What Happens If a Business Doesn’t File Taxes in Dubai
To mitigate the severe consequences associated with late or non-filing of VAT, businesses must diligently adhere to taxation regulations and deadlines set by the Federal Tax Authority. Companies should appoint a qualified individual to meticulously document all tax inputs and outputs, ensuring accurate records and timely submission of filings. By doing so, businesses can proactively avoid penalties and maintain compliance with VAT requirements. In this blog, we will discuss the ramifications if a business fails to file taxes in the Dubai .
Consequences of not paying taxes in Dubai :
Audits:
Non-compliance with tax filing obligations can lead to a significant consequence: the possibility of an audit for businesses. If the FTA suspects that a business has either failed to file taxes or reported its income incorrectly, they have the authority to initiate an audit. Going through an audit is an arduous and demanding process, necessitating detailed financial records and documentation by the business. Furthermore, an audit can result in further penalties, fines, and even potential legal repercussions if the FTA concludes that the business owes additional taxes.
Penalties & Interest:
Failure to file and pay taxes promptly results in significant penalties and interest. When a business neglects to file taxes within the stipulated timeframe, it can face a failure-to-file penalty of unpaid taxes per month. Businesses must understand that the longer they delay tax payments, the more they will accumulate in terms of interest and penalties. By promptly fulfilling tax obligations, businesses can avoid these adverse consequences and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
Liens and Levies:
Failure to file taxes or settle tax debts can lead to the imposition of liens and levies by the FTA. When a business neglects its tax obligations, the FTA may place a lien on the business’s assets, creating a legal claim against its property and assets. This can significantly hinder the business’s ability to secure credit or sell its assets. Moreover, the FTA can take further action by initiating a levy, which involves legally seizing the business’s assets, including bank accounts, real estate, and other owned property, to satisfy its tax debts. To prevent such detrimental measures, businesses must prioritize timely tax filing and payment, thereby avoiding the imposition of liens and levies that could impede their financial stability and operations.
Legal Action:
Non-compliance with tax filing and payment obligations can lead to the initiation of legal proceedings by the FTA against the business. This may involve filing a lawsuit to recover the unpaid taxes or obtaining a court order to seize the business’s assets. Engaging in legal action can be a burdensome and resource-intensive process, potentially causing significant financial strain and damaging the business’s reputation.
Businesses Registered for VAT in the Dubai are Currently Subject to the Following Penalties if they don’t File Taxes:
Failing to File VAT Returns:
In the event of a business or its legal representative failing to file a VAT return within the designated timeframe as specified by the FTA, it is crucial to note that penalties will be imposed on the company’s legal representative. Businesses must ensure the timely and accurate filing of VAT returns to avoid such penalties. Taking proactive measures and fulfilling VAT obligations on time will help businesses maintain compliance and avoid any adverse consequences.
Failing to File Returns before the Deadline:
Failure to file VAT returns before the deadline set by the FTA will result in penalties being imposed on the company’s legal representative. The penalty for the initial offense amounts to AED 1,000, and for subsequent offenses occurring within twenty-four months from the first offense, the penalty increases to AED 2,000. By ensuring timely and accurate filing of VAT returns, businesses can proactively avoid these penalties and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
Failing to pay VAT in a Tax Return form Before the Deadline:
In this case, two percent of the outstanding tax amount will be due to the FTA by the business instantly. Additionally, if the payment is not made within the deadline, an additional four percent becomes due one week after the tax payment deadline. Furthermore, for each day that VAT remains unpaid beyond the calendar month following the payment deadline, a penalty of one percent will be incurred. Businesses must fulfill their tax obligations promptly to avoid these penalties and maintain compliance with the FTA regulations.
Submission of Incorrect Tax Returns:
Submission of incorrect tax returns carries significant penalties, and businesses must be mindful of the repercussions. For the initial offense, a fixed penalty of AED 3,000 is applicable, while any subsequent offense incurs a penalty of AED 5,000. Additionally, businesses may also face a percentage-based penalty in addition to the fixed penalty. If a VAT-registered business fails to make a voluntary disclosure or only does so after receiving notification and the audit process has commenced, the penalty will be fifty percent of the unpaid amount. However, if the business voluntarily discloses the error after receiving a notification but before the audit starts, the penalty will be thirty percent of the unpaid amount. Furthermore, if the business proactively makes a voluntary disclosure before receiving a tax audit notification from Dubai tax authorities, the penalty will be five percent of the unpaid amount owed to the tax authority. Businesses should diligently adhere to accurate tax reporting to avoid these penalties and ensure compliance with the FTA regulations.
