In this edition, we spotlight a pivotal regulatory development from the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) that carries significant implications for entities operating as Tax Groups under the Corporate Tax Law.
The United Arab Emirates Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued Decision No. 7 of 2025, introducing formal requirements for the preparation and maintenance of audited special purpose financial statements for entities classified as a Tax Group under the Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022). This development represents a significant regulatory milestone with direct implications for corporate tax compliance and financial reporting.
Overview of key requirements
Effective for tax periods commencing on or after 1 January 2025, Tax Groups are required to prepare aggregated financial statements that:
- Consolidate the standalone financial statements of each member of the Tax Group
- Eliminate intra-group transactions to reflect only external activities
- Comply with either International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or IFRS for Small and Medium-sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs), subject to specific exceptions outlined in the Decision (e.g., treatment of business combinations under IFRS 3, consolidated reporting under IFRS 10, and adjustments related to goodwill and fair value)
Components of aggregated financial statements
Audit and submission requirements
The aggregated financial statements must be audited in accordance with a special purpose framework, aligned with International Standards on Auditing (ISA). The audited financials are to be submitted to the FTA within nine months following the end of the applicable tax period, unless an alternative deadline is specified by the Authority.
This regulatory update is a focal point in the latest issue of our Tax newsletter, which provides in-depth analysis, industry insights, and practical guidance on navigating the new requirements.
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In our July & August 2025 edition of GT’s regional monthly tax newsletter, we provide the latest news updates affecting international tax, corporate tax, transfer pricing, and indirect taxes in the UAE and across the Middle East region.
