an excise taxpayer ...

Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Filings

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 Enhancing Transparency and Regulatory Compliance Overview Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) filings are a mandatory compliance requirement designed to identify the natural persons who ultimately own, control, or benefit from a legal entity . Regulators worldwide require UBO disclosure as part of global initiatives to strengthen corporate transparency, combat financial crime, and enhance anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) frameworks. At Devenir Corporate Services , we support clients in managing UBO filings accurately and in line with applicable regulatory obligations, ensuring full compliance while maintaining confidentiality and governance integrity. Who Is Considered a UBO? A UBO is generally defined as an individual who: Directly or indirectly holds a significant ownership interest (commonly 25% or more, subject to jurisdiction) Exercises effective control or influence over the company’s management or decision-making Ultimately benefits fr...

Latest UAE tax compliance updates

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  1. Major 2026 Tax Procedure & VAT Overhaul – The UAE has issued significant amendments to the Tax Procedures Law and VAT Law effective 1 January 2026 , which harmonise compliance rules across VAT, Corporate Tax, and Excise Tax, creating a unified statutory framework for audits, refunds, and record-keeping. These reforms tighten due diligence standards and standardise audit procedures across taxes. 2. Five-Year Limits on Refunds, Credits & Audits – New statutory time limits have been introduced, including five-year windows for VAT refund claims and for the Federal Tax Authority’s ability to conduct audits or apply excess credits, significantly impacting long-term tax planning and record retention. 3. E-Invoicing Roll-Out Requirements – Mandatory e-invoicing for eligible businesses is being phased in by July 2026 . This moves compliance from periodic filings to real-time digital reporting , requiring structured invoice data via accredited service providers. 4. VAT Law A...

UAE Tax Compliance Services: Safeguarding Operational Continuity

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  UAE Tax Compliance Services: Safeguarding Operational Continuity UAE’s regulatory landscape has matured rapidly, placing tax discipline at the center of corporate governance. With Corporate Tax, VAT, ESR, and transfer-pricing oversight tightening, organizations need structured compliance architecture to stay audit-ready while protecting commercial velocity. UAE Tax Compliance Services enable this by creating a controlled ecosystem for reporting, filing, and risk mitigation. The Compliance Imperative As the market shifts from incentive-driven to rules-based, companies face escalating scrutiny around revenue recognition, documentation, filing timeliness, and substance demonstration. Non-compliance can impact cash flow, bankability, and reputation. The mandate is straightforward: operate with audit-safe transparency. Key Scope of UAE Tax Compliance Services A typical compliance suite spans the full lifecycle: Corporate Tax assessment, registration, and periodic filing VAT...

Tax Compliance Services: Safeguarding Businesses Through Accuracy and Accountability

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  Tax Compliance Services: Safeguarding Businesses Through Accuracy and Accountability In a global market defined by evolving regulations, tax compliance is no longer just a reporting exercise—it’s a core element of business integrity. Companies that maintain transparent and timely compliance not only avoid penalties but also strengthen investor confidence and operational stability. Understanding Tax Compliance Tax compliance involves more than submitting returns—it’s about maintaining an accurate, traceable financial trail that aligns with regulatory frameworks. From Corporate Tax and VAT to withholding and transfer pricing documentation , businesses must ensure every number reflects genuine transactions and compliant structures. Professional tax compliance services simplify this complexity. They help businesses manage registrations, filings, audits, and reconciliations , ensuring all obligations are met under UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and international standards. Why It ...

Navigating Small Business Relief Under UAE Corporate Tax

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Navigating Small Business Relief Under UAE Corporate Tax When the UAE introduced Corporate Tax, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) faced understandable concern about compliance costs and administrative burden. To encourage entrepreneurship and ease the transition, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) introduced  Small Business Relief (SBR)  — a measure that simplifies compliance for businesses below a certain income threshold. Here’s how it works, and what business owners need to know. 1. What Is Small Business Relief? Small Business Relief allows eligible businesses to be treated as having  no taxable income  for a given tax period, even if they are technically within the Corporate Tax regime. In other words, qualifying entities can  pay zero Corporate Tax  and skip certain reporting complexities, provided their revenue remains within the prescribed limits. 2. Eligibility Criteria To qualify for SBR under the UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of...

FTA Audits: How to Prepare Your Business for a Tax Review

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  FTA Audits: How to Prepare Your Business for a Tax Review In the UAE’s maturing tax environment, Federal Tax Authority (FTA) audits have become a routine part of ensuring transparency and compliance. Whether your business is subject to VAT, Excise Tax, or Corporate Tax, an FTA audit is designed to verify that all filings, records, and payments are accurate and compliant with the law. Preparation isn’t optional—it’s strategic. Businesses that stay audit-ready not only avoid penalties but also demonstrate strong governance and financial integrity. 1. What Is an FTA Audit? An FTA audit is a formal review conducted by the Federal Tax Authority to assess whether a company’s tax declarations align with its accounting records and business transactions. It may cover: VAT and Excise Tax filings Corporate Tax returns Customs declarations and imports Accounting records, invoices, and ledgers The FTA can initiate an audit with or without prior notice. Typically, businesses re...