The economic substance framework applies to all companies licensed in the UAE, including natural or legal persons, to control tax evasion. This law is in force in almost 11 countries worldwide, including the UAE’s implementation of economic substance rules.
The economic substance regulations were already introduced in the UAE in April 2019 but were replaced by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) through the new Cabinet Resolution No 57 of 2020. The OECD’s main agenda is to control base erosion and profit-sharing practices, known as BEPS, and it is developing a 15-step action plan. There are at least 5 action plans that every OECD member country must follow, including harmful tax practices, also known as economic substance rules.
The main objective of the Economic Substance Regulations in Dubai is to regulate tax liabilities in the UAE through the relevant authorities. This is because many organizations, especially multinational corporations, save a lot of tax and take advantage of various low-tax jurisdictions. These amended regulations ensure that a company has a physical presence here and carries out all its business activities in the UAE, rather than just having a license that shows income in this country.
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There are many significant changes in the amended economic substance regulations, such as certain categories of businesses being required to comply with the ESR law. The ESR focuses in particular on companies operating and generating income on the mainland, offshore, free zones, and financial free zones. The main actors in the amended framework are listed below:
The amended Regulations clearly define exempt licensees that do not meet the UAE’s economic substance test. However, they still submit a statement that they are exempt from the ESR, together with documentation. A company will be an exempt licensee if it is established in the UAE, carries out relevant activities and:
Tax jurisdiction outside the UAE. A wholly-owned resident entity is a resident of the UAE and a person authorized in the UAE. Also not part of an international group and conducts all its business exclusively in the UAE.
A branch of a foreign entity whose income is taxable in the jurisdiction in which the foreign entity is incorporated.
In addition, the amended rules do not provide a specific exemption for entities that are at least 51% owned, directly or indirectly, by the UAE government.
These are the relevant authorities that will notify, examine and submit your ESR application:
A qualifying substance has specific characteristics which means that the business activities concerned must comply with the notification, testing, and reporting requirements of the ESR. This is a key step in identifying a qualifying economic substance in the United Arab Emirates:
Filing an economic substance regulation in the UAE is a somewhat complex and lengthy procedure. However, it has a positive impact on the UAE economy as a whole, as well as contributing to the growth of your business. It is an essential process to comply with the ESR in accordance with all relevant authorities.
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Firstly, we need to demonstrate that the company has the appropriate economic substance in the United Arab Emirates. We must also demonstrate that Core Income Generating Activities (CIGA) are carried out in the country. It is then necessary to assess what relevant activities are carried out and whether or not they require the introduction of ESR in order to carry on business in the UAE.
A licensing company must notify the relevant authorities if it carries out any of these relevant activities in the UAE. The requirements and procedures for notifying the Economic Substance Regulations Penalty are different for each licensing authority.
All companies are required to assess their ESR position and submit a notification to the relevant authorities. The Amended Resolution requires all licensees and exempt licensees to resubmit the ESR notification once on the Ministry of Finance portal. Each relevant authority has a different notification procedure. Some require it to be sent by email, while others have online portals.
The economic substance test is carried out to validate the Economic Substance Dubai information and documents provided. It confirms your appropriate economic substance for licensees, which determines whether or not the company is exempt or non-exempt from the amended resolution in the United Arab Emirates.
The final step is the submission of a report from only the companies that carry out these relevant activities. This should be submitted within 12 months of the end of the financial year to ensure that your ESR test is met by respected institutions.
ESR is mandatory for all licensees that fall within a specified business category in the United Arab Emirates. If anyone fails to comply with the amended ESR to the relevant authorities, they are liable to pay a fine of between AED 50,000 and AED 300,000. Also suspension of licenses as well as other administrative sanctions such as suspension, revocation or non-renewal of a company’s marketing license or permit.
BestaxCA chartered accountants and consultants specialize in providing Economic Substance Regulation services in Dubai, UAE. The team of experts helps you with in-depth knowledge of the relevant authorities and protects your business from any kind of penalties. Here are some of the benefits of choosing BestaxCA for your economic substance regulation application:
Bestax Chartered Accountants is a distinguished financial and business consulting firm that maintains a strong presence in Dubai, Canada/US, and beyond. Our unwavering commitment to excellence shines through our comprehensive range of services.
