APPLICABILITY OF WITHHOLDING TAXES UNDER THE UAE CORPORATE TAX

This article has been researched and written by the Tax & Compliance Team at Creation Business Consultants. AI has not been used in generating this article.

As part of the corporate tax policy, the UAE aims to develop a tax system that is both complete and simple at the same time. This milestone sets a new record in the country’s economic development. An important feature of this system is the introduction of Withholding Taxes (WHT hereafter) which are currently at zero percent. This policy is important for the UAE in controlling cross-border non-resident revenue streams.

DEFINITION OF WITHHOLDING TAXES (WHT) 

Withholding Tax refers to a tax that is applied at the point of payment on specified payments made to non-residents. Within the scope of Corporate Tax in the UAE, applicable withholding tax relates to some items of income to achieve the proper functioning of the system and to meet global obligations.

OVERVIEW OF THE UAE CORPORATE TAX LANDSCAPE

The UAE has made current changes to their tax system, like implementing corporate tax which signals towards a shit to a more organized system. Here are some main highlights.

INTRODUCTION OF CORPORATE TAX:

• Effective Date: The Federal Government put in place a new corporate tax in June 2023.
• Rate: For taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 (approximately USD 102,000), the standard tax rate is set at 9%.

TAXABLE INCOME AND DEDUCTIONS:

• Taxable Income: Tax is only valid on net profits after all allowable deductions have been taken place.
• Deductions: Businesses are allowed to deduct costs such as salaries and rent related to running their day-to-day operations.

For more detailed information and personalized guidance, visit our Corporate Tax Services in the UAE page.

WITHHOLDING TAXES IN UAE: 

Withholding tax does not apply to transactions carried out between residents of the UAE. However, no withholding tax would be due, and there would be no withholding tax-related registration and filing obligations for UAE businesses or foreign recipients of UAE-sourced income.

Certain types of income sourced from the UAE and paid to non-residents may be subject to 0% withholding tax. To learn more about how you can gain from these tax reliefs, see our, explore our Withholding Tax Services in the UAE.

REASONS FOR WITHHOLDING TAX EXEMPTIONS: 

The UAE’s withholding tax (WHT) exemptions are stem from various strategic, economic, and regulatory reasons. Below are the main reasons:

1. Attract Foreign Investment: Being exempt from withholding tax makes the UAE an attractive stop for foreign investors to stir up capital inflow and diversification of the economy.
2. Support Economic Growth: The UAE aims to foster economic activities and growth. By reducing the withholding tax on foreign entities.
3. Enhancement of Free Zones: Free zones offer tax concessions, like withholding tax exemption, to facilitate business, thus developing a sound economic climate.
4. Promotion of Trade and Investment: Withholding tax exemption on cross-border transactions encourages international trade and investment.
5. Administrative Simplification: Minimizing the complexity of tax administration through a zero rate of withholding tax reduces firms’ compliance costs.
6. Encouraging Local Business Development: withholding tax exemptions promote local businesses by maintaining them competitive at the international level.
7. Boosting Competitiveness: The zero withholding tax policy enhances the competitiveness of the UAE in the global market, positioning it as a desirable place for carrying out business

WITHHOLDING TAX CREDIT: 

A taxable person’s withholding tax can be credited to lower the amount of corporate tax (CT) that must be paid. The withholding tax credit is restricted to the lesser of the withholding tax due under this legislation and the amount of withholding tax deducted by the taxable person under the UAE CT legislation. The taxable person will receive a refund for any unused portion of the withholding tax credit.

DOUBLE TAXATION AVOIDANCE AGREEMENTS (DTAAS)

Individuals and corporations residing in the United Arab Emirates have access to a large and expanding network of double tax treaties (DTTs). In the countries that are DTT partners, tax relief may be possible through the DTTs.

DTAA’S IMPACT ON WITHHOLDING TAX RATES IN UAE

• REDUCED WITHHOLDING TAX RATES:

1. 1. • Lower Rates on Payments: DTTs usually provide reduced withholding tax rates on cross-border payments like dividends, interest, and royalties, making investments more appealing.

• EXEMPTIONS FROM WITHHOLDING TAX:

1. 1. • Complete Exemptions: Some DTTs may offer full releases from withholding tax for certain types of payments, encouraging greater financial flows between treaty partners.

• PREVENTION OF DOUBLE TAXATION:

1. 1. • Tax Credit Mechanism: DTTs allow businesses to offset taxes paid in one jurisdiction against taxes owed in another, which helps in minimizing the risk of double taxation on income.

• CLEAR TAX RESIDENCY RULES:

1. • DTTs puts in place clear criteria for determining tax residency, which can affect the application of withholding tax rates.

INSIGHT INTO FUTURE TRENDS IN UAE TAXATION

CONTINUED CORPORATE TAX EVOLUTION:

• Potential Rate Adjustments: Tax rates may be evaluated by UAE depending on the competitive pressure from neighbouring jurisdictions or as per the economic conditions

ENHANCED COMPLIANCE MEASURES:

• To make sure that the tax laws are being followed UAE is likely to implement stricter compliance requirements and enforcement.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN TAX ADMINISTRATION:

• Adopting the new technologies for tax filing, payment, and reporting will streamline tax administration and increase efficiency.

ALIGNMENT WITH GLOBAL STANDARDS:

• It is important to align with the ongoing global tax framework, which includes BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) initiatives.

SUPPORT FOR SMES:

• Tailored Tax Incentives: to support small and medium-sized enterprises in fostering growth. Future policies may include targeted tax incentives

For more information regarding how Creation can assist with tax services in the UAE, contact us today!

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