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Frequently asked questions related to Accounts related services in UAE and Middle East
Accounting
1. What is accounting and auditing services?
Accounting & Auditing Services in UAE include many important financial Audit in UAE. Expert Evaluation Services ,management tasks that are necessary for businesses to be successful. Accounting is the process of keeping correct financial records by writing, analysing, and reporting financial events in a planned way.
On the other hand, accounting makes sure that these records are accurate, meet legal requirements, and give a good picture of the company’s financial health. A well known name in the UAE, Live Auditing focuses on customising its accounting and auditing services to meet the needs of each customer.
From keeping the books to making the financial statements, Live Auditing makes sure that everything is clear and in line with the rules. This helps businesses make smart choices that will lead to long-term growth.
Accounting & Audit
2. What is the CA body in the UAE?
The “UAE Chartered Accountant (CA) body” is the most important governing body in the field of Accounting and Auditing Services in UAE. Live Auditing is a respected organisation that oversees and controls the accounting and auditing industry in the UAE.
With a focus on upholding the highest standards of skill and honesty, the UAE CA body is a key part of making sure that financial reporting across many businesses is accurate and of high quality.
Businesses and experts depend on its advice and certification to maintain high standards in accounting and audits, which builds trust in the UAE’s financial system.
Audit
3. What is the role of auditor in UAE?
The job of an inspector is complex and important in the fast-paced world of Accounting & Auditing Services in UAE, especially during Live Auditing.
Auditors in the UAE are responsible for carefully going over financial records to make sure they follow both local and foreign rules. They are very important for making sure that financial reporting is honest and accurate, and they give consumers and decision-makers useful information.
Auditors help build trust in the UAE’s business environment by doing thorough reviews and close attention. This helps companies that do business there grow and progress in the long term.
Accounting
4. Which accounting standard is used in UAE?
The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are the most commonly used accounting standard in the UAE’s Accounting and Auditing Services industry. Companies and groups in the UAE follow these internationally recognised standards to make sure their financial reports are consistent, clear, and easy to compare.
They do this with the help of Live Auditing. IFRS makes it easier for countries to follow the best practices used around the world. This makes financial accounts more credible and trustworthy.
When businesses in the UAE use IFRS, they can clearly tell stakeholders about their financial health and success. This builds trust in the country’s financial markets and helps the economy grow as a whole.
Accounting & Audit
5. What is a Chartered Accountant do in UAE?
A Chartered Accountant (CA) plays many important parts in Accounting and Auditing Services in the UAE, especially when it comes to Live Auditing. CAs are very important to companies and organisations in many different fields when it comes to financial management, auditing, taxes, and consulting.
They make sure that rules set by regulators are followed, give professional financial advice, and help make smart decisions. CAs help improve performance, lower risks, and make operations more efficient by carefully analysing and making sense of financial data. Their knowledge and skill are very important for keeping financial practices honest and open, which builds trust and confidence in the UAE’s business atmosphere.
Accounting
6. What are the accounting standards used in UAE?
Live Auditing follows the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as the main accounting standard in the UAE’s Accounting and Auditing Services industry. These internationally recognised guidelines make sure that financial reporting for companies and organisations in the UAE is consistent, clear, and easy to compare across different sectors.
By using IFRS, organisations can make sure that their financial records are in line with best practices around the world. This increases their trustworthiness and makes it easier for stakeholders to understand. Live Auditing’s attention to IFRS shows that it is committed to keeping the highest standards of skill and honesty in accounting, which builds trust and faith in the UAE’s financial system.
Accounting & Strategy
7. Why to outsource accounting department?
Let a professional do a professional’s job. If you are like most business owners and CEOs, you take full pride in the services or products your company provides. You want to focus your time and energy on business strategy and goals.
Outsourcing the accounting department to a dedicated, highly skilled professional services firm allows you to do exactly that you’ll save valuable time in your day, reduce operating costs and gain peace of mind
Business Strategy
8. How to minimize my business losses?
There are multiple ways to minimize your small business risk.
- First: Cash flow is extremely important. You should have the correct controls in place to have a proper cash flow within your business. About every month you should calculate how much cash your business has on hand as well as determining all the accounts payable you have on your books. Improper cash flow is the number one risk for most small businesses.
- Second: You should have the appropriate insurance for your specific business risks. You should have standard insurance as well as insurance for your own set of specific risks.
- Third: You may even consider utilizing contractual indemnification clauses to protect you from potential damages caused by other businesses which you rely on frequently for your business.
You should consult an Auditor to assist with these complex and specialized matters.
CFO & Consulting
9. What does an outsourced CFO do?
CFO is a financial expert who provides financial strategy services on a part-time or project basis. An Outsourced CFO can also help a company resolve challenges such as cash flow issues, raising capital, solving tight margins, implementing more efficient systems, or preparing for growth.
Live CFO Services has experience in distressed situations and crisis management. Our turnaround experience will identify the root causes of the problem, gain a handle of the cash position and cash flow of the business, develop and implement a turnaround plan, and communicate and work with outside parties (bank partners, suppliers, other creditors, customers, legal counsel, etc.) to gain support for the plan.
We provide senior-level financial management and accounting services to small and mid-sized public and private companies.
Business Strategy & Consulting
10. Role of management consultants
Strong business processes are crucial for organizations to run their business effectively. Having good processes help organizations reduce their dependency on individuals. Good processes also help companies to scale up their operations and to be equipped to take on emerging market opportunities.
Management consultants help organisations to solve issues, create value, maximize growth and improve business performance. They use their business skills to provide objective advice and expertise, and help an organization to develop any specialist skills that it may be lacking.
Live CFO Services has experience in distressed situations and crisis management. Our turnaround experience will identify the root causes of the problem, gain a handle of the cash position and cash flow of the business, develop and implement a turnaround plan, and communicate and work with outside parties (bank partners, suppliers, other creditors, customers, legal counsel, etc.) to gain support for the plan. We provide senior-level financial management and accounting services to small and mid-sized public and private companies.
VAT
11. Is VAT applicable on imported goods in UAE?
The person who is registered under VAT in UAE has to pay VAT on goods/services imported into UAE on Reverse Charge Basis. This is in addition to the customs duty levied on imports. The tax is to be paid by the recipient of the supply and the same will be eligible for input tax recovery.
VAT
12. Is VAT applicable for Free Zone companies in UAE?
The Free Zones that are listed in a Cabinet Decision is known as Designated Zones and is eligible for special VAT treatment subject to fulfilment of some criteria. The effect for businesses operating in Designated Zones will be that many supplies of goods will be outside the scope of UAE VAT, subject to strict criteria and detailed record keeping. However, supplies of services are subject to the normal UAE VAT rules.
VAT
13. Is it possible to claim the refund for VAT paid on inputs?
A registered business can recover the VAT paid on purchase of goods and services used for business purposes and subject to certain conditions.
Tourists & Visitors can claim refund on VAT paid on purchases they made during their stay in the UAE. Recovery of payment will be done through a fully integrated electronic system which connects retailers registered in the ‘Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme’ with all ports of entry and exit from the UAE.
VAT & Compliance
14. What happens if you don’t register for VAT?
It is optional to register for VAT if you believe your taxable supplies and imports may exceed the threshold limit of AED 187,500 during the next 30 days. It is mandatory to register if the taxable supply & import exceed AED 375,000.
Accounting Software
15. Which is the best accounting software that is widely used in UAE which is also accredited by FTA?
When it comes to accounting software, the name that comes to our mind is TALLY. The Tally Prime is one of the best accounting software that can be used in all sorts of businesses.
ESR & Compliance
16. What is the purpose of Economic Substance Regulation (ESR)?
The main purpose of the ESR is to comply and bring specific requirements for the entities incorporated in the UAE to demonstrate that the companies are carrying out the actual economic activity in the State that achieve economic substance interest and the basis to support that the incorporation in the UAE was not driven solely to benefit from the privileged tax regime.
ESR
17. What are the relevant activities covered under Economic Substance Regulation (ESR)?
The relevant activities are listed below:
- Banking Business
- Insurance Business
- Investment Fund management Business
- Lease – Finance Business
- Headquarters Business
- Shipping Business
- Holding Company Business
- Intellectual property Business
- Distribution and Service Centre Business
ESR
18. Is Economic Substance Regulation (ESR) applicable for Mainland Companies?
Yes, it’s applicable for both free zone as well as main land companies.
Corporate Tax
19. What is Corporate Tax?
Corporate Tax is a form of direct tax levied on the net income or profit of corporations and other businesses. Corporate Tax is sometimes also referred to as “Corporate Income Tax” or “Business Profits Tax” in other jurisdictions.
Corporate Tax
20. Why is the UAE introducing CT?
A competitive CT regime based on international best practices will cement the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for business and investment, and accelerate the UAE’s development and transformation to achieve its strategic objectives Introducing a CT regime reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to meeting international standards for tax transparency and preventing harmful tax practices.
Corporate Tax
21. Is the UAE the first country to introduce CT?
Most countries in the world have a comprehensive CT regime, including most of the GCC Member States.
Corporate Tax
22. When will the UAE CT regime become effective?
The UAE CT regime will become effective for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023.
Corporate Tax
23. Will UAE CT be applicable to businesses in each Emirate?
The UAE CT is a Federal tax and will therefore apply across all Emirates.
Corporate Tax & Compliance
24. What will be the role of the Federal Tax Authority?
The Federal Tax Authority will be responsible for the administration, collection, and enforcement of UAE CT
Corporate Tax
25. What will be the role of the Ministry of Finance?
The Ministry of Finance will remain the ‘competent authority’ for purposes of bilateral/multilateral agreements and the international exchange of information for tax purposes.
Compliance
26. Just tell me clearly: what documents I need, what to do, and by when.
→ We provide a document checklist + compliance calendar at onboarding with exact deadlines as per FTA and Corporate Tax law.
Compliance
27. Why do I find out requirements only when I call you?
→ We follow a proactive update system—email + WhatsApp alerts before any filing or document due date.
Compliance
28. Why wasn’t this requirement told at the beginning?
→ Regulations evolve. We track FTA updates and Cabinet Decisions and inform clients immediately with impact analysis.
Compliance
29. Can you give me everything in writing?
→ Yes. All requirements, advice, and timelines are issued via written advisory notes and emails.
Compliance
30. Who tracks my compliance dates?
→ We maintain a compliance tracker covering VAT, Corporate Tax, ESR, audit, and license renewals.
VAT & Compliance
31. Do I need to register for VAT or not?
→ Mandatory if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000, voluntary from AED 187,500 (VAT Law Art. 13).
VAT Strategy
32. My turnover is below AED 375,000—should I still register?
→ Depends on client profile, B2B dealings, imports, and credibility with banks and suppliers.
VAT
33. Why is VAT refund delayed?
→ Usually due to missing documents, mismatch in returns, or FTA verification checks.
VAT
34. Can I claim VAT on all expenses?
→ No. Certain expenses are blocked (e.g., entertainment, some motor vehicles) as per VAT Executive Regulations.
VAT & Compliance
35. What happens if I miss a VAT return?
→ Penalties apply: AED 1,000 for first late filing, AED 2,000 for repeat, plus late payment penalties.
VAT
36. Do I need VAT if I export?
→ Exports are zero-rated, but documentation is mandatory to prove export status.
VAT & Strategy
37. Why is my VAT payable high even though profit is low?
→ VAT is transaction-based, not profit-based. Cashflow planning is required.
Corporate Tax
38. Do all companies have to pay Corporate Tax?
→ Companies with taxable income above AED 375,000 pay CT at 9%.
Corporate Tax Strategy
39. Free zone companies are exempt, right?
→ Only Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting substance and income conditions are eligible for 0%.
Corporate Tax & Accounting
40. What is taxable income?
→ Accounting profit adjusted for non-deductible expenses, exemptions, and reliefs.
Corporate Tax Compliance
41. When do I need to register for Corporate Tax?
→ Registration deadlines are announced by FTA and are mandatory even if tax payable is zero.
Corporate Tax Compliance
42. What happens if I don’t register?
→ non-registration attracts administrative penalties, even if no tax is due.
Corporate Tax & Accounting
43. Can I deduct all expenses?
→ No. Expenses must be wholly and exclusively for business; some are disallowed or restricted.
Corporate Tax & Audit
44. Is audit mandatory for Corporate Tax?
→ Audit is required if prescribed or for Qualifying Free Zone Persons.
CT, VAT & Accounting
45. Do I need separate CT and VAT records?
→ Records can overlap, but CT requires additional disclosures and adjustments.
Compliance & Consulting
46. Why do you guide only after a notice comes?
→ We don’t. Our model focuses on risk alerts before non-compliance.
Compliance & Consulting
47. Can you warn me if something I’m doing is risky?
→ Yes. We issue risk notes based on transaction reviews.
Compliance
48. How do I avoid FTA penalties?
→ Proper classification, timely filing, reconciliations, and document retention for 7 years.
Compliance & Consulting
49. Can you review transactions before I execute them?
→ Yes. We provide pre-transaction tax impact reviews.
Compliance & Consulting
50. Is verbal advice safe?
→ No. We issue written advisory opinions for protection and audit trail.
Service & Support
51. If it’s urgent, who responds in 24 hours?
→ Each client is assigned an account manager with escalation to COO/CEO.
Service & Support
52. When will I get my report—72 hours or 2 weeks?
→ We commit to defined SLAs: urgent matters in 24–72 hours, standard reports within agreed timelines.
Strategy & Consulting
53. I don’t want only filing. Can you guide business decisions?
→ Yes. We offer monthly advisory reviews—tax, cashflow, margins, compliance.
CT Strategy & CFO
54. Should I take salary or dividend?
→ We advise based on Corporate Tax efficiency and personal planning.
Strategy & Consulting
55. Should I restructure my business?
→ We assess tax reliefs, group structuring, and transfer pricing impact.
Tax Strategy
56. Is my pricing tax-efficient?
→ We review pricing from VAT, CT, and margin perspective.
Strategy & CFO
57. My accounts show profit—why is the bank rejecting my file?
→ Banks look at cashflow, ratios, source of funds, and compliance, not profit alone.
Audit & Compliance
58. What exactly do banks check?
→ Audited financials, VAT filings, CT compliance, bank statements, and transaction clarity.
CFO Services
59. Can you prepare a bank-ready financial pack?
→ Yes. We prepare banking ratios, cashflow analysis, and explanatory notes.
VAT & Compliance
60. Does VAT compliance affect loans?
→ Yes. Non-compliance raises risk flags for banks.
Compliance & Consulting
61. Who will stand by advice if questioned later?
→ We do. Our advice is documented and defensible.
VAT
62. Do imports attract VAT?
→ Yes, via reverse charge, with recovery subject to eligibility.
VAT
63. Do services from outside UAE attract VAT?
→ Yes, under reverse charge mechanism.
VAT
64. Is intra-group charging taxable?
→ Depends on VAT group status and nature of supply.
Corporate Tax Compliance
65. Do I need transfer pricing documentation?
→ Required for related-party transactions under CT law.
Compliance & Accounting
66. How long should I keep records?
→ Minimum 7 years as per UAE tax law.
Audit & Compliance
67. What if FTA audits us?
→ We manage audit replies, reconciliations, and representations.
Compliance
68. Can penalties be reduced?
→ Yes, via reconsideration applications, if justified.
Compliance
69. Is compliance really that serious?
→ Yes. Penalties, bank rejection, license risk—all are real.