RAKEZ Business Center-1, Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
holisticsolutionsuae@gmail.com +971 50 124 3735

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers

UAE tax, accounting & setup — answered

Straight answers to the questions we hear most. Can't find yours? Ask us directly — the first consultation is free.

General

HST provides VAT and corporate tax consultancy, accounting and book-keeping, e-invoicing implementation, cost control advisory, SOPs, business setup, bank account opening assistance, AML compliance, due diligence, and financial and ICV audit services across the UAE.

HST is based at RAKEZ Business Center-1, Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, and serves clients across all seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates.

Yes. HST offers a free initial consultation — contact us by phone, WhatsApp (+971 50 124 3735) or email holisticsolutionsuae@gmail.com to book a session.

HST was founded and is led by CA Ankita Agarwalla, a chartered accountant with extensive experience advising major companies under IFRS and UAE local standards.

Value Added Tax (VAT) View service

Businesses in the UAE must register for VAT when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 per year; voluntary registration is available above AED 187,500. HST handles the full registration process with the Federal Tax Authority.

Most UAE businesses file VAT returns quarterly, though the FTA may assign monthly periods. Returns and payment are due within 28 days of the end of each tax period.

Yes. The FTA accepts reconsideration requests filed with proper grounds and documentation. HST prepares and files reconsideration forms for VAT penalties on your behalf.

Corporate Tax View service

UAE corporate tax is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that threshold. Qualifying free zone entities may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income.

Yes. All taxable persons, including free zone entities such as RAKEZ companies, must register for corporate tax with the FTA even if they expect to benefit from a 0% qualifying rate.

Transfer pricing rules require transactions between related parties to be priced at arm's length and documented. HST advises on compliance, documentation and international taxation, including DTAA benefits.

Accounting & Financial Consulting View service

Yes. UAE companies must maintain proper books of account for at least 5 years under commercial and tax law. Accurate records are also essential for VAT and corporate tax filings.

Management Information System (MIS) reports summarise financial performance for decision-making — ageing analysis, cost-centre analysis, and revenue and cost trends. HST prepares them to management's requirements.

E-Invoicing View service

The UAE e-invoicing framework applies to B2B and B2G transactions with mandatory compliance starting July 2026, as part of the Ministry of Finance's digital reporting programme.

Businesses need invoicing systems capable of issuing structured electronic invoices in the official UAE format, integrated for automated processing. HST advises on system selection, ERP integration and FTA alignment.

Cost Control Advisory View service

A cost control advisor identifies cost drivers, builds realistic budgets, sets up controls to flag overspending, and improves processes so every dirham spent delivers measurable value.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) View service

Standard Operating Procedures ensure tasks are performed uniformly, reduce redundancy, support regulatory compliance, and make training and scaling far easier.

Business Setup Services View service

Yes. Free zone companies offer 100% foreign ownership, and most mainland activities now permit full foreign ownership as well. HST advises on the best structure for your goals.

Free zones offer 100% ownership, tax advantages and simpler setup; mainland licences allow unrestricted trading within the UAE market. The right choice depends on your activity, customers and cost targets.

Bank Account Opening View service

Timelines vary by bank and profile — typically from a few days to several weeks. Complete, well-prepared documentation significantly speeds up approval, which is where HST assists.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) View service

Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018 and Cabinet Decision No. (10) of 2019 set the UAE's anti-money laundering framework. Covered businesses must implement compliant policies, controls and reporting.

Financial institutions and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) — including real estate brokers, dealers in precious metals, auditors and corporate service providers — must comply and register on the goAML portal.

Due Diligence Services View service

Before mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, major vendor agreements or significant investments — any time verified financial, operational and compliance facts materially affect the decision.

Financial Audit & ICV Certification View service

The In-Country Value (ICV) certificate scores how much of a company's spend stays within the UAE economy. Higher ICV scores earn preference in procurement with major UAE entities such as ADNOC.

By increasing local sourcing, Emiratisation, local investment and UAE-based manufacturing. HST calculates your current score and builds an improvement plan before certification.

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