VAT on construction services applies broadly to any work creating, altering, or maintaining buildings—residential, commercial, or industrial—at the standard 5% rate. This includes site preparation, foundation laying, structural builds, electrical/plumbing installs, and even consultancy like architectural designs or project management. Subcontractors charging main contractors? That's taxable too, unless zero-rated for first-time new residential sales within …
Author: Lina Jacob
Lina Jacob
Lina Jacob is a finance consultant focused on cash-flow management, budgeting and funding options for small and medium-sized businesses in the UAE.
Common Corporate Tax Adjustments have become a central discussion point among finance leaders, auditors, and tax consultants. With tax authorities tightening compliance frameworks and leveraging data analytics, corporate audits are now more detailed and technology-driven than ever before. Businesses that once relied on traditional accounting approaches are finding themselves exposed to adjustments that could have …
Supplier Prepayment Strategies play a critical role in modern business finance, especially for companies that rely heavily on inventory, manufacturing inputs, or long-term supplier contracts. While prepaying suppliers may initially seem like a strain on cash reserves, when structured strategically, it can become a powerful financial and negotiation tool. Businesses today must strike the right …
Cash Flow vs Profit Cash Flow vs Profit is one of the most misunderstood financial concepts among startup founders in the UAE. Many entrepreneurs assume that if their company is profitable on paper, their bank account should reflect the same reality. But in the fast-moving business ecosystem of Dubai and the broader UAE, profit alone …
Pre-Audit Internal Review is one of the most important steps UAE SMEs can take to safeguard their business against penalties, reputational risks, and unexpected tax liabilities. With the evolving tax landscape in the UAE, particularly the introduction of Corporate Tax and the established VAT regime, businesses must maintain accurate records and remain compliant with regulations …
FTA cross-checks bank statements against tax returns as a critical step in ensuring transparency and accountability in the tax system. In today's regulatory landscape, tax authorities like the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) have adopted advanced methods for detecting discrepancies in financial reporting. The primary objective is to foster tax compliance and minimize tax evasion, which ultimately …
Emergency working capital UAE solutions have become increasingly important for small and medium enterprises navigating cash flow disruptions, delayed payments, seasonal demand shifts, and unexpected expenses. In a dynamic business hub like Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates, SMEs form the backbone of the economy. Yet even profitable businesses can face short-term liquidity challenges. …
The FTA Expands Scope is becoming increasingly relevant for businesses operating in the UAE. Over the past few years, companies that were initially subject to routine VAT reviews have found themselves facing deeper investigations that extend into corporate tax compliance. This shift reflects a broader regulatory evolution in the UAE as the Federal Tax Authority …
Setting up or growing your business in the UAE? Corporate tax registration UAE stands as the essential first step for every resident company, free zone entity, and even non-residents with local permanent establishments—handled seamlessly through the Federal Tax Authority's (FTA) EmaraTax portal since corporate tax launched June 1, 2023. Forget revenue thresholds exempting you; mainland LLCs, DMCC …
Invoice Discounting vs Factoring UAE is a topic many business owners explore when they need immediate working capital without waiting 30, 60, or even 90 days for customers to pay their invoices. In the UAE’s competitive and fast-moving business environment, maintaining consistent cash flow is often the difference between growth and stagnation.Across hubs like Dubai …
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