Tax Disputes
Tax disputes in the UAE could be very daunting and stressful. At HHS Lawyers, our tax dispute attorneys provide clear, objective, and practical advice to individuals and firms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all over the UAE. We have over 20 years of experience assisting our clients in resolving all disputes with the FTA-Federal Tax Authority and FCA-Federal Customs Authority. From VAT and corporate tax to tax penalties, we are there to enforce your rights and find the best solution for you. You can trust HHS with your tax litigation, and your tax disputes can be resolved quite smoothly and effectively with us.
What Are Tax Disputes in the UAE?
A tax dispute arises when a person or an entity disagrees with any decision of the FTA, be it an assessment of tax, imposing of fines, or matters concerning compliance. Some common tax disputes include:
- Corporate Tax Disputes: Mistakes or disagreements in the calculation of taxable income or deductions under Corporate Tax Law.
- VAT Disputes: VAT filing issues; reclaiming VAT input tax, or applications of reverse-charge.
- International Tax Issues: Issues relating to DTAAs or transfer pricing.
- Penalties and Audits: Challenging penalties or findings during an audit by the FTA.
Tax disputes without proper legal assistance could lead to huge financial penalties and legal matters.
If you or your business is involved in any kind of dispute that is related to taxation in UAE, HHS Lawyers is here to provide you with assistance. The firm’s tax and litigation experts are capable of handling different types of taxation disputes, plus they have extensive experience when it comes to dealing with the Federal Customs Authority and the UAE Federal Tax Authority.
Why You Need a Tax Dispute Lawyer in the UAE
The UAE government has recently established several tax systems which include Value Added Tax (VAT) and Excise Tax and Corporate Tax that began in June 2023.It is very important to comply with these laws.
Areas that our expertise concern are:
- VAT noncompliance penalties and assessments
- Corporate tax disputes
- Audit of Excise tax
- Customs or import tax issues
- Delay or errors in tax registration or filing
- Clarity about the definition and application of tax exemptions is not clear for many.
An unresolved tax dispute could pose financial losses along with legal consequences. The expert tax litigation lawyers of HHS Dubai and UAE offices will be there to assist our clients with tax disputes.
Why Choose HHS Lawyers for Tax Disputes?
The UAE government established the following tax laws among its various tax legislation:
- Corporate Tax is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022.
- VAT is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017.
Interpreting these laws without a lawyer or challenging FTA decisions can pose an expensive affair.
HHS Lawyers offers you the following:
- Complete Legal Expertise: We keep ourselves updated with the UAE tax regulations, including the latest updates like FTA Decision No. 1 and No. 2 of 2025.
- Established Results: Our strength lies in our proven history of settling tax disputes with the FTA and FCA.
- Customized Legal Strategies: We handle each case on an individual basis, whether it relates to corporate tax matters, VAT matters, or issues resulting from international tax matters.
- Clear Communication: We take time and explain things in layman language so that you can understand your rights and the legal procedures.
- Entire Legal Support: From filing objections to being present in court, we take care of the entire process.
A tax dispute can ruin your finances or business. Let HHS Lawyers come in to fast-track the resolution.
Without proper legal guidance a tax dispute can damage your financial assets and business operations. Our lawyers at HHS Lawyers will assist you in resolving your dispute both speedily and effectively.
How We Resolve Tax Disputes in the UAE
A tax dispute in the UAE follows a due process by the Federal Law No. 7 of 2017 on Tax Procedures. Our lawyers shall guide you in every stage:
- Request for Reconsideration: If you disagree with the FTA’s decision, we submit a formal request for reconsideration along with supporting documents.
- Objection to Tax Disputes Resolution Committee (TDRC): If you are not happy with the response, we take it to the TDRC from which all documents are submitted in Arabic and English.
- Federal Court Appeal: In cases involving a sum greater than AED 100,000, we use our extensive litigation background to represent you in the Federal Court.
- Contractual Tax Disputes: If the issue pertains to private contracts, we initiate a civil claim in the appropriate court and develop a robust case supported by expert evidence.
We aim to follow all legal procedures in the UAE and give you the maximum chance of success. Never try to settle tax disputes by yourself; let us assist you.
Our Tax Dispute Resolution Services
HHS Lawyers provides a comprehensive range of tax dispute resolution services:
1. Tax Audit Representations
We provide you with help during FTA audits by checking all your documents and their compliance with the laws. We negotiate with the tax authorities on your behalf to resolve all uncertainties.
2. Objection and Reconsideration Filing
If you want to challenge the decision of the FTA, we will file objections within the time limit established by law and prepare reconsideration requests pursuant to Federal Decree-Law No. 28 of 2022.
3. TDRC Appeals
Where the FTA has rejected your objection, we will take your case to the TDRC, prepare a compelling set of submissions, and represent you at a hearing.
4. Court Litigation
Where required, we will take your matter to court in the UAE, specifically to the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal and Court of Cassation, with confidence and competence.
5. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Our services include mediation and negotiation aimed at swift resolution of tax disputes leaner on litigation costs.
6. Tax Planning and Compliance Advisory
For purposes of avoiding future disputes, we assist businesses in organizing themselves more efficiently regarding tax, including advice on corporate tax, transfer pricing, economic substance regulations (ESR), and international treaties.
Why You Should Act Quickly for Tax Disputes
Tax disputes can escalate quickly into serious problems, with huge fines, investigations, or litigation. Tax Taking immediate action decreases potential risks. When you work with HHS Lawyers you receive:
- Peace of Mind: We handle everything while providing you with easy-to-understand updates.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Early dispute resolution helps prevent additional penalty charges from accumulating.
- Strong Legal Support: Our lawyers construct solid cases through skilled legal representation.
Do not delay your response. Let our tax dispute lawyers in the UAE take action right now.
Contact HHS Lawyers in Dubai Today
Our tax dispute resolution team at HHS Dubai Lawyers delivers tax dispute solutions with speed, clarity and professional expertise. The tax litigation team at HHS Lawyers in Dubai provides expert assistance for VAT disputes and corporate tax issues as well as penalties.
Contact HHS Lawyers in UAE right now for reliable and qualified assistance with tax disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Tax Disputes in the UAE
Q1. What is the law primarily governing tax disputes in the UAE?
The laws governing tax disputes in the UAE are:
- The Federal Decree-Law No. 28 of 2022 on Tax Procedures, as amended
- Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on Value Added Tax
- Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on Corporate Tax
These laws govern the substantive and procedural rights and obligations of taxpayers with respect to matters of objection, reconsideration, and appeals against administrative actions.
Q2. What is the time limit for requesting reconsideration from the FTA?
A person may submit a request to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to reconsider any decision, or part thereof, issued by the Authority in connection to the Person, provided that the request specifies reasons, within (40) forty Business Days from the date he was notified of the decision.
The Authority shall review the reconsideration request and issue a decision including reasons within (40) forty Business Days from the date of receiving the application, and inform the applicant of its decision within (5) five Business Days from the date of issuing the decision.
Q3. What is the Tax Disputes Resolution Committee (TDRC)?
The Tax Disputes Resolution Committee (TDRC) is an independent body established under Cabinet Decision No. 23 of 2018 to resolve disputes between taxpayers and the FTA. Therefore, on the taxpayer’s dissatisfaction with the reconsideration decision of the FTA, the case may be referred further to the TDRC for resolution.
Q4. Can I appeal to the Federal Court if I am not satisfied with the TDRC decision?
Yes. Taxpayers can challenge a TDRC ruling before the competent Federal Court. The appeal must be made before the Competent Court within (40) forty Business Days from the date the taxpayer was notified of the Committee’s decision.
However, it is to be noted that the decisions issued in disputes exceeding (100,000) one hundred thousand Dirhams shall be deemed as executory instruments if they were not appealed before the Competent Court within (40) forty Business Days from the date of Notification of the outcome of the objection.
Q5. What types of taxes can create a dispute in the UAE?
Tax disputes in the UAE may arise due to the following types of taxes:
- Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Excise Tax
- Corporate Tax
- Custom Duties at the Federal Customs Authority.
6. What are the common reasons for VAT disputes in the UAE?
Common VAT dispute reasons involve:
- Errors in VAT Returns, or Late Filing.
- Claim of VAT from an invalid expense.
- Misclassification of sales as taxable exempt or zero rated.
- Confusion on place of supply in cross-border transactions.
- Missing or Incorrect Invoices and Records.
- VAT refund claim problems.
- Penalties on Late Registration, Late Payment or Non-compliance.
7. If I do not dispute the penalties, will they be enforced automatically?
Yes. If a taxpayer does not begin any reconsideration or objection within the specified time, the penalty becomes enforceable. The FTA Authority and courts have powers to initiate collection and enforcement measures such as execution orders, attachment or seizure.
