On 29 July 2023, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Finance announced the issuance of Cabinet Decision No. (74) of 2023 on the Executive Regulation of Federal Decree-Law No. (28) of 2022 on Tax Procedures (New Tax Procedures Law). The Cabinet Decision repeals and replaces the existing Executive Regulation on Tax Procedures and aligns definitions, procedures, and processes, amongst other matters, with the New Tax Procedures Law, which entered into force on 1 March 2023.
The new Cabinet Decision stipulates the accounting records and commercial books to be maintained as well as the period and manner of record-keeping. It further includes updates related to the conditions and controls for registering as a Tax Agent, the procedures for de-listing a Tax Agent, including the requirement to communicate verbally and in writing in Arabic or English, and the rights and responsibilities of a Tax Agent. Other key updates include procedures related to reconciliation in Tax Evasion crimes and the terms and conditions for such reconciliations. In addition, the new Cabinet Decision covers Tax payment and refund procedures, and the obligations of a trustee in cases of bankruptcy.
Cabinet Decision No. (74) is effective as of 1 August 2023, except for Clause (2) of Article (12) outlining the conditions for juridical persons who wish to be listed in the Register of Tax Agents, which will be effective as of 1 December 2023.
