Records
Which records must I keep, and for how long?
Depends on the details: keep good documents
The basic rule
A business keeps all records and documents that support its tax return and make its taxable profit easy to check, for 7 years after the end of the tax year.
When it is different
- Records are kept 4 extra years if there is a dispute with the FTA (or until it is finally settled, whichever is later) or an ongoing tax audit.
- The FTA may ask you to translate some or all records into Arabic (an approved translation).
- Digital copies are fine if they are complete and readable; SoloBooks' evidence pack helps, but you remain responsible for keeping a copy.
Documents to keep
- Invoices issued and received
- Receipts and bank statements
- Contracts and payroll
- Financial statements and returns
- Asset register
How safe is it?
Depends on the details: keep good documents Medium: failing to keep records carries an AED 10,000 penalty (AED 20,000 if repeated).
When to ask a professional
Not needed for the rule; ask if you close or restructure the business. Who can confirm it for your own case: an FTA-registered tax agent (a tax professional approved by the UAE tax authority), or the optional year-end review in SoloBooks.
Check it with the free calculator: Corporate Tax deadline calculator →
Sources
- Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses (consolidated, unofficial English translation) — Art. 56(1)
- Executive Regulation of the Tax Procedures Decree-Law (Cabinet Decision No. 74 of 2023, as amended) — Art. 3(1)–(2) and Art. 5
- Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on Value Added Tax (consolidated) — Art. 78
- Cabinet Decision No. 75 of 2023 on Corporate Tax administrative penalties, as amended — Table, items 1 and 2
General information, not tax advice. Your situation may differ.
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