Every question, in one place

Every question answered anywhere on this site, in one place. Each links to the page where it is answered in full, with the context around it.

Core accounting

Bookkeeping Services Dubai

• Is bookkeeping mandatory for a UAE company?
• How long do I need to keep accounting records in the UAE?
• Can I do my own bookkeeping and just use an accountant at year end?
• Which accounting software should a UAE business use?

Management Accounts UAE

• What is the difference between management accounts and financial statements?
• How quickly after month end should management accounts be available?
• We are small. Do we really need monthly management accounts?

Financial Statements UAE

• Do all UAE companies need financial statements?
• Can we use IFRS for SMEs instead of full IFRS?
• How long does it take to prepare financial statements?

Audit Support UAE

• Does my UAE company need an audit?
• Can Neo Finance audit my company?
• How can we reduce our audit fee?

Payroll and WPS Services UAE

• What is the Wage Protection System and does it apply to my business?
• How is end-of-service gratuity calculated in the UAE?
• Is there payroll tax or social security for expatriate staff in the UAE?

Outsourced CFO Services Dubai

• What does an outsourced CFO actually do that an accountant does not?
• When is a business ready for an outsourced CFO?
• Is an outsourced CFO cheaper than hiring one?

Accounting Software Setup UAE

• Which accounting software is best for a UAE small business?
• Can you integrate my POS with my accounting system?
• How long does a migration take?

Catch-Up Bookkeeping UAE

• How far back can you rebuild our accounts?
• What are the penalties for late UAE tax filings?
• Will you report us to the FTA?

Company Liquidation Accounting UAE

• Do I need to deregister for VAT when closing my company?
• What happens to Corporate Tax when a company is liquidated?
• How long does it take to close a UAE company?

Financial Due Diligence UAE

• What is a quality of earnings analysis?
• How long does financial due diligence take?
• Should I prepare for due diligence before going to market?

Tax

UAE Corporate Tax

• Do I have to register for UAE Corporate Tax if I pay no tax?
• What is Small Business Relief and should I elect it?
• When is the UAE Corporate Tax return due?
• Is my salary as an owner deductible against Corporate Tax?
• Are free zone companies exempt from UAE Corporate Tax?

VAT Services UAE

• When must a UAE business register for VAT?
• How often are UAE VAT returns filed?
• What is the reverse charge and does it apply to me?
• Can I reclaim VAT on business entertainment or a company car?

Transfer Pricing UAE

• Does transfer pricing apply to small UAE businesses?
• When are Master File and Local File required in the UAE?
• Can I charge a management fee from my UAE company to my offshore company?

Free Zone Accounting UAE

• Do free zone companies pay Corporate Tax in the UAE?
• What happens if we breach the de minimis threshold?
• Does a free zone company need an audit?

Retail & shopping malls

Accountant for Mall Stores in Dubai and the UAE

• Do I need an accountant for a single shop in a Dubai mall?
• What is turnover rent and how is it calculated in UAE malls?
• Can Neo Finance certify the turnover statement my landlord is asking for?
• My POS total never matches my bank deposits. Is that normal?
• Does my mall store have to pay UAE Corporate Tax?
• How should the rent-free fit-out period in my mall lease be accounted for?
• We run six stores across three malls. Do we need six sets of books?
• What does an accountant for a mall store cost in Dubai?

Mall Turnover Certificates and Turnover Rent UAE

• What is a mall turnover certificate?
• What counts as 'gross turnover' under a mall lease?
• Who can sign a turnover certificate in the UAE?
• What happens if my declared turnover is wrong?
• Is turnover rent included in the IFRS 16 lease liability?

POS and Till Reconciliation UAE

• What is POS reconciliation and why does a retail store need it?
• Why is my card settlement lower than my card sales?
• How should gift cards and vouchers be accounted for?
• How do delivery aggregator sales get recorded?
• What variance between till and bank is acceptable?

Retail Accounting Services Dubai

• What does a retail accountant do differently from a general accountant?
• How often should a retail store close its books?
• Do I need audited financial statements for my retail company?
• Can you take over books that are behind?

Multi-Store and Retail Group Accounting UAE

• Should each of my stores be a separate company?
• How do we allocate head office costs across stores?
• Can we form a Tax Group for Corporate Tax purposes?
• How do inter-store stock transfers get accounted for?

Restaurant and Food Court Accounting Dubai

• How should Talabat, Deliveroo, Careem and noon orders be recorded?
• Is VAT charged on restaurant food in the UAE?
• How are tips and service charge treated?
• What food cost percentage should a mall restaurant target?

Retail VAT UAE

• Do UAE shop prices have to include VAT?
• When can a retailer issue a simplified tax invoice?
• How is VAT handled on gift cards and vouchers?
• Can my shop claim VAT refunds for tourists?

Retail Stock, Inventory and Shrinkage UAE

• How often should a retail store count stock?
• How is shrinkage measured?
• How should consignment or concession stock be treated?
• What stock valuation method should a UAE retailer use?

Kiosk and Pop-Up Accounting Dubai

• Do I need to register for VAT for a three-month pop-up?
• How should kiosk fit-out costs be depreciated?
• How is a pure-percentage rent deal accounted for?

Franchise Accounting UAE

• How is an initial franchise fee accounted for?
• Is VAT due on royalties paid to an overseas franchisor?
• Do franchise royalties to a related party need transfer pricing support?

E-Commerce Accounting UAE

• How should marketplace sales through noon or Amazon.ae be recorded?
• Do online sales count towards my mall turnover rent?
• Are exports of goods from the UAE zero-rated for VAT?

Opening a Store — Financial Setup

• How much cash do I need to open a store in a Dubai mall?
• How are pre-opening costs accounted for?
• Can I recover the VAT on my store fit-out?

Mall Lease Costs and IFRS 16

• What is a reasonable occupancy cost as a percentage of sales?
• Does a mall lease have to go on the balance sheet under IFRS 16?
• Can I challenge my mall service charge?

Sectors

Crypto and Virtual Asset Accounting UAE

• How are cryptocurrency holdings accounted for under IFRS?
• Do client-held crypto assets go on our balance sheet?
• Is crypto trading subject to UAE Corporate Tax and VAT?

DIFC and ADGM Accounting

• Do DIFC and ADGM companies need audited accounts?
• Are DIFC and ADGM entities exempt from UAE Corporate Tax?
• Can you prepare our DFSA or FSRA regulatory returns?

Family Office Accounting UAE

• What accounting does a UAE family office actually need?
• Are UAE family office entities subject to Corporate Tax?
• Can you report across entities in different countries?

Real Estate Accounting Dubai

• Is VAT charged on property in the UAE?
• Should investment property be held at cost or fair value?
• How is off-plan development revenue recognised?

Construction Accounting UAE

• How is construction revenue recognised under IFRS 15?
• Can we recognise revenue on unapproved variations?
• How should retentions be accounted for?

Trading and Logistics Accounting UAE

• What costs should be included in inventory for a UAE trading company?
• How is VAT handled on imports into the UAE?
• When should goods in transit be recognised?

Healthcare Accounting UAE

• How should a UAE clinic recognise insurance revenue?
• Is healthcare exempt from VAT in the UAE?
• How should percentage-of-billing doctor arrangements be accounted for?

Professional Services Accounting UAE

• How should work in progress be recognised in a services firm?
• How are client disbursements treated for accounting and VAT?
• What is lock-up and why does it matter more than margin?

Locations, malls and the firm

Credit Control & Accounts Receivable UAE

• What are good debtor days for a UAE business?
• How should bad debts be provided for under IFRS?
• Can I reclaim the VAT on an invoice my customer never paid?

Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow Modelling UAE

• How far ahead should a small business forecast cash?
• What is a three-way forecast and do we need one?
• Our budget is always wrong. Is it worth doing?

UAE Excise Tax — Registration, Returns & Designated Zones

• Is there a registration threshold for UAE excise tax?
• When are UAE excise tax returns due?
• How is the excise price calculated?
• Do excise goods also carry VAT?

FTA Tax Audit Support in the UAE

• How much notice does the FTA give before a tax audit?
• Can I still make a voluntary disclosure once an audit has started?
• What records will the FTA ask for?

Internal Controls & Fraud Prevention UAE

• How can a business with three staff segregate duties?
• What is the most common fraud in UAE small businesses?
• Does an audit find fraud?

Startup & New Business Accounting in the UAE

• When does a new UAE company need to register for Corporate Tax?
• Do I need an accountant before I have revenue?
• How should founder money put into the company be recorded?

Holding Company Accounting UAE

• Are dividends received by a UAE holding company taxable?
• Does a UAE holding company need consolidated accounts?
• Can a holding company charge management fees to its subsidiaries?

Manufacturing Accounting UAE

• What should be included in inventory cost for a UAE manufacturer?
• What is normal capacity and why does it matter?
• Can a manufacturer in a free zone access the 0% Corporate Tax rate?

Hospitality Accounting UAE

• What is USALI and does a UAE hotel need to use it?
• Are tourism and municipality fees part of hotel revenue?
• How should OTA bookings be recorded?

Education Accounting UAE

• When should a school recognise tuition fee income?
• Is school education subject to VAT in the UAE?
• How should we handle fees for students who withdraw mid-year?

Technology and SaaS Accounting UAE

• How is SaaS subscription revenue recognised?
• Can we capitalise our software development costs?
• Do we charge UAE VAT to overseas customers?

Travel and Tourism Accounting UAE

• Should a travel agency report gross bookings or net commission as revenue?
• When is revenue on a holiday package recognised?
• How is VAT applied to travel services in the UAE?

Marine and Shipping Accounting UAE

• How is charter revenue recognised?
• How should drydocking costs be treated?
• Is international shipping zero-rated for UAE VAT?

UAE Shopping Mall Directory for Retail Tenants

• Which UAE malls do you work with?
• Does mall lease accounting really differ between centres?
• Do you act for mall landlords as well as tenants?
• Do we need a UAE-based accountant, or can we use one overseas?

Accountants for The Dubai Mall Stores

• Do tourist refund sales affect my Dubai Mall turnover declaration?
• Is turnover rent typical for a store in The Dubai Mall?
• Do you act for mall landlords as well as tenants?
• How quickly can you take over from our current accountant?

Accountants for Mall of the Emirates Stores

• How do I compare performance between my Mall of the Emirates store and my other locations?
• Our leisure-linked unit trades very differently in summer. How should that be reflected?
• Can you sign the turnover certificate our landlord requires?
• Do we need a UAE-based accountant, or can we use one overseas?

Accountants for Dubai Hills Mall Stores

• Our sales are growing every quarter. Why does our accountant keep asking about margin?
• We had a long rent-free fit-out period. How should that be showing in our accounts?
• How quickly can you take over from our current accountant?
• Do you act for mall landlords as well as tenants?

Accountants for Ibn Battuta Mall Stores

• We are a value retailer. Does shrinkage matter as much for us?
• Is a blended gross margin good enough for a multi-category store?
• Do we need a UAE-based accountant, or can we use one overseas?
• Can you sign the turnover certificate our landlord requires?

Accountants for Nakheel Mall Stores

• Should we track resident and visitor sales separately?
• Our unit is small but the rent is high. What should we be watching?
• Do you act for mall landlords as well as tenants?
• How quickly can you take over from our current accountant?

Accountants for Dragon Mart Stores

• We sell to both businesses and walk-in customers. Does that change our invoicing?
• Most of our stock is imported. What are we most likely getting wrong?
• Can you sign the turnover certificate our landlord requires?
• Do we need a UAE-based accountant, or can we use one overseas?

Accountants for Dubai Festival City Mall Stores

• We take deposits for furniture delivered weeks later. When is that revenue?
• Is delivery and installation revenue separate from the sale?
• How quickly can you take over from our current accountant?
• Do you act for mall landlords as well as tenants?

Accountants for City Centre Mirdif Stores

• How do we use our numbers in a lease renewal negotiation?
• Our staffing costs feel high. How do we tell if they actually are?
• Do we need a UAE-based accountant, or can we use one overseas?
• Can you sign the turnover certificate our landlord requires?

Accountants for City Centre Deira Stores

• A lot of our takings are still cash. What controls should we have?
• We process thousands of small transactions. Does that change our VAT obligations?
• Do you act for mall landlords as well as tenants?
• How quickly can you take over from our current accountant?

Accountants for Dubai Marina Mall Stores

• We deliver into the surrounding towers. Does that count as mall turnover?
• What should a convenience-led store be measuring?
• Can you sign the turnover certificate our landlord requires?
• Do we need a UAE-based accountant, or can we use one overseas?

Accountants for Dubai Outlet Mall Stores

• How should heavily discounted stock be valued?
• What is the most useful report for an outlet store?
• How quickly can you take over from our current accountant?
• Do you act for mall landlords as well as tenants?

Accountants for BurJuman Stores

• We sell prepaid treatment packages. When do we recognise the revenue?
• How should staff commission be accounted for in a service business?
• Do we need a UAE-based accountant, or can we use one overseas?
• Can you sign the turnover certificate our landlord requires?

Accountants for Wafi Mall Stores

• We sell high-value items on instalments. How does that affect our accounts?
• What stock controls suit a high-value, low-volume store?
• Do you act for mall landlords as well as tenants?
• How quickly can you take over from our current accountant?

Accountants for Mercato Mall Stores

• We are a single independent store. Is proper accounting software worth it?
• What is the minimum monthly routine for a small boutique?
• Can you sign the turnover certificate our landlord requires?
• Do we need a UAE-based accountant, or can we use one overseas?

Accountants for Al Ghurair Centre Stores

• Our staff have been with us for years. What gratuity liability are we carrying?
• We have balances on our balance sheet nobody can explain. What now?
• How quickly can you take over from our current accountant?
• Do you act for mall landlords as well as tenants?

Accountants for Yas Mall Stores

• We operate in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Do we file separately?
• How should event-driven trading peaks be budgeted?
• Do we need a UAE-based accountant, or can we use one overseas?
• Can you sign the turnover certificate our landlord requires?

Accountants for The Galleria Al Maryah Island Stores

• We hold brand stock on consignment. Is it our inventory?
• A customer wants goods shipped abroad. What do we need for zero-rating?
• Do you act for mall landlords as well as tenants?
• How quickly can you take over from our current accountant?

Accountants for City Centre Sharjah Stores

• Are VAT and Corporate Tax different in Sharjah?
• Can we compare a Sharjah store directly against a Dubai store?
• Can you sign the turnover certificate our landlord requires?
• Do we need a UAE-based accountant, or can we use one overseas?

Neo Finance Locations

• Does my emirate or free zone change my tax position?
• Do you need to be in the same emirate as us?
• How do we get started?

Accountants in Dubai

• How much does an accountant cost in Dubai?
• Should I set up in Dubai mainland or a free zone?
• Do you work with businesses outside your listed locations?

Accountants in Abu Dhabi

• We operate in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. How many tax filings is that?
• Do government contracts change how we account for revenue?
• How do we get started?

Accountants in Sharjah

• Our family business has kept records informally for years. Is that a problem now?
• Is VAT or Corporate Tax cheaper in Sharjah than Dubai?
• Do you work with businesses outside your listed locations?

Accountants for DMCC Companies

• Does a DMCC company have to be audited?
• Can a DMCC company sell to mainland UAE customers?
• How do we get started?

Accountants for JAFZA Companies

• How should a JAFZA trading company value its inventory?
• What VAT applies when we move goods from JAFZA to mainland Dubai?
• Do you work with businesses outside your listed locations?

Accountants for IFZA Companies

• I have an IFZA licence. Do I pay 0% Corporate Tax?
• I am a one-person consultancy. What is the minimum I need to do?
• How do we get started?

Accountants for Meydan Free Zone Companies

• We pay for overseas software and ads. Is there any UAE VAT on that?
• Our customers are all overseas. Do we still register for VAT?
• Do you work with businesses outside your listed locations?

Accountants for RAKEZ Companies

• Is RAKEZ cheaper for tax than a Dubai free zone?
• What does a manufacturer need beyond ordinary bookkeeping?
• How do we get started?

Accountants in Business Bay, Dubai

• We invoice retainers in advance. When is that revenue?
• How much salary can I pay myself from my own company?
• Do you work with businesses outside your listed locations?

Accountants in Deira, Dubai

• Our business has run on cash and trust for thirty years. What has to change?
• How much cash can a UAE business legitimately handle?
• How do we get started?

Accountants in Al Quoz, Dubai

• We run several jobs at once. How do we know which are profitable?
• When can we recognise revenue on a fit-out job that spans year end?
• Do you work with businesses outside your listed locations?

Accountants in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai

• When should we start preparing for our DMCC audit?
• How do we track qualifying versus non-qualifying revenue during the year?
• How do we get started?

Accountants in Dubai Media City

• Our agency passes media spend through to platforms. Is that our revenue?
• Is VAT charged on services we provide to overseas clients?
• Can we meet in person?
• Do you work with businesses outside your listed locations?

Accountants in Ras Al Khaimah

• Is it cheaper to run a company in Ras Al Khaimah?
• We manufacture in RAK and sell into Dubai. What should we watch?
• How do we get started?

Accountants in Ajman

• My Ajman company is dormant. Do I still have to file?
• What is the minimum a small Ajman company needs?
• Do you work with businesses outside your listed locations?

Accountants in Fujairah

• Is bunker fuel supply zero-rated for VAT?
• We act as ship agents. Do we report gross or net?
• How do we get started?

Accountants in Umm Al Quwain

• Is Small Business Relief automatic below AED 3 million?
• Do we need monthly management accounts?
• Do you work with businesses outside your listed locations?

Accountants for DIFC Companies

• Does a DIFC company need an audit?
• Are DIFC companies exempt from UAE Corporate Tax?
• How do we get started?

Accountants for ADGM Companies

• Who can audit an ADGM company?
• Can an ADGM holding company access the 0% Corporate Tax rate?
• Do you work with businesses outside your listed locations?

Accountants for DAFZA Companies

• Does DAFZA require audited accounts?
• We re-export most of our stock. How does that affect VAT?
• How do we get started?

Neo Finance Insights

• How often is this content reviewed?
• Can I rely on these guides for my business?

UAE Corporate Tax Guide

• When did UAE Corporate Tax start?
• What is the UAE Corporate Tax rate?
• Do I still file if my business made a loss?
• Is my owner salary deductible?

UAE VAT Guide

• What is the VAT registration threshold in the UAE?
• When are UAE VAT returns due?
• What is the difference between zero-rated and exempt?
• Does the reverse charge apply to overseas software subscriptions?

Turnover Rent Guide

• How is turnover rent calculated?
• Do delivery app orders count towards turnover rent?
• Is turnover rent capitalised under IFRS 16?
• What happens if a landlord audit finds we under-declared?

UAE Compliance Calendar

• What are the main annual compliance deadlines for a UAE company?
• When is the Corporate Tax return due for a December year end?
• Do Economic Substance Regulations still apply in the UAE?

Retail KPI Guide

• What is a good occupancy cost percentage for a retail store?
• How do I compare stores in different malls?
• What is contribution after occupancy?

Choosing Accounting Software UAE

• Which accounting software is best for a UAE business?
• Can accounting software handle UAE VAT automatically?
• How long does an accounting system migration take?

Free UAE Tax and Accounting Calculators

• Are these calculators free?
• Can I rely on the results?

UAE Corporate Tax Calculator

• How much Corporate Tax will I pay in the UAE?
• Does Small Business Relief mean I pay nothing?
• How much of my brought-forward losses can I use?

UAE VAT Calculator

• How do I calculate 5% VAT in the UAE?
• What is the VAT registration threshold in the UAE?
• Should I register voluntarily?

UAE End-of-Service Gratuity Calculator

• How is end-of-service gratuity calculated in the UAE?
• Do I get gratuity if I resign?
• Is gratuity calculated on basic salary or total salary?

UAE Compliance Deadline Calculator

• When is my UAE Corporate Tax return due?
• When are UAE VAT returns due?
• How long do I have to keep UAE accounting records?

Turnover Rent Calculator

• How is turnover rent calculated in a UAE mall?
• What is a natural breakpoint?
• What occupancy cost percentage should I aim for?

What Is Turnover Rent

• What is Turnover Rent?

What Is a Qualifying Free Zone Person

• What is a Qualifying Free Zone Person?

What Is Small Business Relief

• What is Small Business Relief?

What Is the Reverse Charge

• What is the Reverse Charge?

What Is a Tax Invoice

• What is a Tax Invoice?

What Is the Wage Protection System

• What is the Wage Protection System?

What Is End-of-Service Gratuity

• What is End-of-Service Gratuity?

What Are Management Accounts

• What are Management Accounts?

What Is Deferred Revenue

• What is Deferred Revenue?

What Is IFRS 16

• What is IFRS 16?

What Is a Trial Balance

• What is a Trial Balance?

What Is a Tax Registration Number

• What is a Tax Registration Number?

Free Zone vs Mainland UAE

• Is a free zone company tax-free in the UAE?
• Can a free zone company sell to mainland UAE customers?
• Which is cheaper to run?

Do I Need an Audit in the UAE

• Do all UAE companies need audited accounts?
• What happens if we do not have an audit when one is required?
• Can the firm that prepares our accounts also audit them?

Accountant vs Bookkeeper UAE

• Can I just use a bookkeeper in the UAE?
• Is outsourcing cheaper than hiring?

In-House vs Outsourced Accounting UAE

• When should we bring accounting in-house?
• Is outsourced accounting secure?

Neo Finance — UAE Accountants

• What does Neo Finance do?
• Does Neo Finance perform audits?
• What size of business do you work with?
• Do I need an accountant if my UAE business is small?
• How quickly can Neo Finance take over from our current accountant?

About Neo Finance

• Is Neo Finance the same firm as Neo Legal?
• What size of business do you work with?
• Do you act for shopping mall landlords?

How Neo Finance Works

• How long does onboarding take?
• Do we get a named contact or a support desk?
• What if our books turn out to be worse than we said?

Neo Finance — Our People

• Who will I actually be dealing with?
• Can you work in Mandarin or Arabic?

Accounting Packages and Fees UAE

• How much does an accountant cost in the UAE?
• What happens if I go over my transaction limit?
• Is the Corporate Tax return included?
• How much does Corporate Tax return filing cost in the UAE?
• How much does VAT return filing cost in the UAE?
• Do the fees include VAT?
• Is pricing per company or per group?
• Is there a minimum contract term?
• What if my books are years behind?
• Is the audit fee included in any package?

Contact Neo Finance

• What information do you need to give me a quote?
• Do you charge for the first conversation?

Neo Finance Accounting Services UAE

• What services does Neo Finance provide?
• Is there anything you do not do?
• Do you offer a fixed monthly fee?

UAE Tax Services

• Which taxes apply to a UAE business?
• Do taxes differ between emirates or free zones?
• What happens if we have filed something incorrectly?

Sector Accounting Expertise UAE

• Do you only work with these sectors?
• What difference does a sector specialist actually make?

Reviewed 18 August 2026 by Ahmed Nabil Selim. UAE tax rates, thresholds and deadlines change — confirm the position for your period before relying on it.