The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority has mandated that all corporate tax registrants retain full documentation supporting their tax returns for at least seven years after each tax period. Required records include transaction logs, asset and liability registers, and shareholding records, enabling the FTA to validate taxable income. The requirement also extends to Exempt Persons, who must retain documentation to confirm their exemption basis.
Corporate tax returns must be filed and any due tax paid within nine months of the end of the relevant tax period. This timeline applies both to taxable entities and registered exempt persons. A firm whose fiscal year closes on December 31, 2025, for instance, must complete filing and settle tax by September 30, 2026.
The FTA warned that failure to preserve required records or to meet reporting and payment deadlines will trigger administrative penalties under relevant legislation.
The retention mandate reflects Article 56 of the UAE Corporate Tax Law and aligns with FTA guidance and international best practice. Businesses should store records in accessible formats to meet audit or verification demands.
