Accounting Services For Free Zones

In order to get the full potential of free zones, there is a need for accounting services that are unique to them due to their complex financial environments. The accounting services offered to free zones include preparation and audit of financial statements, tax planning and compliance, VAT registration and filing, financial analysis and reporting, and compliance with various free zone regulations. One reason why specialized accounting is important is because there are peculiar regulatory requirements that govern the free zones. The system of taxes is very complicated. International transactions are usually numerous, precise records have to be kept at all times. And it is also mandatory to comply with the authorities in charge of free zones. By understanding the intricacies of free zone accounting, companies can improve their financial performance, avoid potential pitfalls, and leverage the advantages associated with doing business in such dynamic environments thus making specialized accounting services an integral part of success in free zones.

According to UAE Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2023, entities in Designated Free Zones must maintain proper accounting records and submit audited financial statements annually for license renewal.
 

What Are UAE Free Zones?

Free zones in the UAE are areas that enjoy exclusive advantages accruable to companies, mainly targeted at attracting foreign investment. These zones allow for foreign ownership at 100%, have tax exemptions, and have simple administration procedures; also, they are attractive destinations for international companies.

Definition of UAE Free Zones

A free zone, otherwise called a free trade zone, is an area with prescribed laws applied, different from the legislation outside the zone. Such zones are created with the view to stimulate the working of businesses, especially for foreign investors. The first free zone to be established was the Jebel Ali Free Zone in 1985, while currently there are over 40 free zones across the UAE, each serving specific functions related to certain industries or business activities.

Overview of UAE Free Zones  

 Types of UAE Free Zones  

Advantages of Operating in UAE Free Zones  
 

Customized Accounting Needs for Free Zones 

Free zones raise a different set of accounting challenges that are hitherto unique and local. From the perspective of a finance professional, we have identified certain areas wherein businesses operating in free zones require specialized accounting support. First and foremost, regulatory compliance and local requirements feature at the top, which further will have various complexities arising out of: 

• Value-Added Tax (VAT) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations
• Customs duties and import/export procedures
• Compliance with free zone authorities' rules and guidelines
• Following International financial reporting standards(IFRS)
• Management of foreign currency transactions and exchange rates management,
• updating and maintenance of Books of Accounts along with reporting.

Special accounting services in order to keep such businesses ahead with seamless compliance and best financial performance are required for businesses operating in free zones. In-depth knowledge about the intricacies of free zone accounting will help the finance professional provide constructive insight and support to the businesses so that they perform well in such dynamic environments.

Our Accounting Services

Book-Keeping: Our bookkeeping services are designed to treat your financial records with a qualitative approach. Daily transactions comprising the recording of sales and purchases, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank reconciliations are accomplished. Our professional team manages ledger entry accuracy and timely updates to keep your financial records up to date. Also allowing an overview of the status of your company's finances. This service maintains records in an organized way, keeping pace with regulatory standards, and assists in maintaining proper financial management.

Financial Reporting: We provide full-range financial reporting to keep you informed about your business's financial results. This would include the preparation of full financial statements, comprising a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Reports are prepared in compliance with local statutory requirements, as well as international accounting standards. Such reports have become one of the most important bases for strategic decision-making, budgeting, and financial planning, which will surely help track the profitability of your business and its financial health over time.

Tax Services: Tax laws can be very complicated and painful for you to handle. Our tax services make it easier for you by offering professional tax planning, preparation, and filing to keep you compliant with local tax laws and regulations. The services also involve the calculation of your tax liabilities, preparing and submitting your tax returns, and advising on opportunities to save on taxes. We equally help in VAT registration and filing, corporate tax returns, and representation before tax audits. Our objective is to minimize your tax liabilities while still ensuring that all legal requirements are met.

Payroll Services: Payroll management efficiently affects the level of employee satisfaction and, more importantly, statutory compliance. This includes all payroll processing work, such as the calculation of salary with deductions for taxes and social security, timely payment of wages, statutory compliances regarding labor laws, and other regulations, and providing payroll reports in adequate detail. Our services further include employee benefits and leave records management, hence reducing the administrative load from your human resource department for accurate payroll processing.

Audit and Assurance: Through our audit and assurance services , we offer you independent and detailed scrutiny of your financial statements. We will conduct thorough audits to ensure that your financial reports are presented accurately to present the financial position of your business and that they fully adhere to standards of accounting. This encompasses the scale of services from assessing internal controls and identifying areas of risk to providing recommendations for improvement. Other assurance services include reviews and agreed-upon procedures, giving you confidence in the reliability of your financial information and supporting transparency and trust with stakeholders.

Specialized Services for Free Zones

Value Addition Tax Administration and Exemption

Our Value Addition Tax handling services are realistically designed to make life easier for you. We handle everything that pertains to Value Addition Tax compliance right from VAT registration through return preparations and submission. In like manner, our expertise expands to identifying the applicable exemptions and ensuring that your transaction aligns with the peculiar VAT legislation governing free zones. We help you maximize VAT recovery, steer clear of common pitfalls, and remain compliant with updated tax laws, thereby minimizing your risk of audits and penalties.

Financial Planning and Analysis

Strategic financial planning provides the foundation for long-term success against the backcloth of a competitive business environment. Our financial planning and analysis services offer a certain set of tools and insights needed to make informed decisions. We assist in integrated financial planning, including forecasting, budgeting, and scenario analysis. Our team undertakes deep financial analysis in benchmarking performance, determining financial health, and supporting strategic decisions. From comprehensive reports and pragmatic insights, we empower you to drive your financial strategies toward the realization of business objectives, optimization of resource use, and overall improvement in financial performance.

Project Accounting and Budgeting

Effective project accounting and budgeting are quite important to project cost control and management. Our services, therefore, focus on tracking project expenses and managing budgets to accomplish projects within financial limits. We offer detailed cost analysis, budget preparation, and financial monitoring throughout the project's life. Our expertise would help highlight possible cost overruns well in advance, therefore ensuring well-used financial resources. We support project managers with accurate financial reports and forecasts that help in better decision-making and successful project execution.

Free zones in UAE

Dubai Free Zones

• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
• Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
• Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
• Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
• Dubai Design District (d3)
• Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)
• Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
• Dubai Media City (DMC)
• Dubai Internet City (DIC)
• Dubai Logistics City (DLC)

Abu Dhabi Free Zones

• Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
• Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
• Masdar City Free Zone
• Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)

Sharjah Free Zones

• Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF)
• Sharjah Media City (Shams)
• Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA)

Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones

• Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
• RAK Maritime City

Ajman Free Zones

• Ajman Free Zone
• Ajman Media City

Fujairah Free Zones

• Fujairah Creative City Free Zone

Umm Al Quwain Free Zones

• Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone

The UAE has a total of 46 operational free zones, with ongoing developments to enhance business opportunities.

Why Choose Us?

It can be very complicated to deal with UAE free zone regulations, but through our specialized know-how, your business shall remain compliant with respective laws. We offer tailor-made solutions addressing unique requirements in the various free zones, including but not limited to VAT exemptions, and specific financial reporting standards, among others. We Reyson Badger who has immense experience in international tax consultancy, adds extra expertise and strategic insight. In fact, this collaboration enables us to offer you precise, tailored advice and solutions that guarantee that your financial and regulatory concerns are taken care of professionally and optimized.

FAQ

1.Is audit mandatory for Free Zone companies?

Yes, all Free Zone entities must submit audited financial statements yearly.

2.Do Free Zone companies pay corporate tax?

Qualifying Free Zone income may still enjoy 0% tax under the UAE Corporate Tax Law.

3.Can Free Zone entities claim VAT refunds?

Depends on the type of Free Zone (Designated or Non-Designated).

4.How often should accounts be updated?

Ideally monthly; at least quarterly for accuracy and audit readiness.