FTA (Federal Tax Authority)
Understanding the UAE Federal Tax Authority - its role, responsibilities, and services for businesses operating in the UAE.
What is the FTA?
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is the UAE government body responsible for administering, collecting, and enforcing federal taxes. Established in 2017 under Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2016, the FTA oversees VAT, Corporate Tax, and Excise Tax compliance across the UAE.
FTA Responsibilities
Tax Administration
- Collecting federal taxes (VAT, CT, Excise)
- Processing tax registrations
- Receiving and reviewing tax returns
- Managing tax refund requests
Compliance & Enforcement
- Conducting tax audits
- Issuing tax assessments
- Imposing administrative penalties
- Investigating tax violations
Policy & Guidance
- Publishing tax legislation guides
- Issuing clarifications and FAQs
- Providing private rulings
- Educating taxpayers
Taxpayer Services
- Operating EmaraTax portal
- Providing customer support
- Processing disputes and appeals
- Managing TRN verification
Taxes Administered by the FTA
Value Added Tax (VAT)
5% indirect tax on goods and services, implemented January 2018
Corporate Tax (CT)
9% tax on business profits, implemented June 2023
Excise Tax
Tax on harmful goods (tobacco, energy drinks, carbonated beverages), implemented October 2017
EmaraTax Portal
EmaraTax is the FTA's online platform for all tax-related services. Through EmaraTax, taxpayers can:
- Register for VAT, Corporate Tax, and Excise Tax
- File periodic tax returns
- Make tax payments online
- Request tax refunds
- Submit clarification requests
- View tax ledger and compliance status
FTA Contact Information
Official Channels
- Website: tax.gov.ae
- Portal: emaratax.ae
- Call Center: 600 599 994
- Email: [email protected]
Working Hours
- Sunday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday: Closed
- EmaraTax: 24/7 online access
FTA Penalties Overview
The FTA has authority to impose administrative penalties for non-compliance:
- Late Registration: AED 10,000
- Late Filing: AED 1,000 - AED 2,000
- Late Payment: 2-4% immediately + 1% daily (max 300%)
- Incorrect Returns: AED 3,000 - AED 5,000
- Non-Compliant Records: AED 10,000 - AED 50,000
Related Terms
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