The Federal Tax Authority has published a guide that details the criteria for identifying natural persons subject to the Corporate Tax Law, effective from June 1, 2023. ‘Corporate Tax Guide: Taxation of Natural Persons under the Corporate Tax Law' is a crucial document for individuals engaging in business activities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it offers detailed insights into the applicability, tax rate, calculation, and compliance requirement of corporate tax for natural persons.

Applicability of Corporate Tax Law to Natural Person

Under the Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, which pertains to the taxation of corporations and businesses in the UAE a 'Taxable Person' is defined as any individual subject to Corporate Tax in the UAE. This includes 'Natural Persons conducting Business or Business Activities in the UAE'. As defined in the guide, 'Natural Persons' refer to any living human beings, encompassing minors and incapacitated individuals represented by legal representatives. The law applies to natural persons engaged in Business or Business Activities in the UAE, with a Permanent Establishment, or deriving State (‘UAE') sourced Income.

The guide describes who qualifies as a natural person for tax purposes and list the key consideration to be taken when determining whether a natural person will be subject to Corporate Tax. A key consideration is whether the total turnover from business or business activities in the UAE exceeds AED 1 million within a Gregorian calendar year. It is important to note that income derived from wages, personal investment income, and real estate investment is disregarded when determining the turnover.

Corporate Tax Rate and Calculations

If a natural person's turnover exceeds AED 1 million in a Gregorian calendar year, their taxable income will be subject to Corporate Tax at these rates:

  • 0% on the portion of the Taxable Income not exceeding AED 375,000.
  • 9% on the portion of the Taxable Income that exceeds AED 375,000.

The guide also details how taxable income for a natural person is calculated, covering aspects such as: interest deductions, general rules for business expenditure deductions, non-deductible expenditures, and specifics of related and connected parties. It explains how transactions between related parties must adhere to the arm's length principle for tax purposes.

Compliance Requirements

A natural person whose turnover exceeds AED 1 million within a Gregorian calendar year is obligated to register for Corporate Tax. The tax period for a natural person shall be the Gregorian calendar year, that runs from 1 January until 31 December. A natural person would need to assess whether they meet the criteria explained above, should they exceed the threshold by the end of the tax period, they must file a tax return no later than 9 months following the end of the relevant Tax Period.

Corporate Tax Deregistration is mandated upon cessation of business or in case of the death of the taxable person. The de-registration application shall be filed within 3 months of the date of cessation of the business.

Lastly, a natural person may elect for Small Business Relief under Article 21 of the Corporate Tax Law, provided their turnover in the relevant and preceding Tax Periods does not exceed AED 3 million and all other criteria for this relief are satisfied.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.