Definition

A Tax Agent in the UAE is a natural person registered with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and authorized to represent businesses in all tax matters, including VAT, Excise Tax, and Corporate Tax. Tax Agents act as official intermediaries, helping companies comply with UAE tax laws and communicating directly with the FTA on their behalf.

Key points

• Must be approved and registered in the official FTA Tax Agent Register.
• Provides services such as VAT registration, return filing, tax planning, and responding to FTA audits.
• Required to maintain confidentiality and act in the best interests of the taxpayer.
• Businesses are not obliged to appoint a tax agent but may find it valuable for compliance.
• Tax Agents must hold relevant qualifications and UAE residency.

Practical example

A Dubai-based trading company facing an FTA audit appoints a registered tax agent to manage communication, file voluntary disclosures, and ensure all supporting documents meet compliance standards.

Why it matters

Appointing a Tax Agent can reduce compliance risks, save administrative time, and ensure a business remains fully aligned with the latest UAE tax regulations.