Category: HAMT Talks
ESG: The Key to Sustainable Business
HLB HAMT Team
HLB HAMT Team
HLB HAMT has been a pioneer in ethical and responsible business practices for over two and a half decades. As a leader in Sustainability and the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) drive in the UAE, understanding ESG principles has become a natural progression for us.
The ESG framework provides a concrete set of rules and guidelines, allowing businesses to report on the non-traditional factors that are increasingly becoming critical for long-term success.
With growing regulations, EU Commission reforms and scrutiny, ESG has evolved from being a beneficial aspect of business to a fundamental necessity. At HLB HAMT, we offer a comprehensive suite of ESG services, including:
With a global presence, HLB HAMT is well-equipped to support multinational corporations (MNCs) and Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the MENA region with the ESG Services.
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HLB HAMT Team
Since its introduction in January 2018, VAT in the UAE has mandated strict compliance from businesses. As a leading Tax Advisory firm, HLB HAMT has encountered numerous challenges during VAT audits and health checks. Here are critical points every stakeholder should keep in mind:
1. Non-Availability of Accounting Records: Maintaining comprehensive accounting records is crucial under FTA regulations. Common issues include:
2. Tax Classification Challenges: Correctly classifying taxes remains a major hurdle for many taxpayers:
3. FTA Audit File Format Requirements: Meeting FTA’s audit file format within deadlines poses significant challenges:
4. Documentation Compliance: All transactions must be supported by proper documentation to avoid penalties:
5. Ineligible Input VAT Claims: Stringent criteria apply to input VAT claims, leading to disallowed claims:
Additional Sector-Specific Challenges:
Conclusion
Complying with VAT regulations is crucial to avoid penalties and operational disruptions. Conducting a trial audit can help businesses identify and rectify compliance issues proactively. For more detailed insights and assistance, contact us at HLB HAMT.
HLB HAMT is here to help! Follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram for more insights on these topics. Stay tuned, learn, and stay ahead with HLB HAMT.
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HLB HAMT Team
VAT Registration for Sole Establishments
Corporate Tax Registration for Sole Establishments
Practical Considerations for Sole Establishments:
Mitigating Risks:
By conducting a tax impact assessment or trial audit, you can identify potential risks and take necessary steps to ensure compliance with VAT and Corporate Tax regulations.
Stay Compliant, Stay Successful
HLB HAMT is here to help! Follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram for more insights on these topics. Stay tuned, learn, and stay ahead with HLB HAMT.
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HLB HAMT Team
As we gear up for the upcoming tax audit, it’s crucial to ensure full compliance with UAE VAT regulations. With the guidance of our tax professional, Hala Fouad, we’re confident in our ability to navigate this process smoothly.
To schedule a consultation and discuss your specific needs please contact us on tax@hlbhamt.com.
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HLB HAMT Team
Step into the world of VAT compliance with HLB HAMT’s latest blog instalment! Today, we’re diving deep into the crucial realm of regular VAT health checks tailored for businesses navigating the intricate landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As we mark the 6th year since VAT’s introduction in the UAE, there’s no better time to explore why staying on top of VAT health is paramount for your business’s success.
Navigating the twists and turns of VAT regulations over the years has been no small feat. The UAE Ministry of Finance and diligent tax authorities have tirelessly issued updates, guides, and clarifications. Yet, amidst this evolving landscape, many businesses find themselves vulnerable to the lurking risks of non-compliance.
Even companies that diligently file VAT returns and identify taxable transactions can face challenges. Here are some key areas where issues might arise:
Regular VAT health checks, conducted by qualified tax consultants, can provide valuable assurance for your business. Here is how:
In today’s complex business environment, VAT health checks are not just an option – they are an essential investment. By proactively addressing non-compliance risks, you can ensure peace of mind and protect your company’s financial well-being.
Contact HLB HAMT today and let our tax experts guide you through the process.
Phone: +971327 7775
Email: tax@hlbhamt.com
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HLB HAMT Team
Are you a business owner or shareholder in the UAE seeking clarity on corporate tax obligations? Understanding the nuances of legal and beneficial ownership is important for ensuring compliance and optimizing tax strategies.
In this article, we dive into the critical concepts of legal ownership and beneficial ownership within the context of UAE corporate tax law. By differentiating between these two and their implications, you can ensure proper tax assessment and avoid potential issues.
At the heart of navigating corporate tax obligations lies the distinction between legal ownership and beneficial ownership.
To grasp the practical implications of legal and beneficial ownership, consider a scenario common in the UAE corporate landscape. A company shareholder may hold legal ownership of a property, as evidenced by their name on the title deed. However, the company’s financial records reflect the asset as belonging to the entity, indicating that it is the beneficial owner, entitled to the income derived from the property.
Distinguishing between legal and beneficial ownership is crucial for determining tax obligations in the UAE. Key considerations include:
Understanding the tax implications of legal and beneficial ownership is essential for devising effective tax strategies:
A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine whether an asset should be recorded based on legal ownership or beneficial ownership for tax purposes. This can significantly impact your tax liability.
Stay abreast of legal and beneficial ownership insights tailored to UAE corporate tax law by following our updates. For personalized guidance and comprehensive support in optimizing your tax strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and connect with us on LinkedIn for regular updates and expert insights on navigating the intricacies of UAE corporate tax.
In conclusion, exploring the intricacies of legal and beneficial ownership is indispensable for ensuring tax compliance and maximizing tax efficiency in the UAE corporate landscape. With a nuanced understanding of these concepts, businesses and shareholders can navigate tax obligations with confidence and clarity.
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HLB HAMT Team
Explore the VAT Treatment of Bunkering Business in the UAE with our tax expert Mr. Jay Krishnan!
Dive into the intricate world of bunkering and VAT in the UAE with us! Learn how VAT impacts bunkering operations and stay informed on the latest regulations.
Stay tuned for insights on the taxability and updates!
Connect with our experts at tax@hlbhamt.com for personalized guidance
Jay Krishnan is an audit & tax professional with more than 25 years of audit & tax and finance experience in United Arab Emirates and India. He is a Fellow member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and Cost and Management Accountants (CMA). A graduate from Calicut University, Kerala, India, Jay Krishnan has been in UAE since the year 2001 and had worked with reputed international firms in India and UAE. Being a fellow member of various professional bodies in UAE, Jay Krishnan has attended more than 700 hours of various international seminars and conferences in UAE and at international platforms. Jay Krishnan has served almost 1,500 clients in UAE in his career with HLB HAMT for various finance related services. Jay Krishnan heads the department of Taxation, which primarily covers CORPORATE TAX & VAT in UAE. He has provided expert guidance to approximately 600+ clients on various TAX related issues.
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HLB HAMT Team
According to corporate tax regulations, financial statements and audit requirements stand as the pillars defining fiscal transparency and accountability. As businesses navigate the complex terrain of the
UAE’s corporate tax landscape, understanding the nuances between accounting standards and audit mandates becomes paramount.
Today, in partnership with HLB HAMT, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of financial reporting and auditing obligations, shedding light on the divergent paths paved by various standards and regulations.
The taxable income of a business in the UAE is determined based on financial statements prepared according to specific accounting standards accepted in the UAE for corporate tax purposes. These can be:
Under full IFRS, borrowing costs can be capitalized if they relate to the acquisition, construction, or production of a qualifying asset. However, IFRS for SMEs mandates the immediate expensing of all interest, leaving no room for capitalization.
While full IFRS adheres strictly to the equity method for accounting investment in associates, IFRS for SMEs offers flexibility, allowing entities to choose between the cost model, equity method, or fair value through profit and loss.
IFRS delineates between research and development costs, permitting the capitalization of the latter under specific criteria. Conversely, IFRS for SMEs mandates the immediate expensing of all research and development costs, fostering a more conservative approach.
The adoption of
IFRS 16 and IFRS 9 brings substantial changes to lease accounting and financial instruments under full IFRS. However, these alterations are not mirrored in IFRS for SMEs, creating disparities in treatment.
While IFRS for SMEs offers more flexibility, it shouldn’t be the default choice for corporate tax purposes. Businesses with a tax period revenue exceeding AED 50 million must use full IFRS for their financial statements.
Audits are mandatory for:
However, an audit is still highly recommended for all businesses, regardless of turnover, to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Tax Groups and Audit Requirements
For tax groups (multiple entities under one taxable person), if the combined group turnover exceeds AED 50 million, an audit becomes mandatory even if individual entity turnovers are below the threshold.
Cash Basis Accounting for Small Businesses
Businesses with an annual turnover below AED 3 million have the option to use the cash basis of accounting for tax purposes. This simplifies bookkeeping by recording income and expenses only when cash is received or paid.
Conclusion
Understanding financial statement requirements and audit obligations under UAE Corporate Tax is crucial for businesses of all sizes. As businesses traverse the complexity of corporate tax regulations, HLB HAMT stands as a beacon of expertise, offering tailored solutions and strategic guidance.
For any related assistance or queries, call our experts at +971 4 327 7775 or email tax@hlbhamt.com to schedule a consultation.
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HLB HAMT Team
Businesses operating in the UAE with foreign income may face double taxation concerns with the recent implementation of corporate tax. This article explores the concept of foreign tax credit (FTC) within this framework, explaining how it can be a valuable tool to mitigate such situations. We’ll delve into how FTC works, its benefits, and key considerations for businesses to maximize this tax advantage.
The UAE corporate tax law offers specific exemptions for companies earning income outside the country. These exemptions are categorized as participation exemption and foreign permanent establishment exemption. However, certain foreign income might fall outside the purview of these exemptions.
The FTC mechanism provides a solution for situations where foreign income is not covered by the aforementioned exemptions. Let’s illustrate this with an example:
With the introduction of corporate tax in the UAE, the UAE company would also be subject to tax on the income earned in KSA. This scenario creates a situation of double taxation on the same income source.
The foreign tax credit mechanism comes into play here. The tax deducted by the KSA government can be claimed as a credit against the UAE corporate tax liability. This effectively reduces the UAE tax burden, preventing double taxation on the same income.
For companies seeking assistance in navigating the intricacies of foreign tax credit and ensuring optimal utilisation of this tax benefit, consulting with qualified tax professionals is recommended.
Contact HLB HAMT experts at +971 4 327 7775 or email tax@hlbhamt.com to schedule a consultation.
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HLB HAMT Team
Have you ever noticed a curious mismatch between your company’s accounting profits and taxable profits? This stems from differences between accounting rules and tax laws in how they treat certain items. This is where deferred tax steps in, bridging the gap and reflecting the future tax implications of these temporary differences. It’s like wearing x-ray glasses, revealing the true financial picture underneath.
HLB HAMT demystifies this intricate concept, equipping you with actionable insights and expert guidance.
Real-World Illustrations:
Empowering Your Company:
Why Does Deferred Tax Matter?
Feeling lost in the world of deferred tax complexities? Worry not! HLB HAMT’s team of tax experts is here to illuminate the path. Contact us today for a consultation and navigate the world of deferred tax with confidence.
Stay Informed: Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn for regular updates on tax developments. Let’s journey towards tax efficiency and expertise together!
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