What is EmaraTax? Everything Businesses in the UAE Need to Know

What is EmaraTax?

EmaraTax is the digital tax platform introduced by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) in the United Arab Emirates. It serves as the new central system for managing tax-related services such as VAT, Excise Tax, and Corporate Tax, replacing and expanding upon the previous e-Services portal.

The goal behind EmaraTax is simple: to streamline tax administration, improve compliance, and digitally transform the way businesses interact with tax authorities in the UAE.

But EmaraTax is more than just a website or an upgrade. It's a foundational shift in how taxation is handled in the country — and businesses that fail to adapt may quickly fall behind.

Why Was EmaraTax Introduced?

The UAE is moving towards a fully digital, data-driven tax ecosystem. Manual filings, fragmented records, and outdated communication channels between businesses and tax authorities are no longer efficient — or sustainable.

EmaraTax was launched to:

• Automate and simplify tax submissions

• Ensure better accuracy and fewer human errors

• Speed up refunds, amendments, and registration processes

• Provide real-time visibility and control to both taxpayers and the FTA

• Enhance integration with other government entities such as the UAE Central Bank and immigration systems

It’s not just about convenience — it’s also about compliance, transparency, and readiness for the broader digital economy.

What Can You Do in EmaraTax?

The EmaraTax portal allows registered users (individuals and businesses) to perform a wide range of activities, including:

• VAT and Excise Tax registration

• Corporate Tax registration

• Filing tax returns and declarations

• Viewing account balances and tax history

• Managing tax groups and representative relationships

• Submitting refund requests

• Tracking correspondence with the FTA

• Receiving notifications and alerts

For businesses, this means centralizing all tax processes in one digital environment — accessible anytime, anywhere.

Who Needs to Use EmaraTax?

If your company is:

• VAT-registered in the UAE,

• Subject to Excise Tax,

• Planning to register or already subject to Corporate Tax,

• Operating across multiple Emirates and dealing with the FTA regularly,

...then EmaraTax is your default tax portal.

Starting in 2023, all FTA communications and submissions must go through EmaraTax. If you haven’t migrated or onboarded yet, it’s essential to act now — delays can affect your filings, refunds, and compliance status.

Is EmaraTax Mandatory?

Yes. All tax-registered businesses in the UAE must use EmaraTax to file their returns and manage their tax obligations. This includes not only VAT and Excise but also Corporate Tax, which came into effect for financial years starting June 1, 2023.

If you were previously using the FTA e-Services portal, your account should have been migrated to EmaraTax — but you may need to reverify or update information.

Why Your Business Should Prepare for EmaraTax Integration

While the EmaraTax platform is already operational via its web interface, many companies are choosing to integrate their ERP or accounting systems directly with EmaraTax for better efficiency.

With direct integration:

• You can submit VAT returns straight from your ERP
• Automate invoice reporting and reconciliations
• Receive instant feedback on filing errors
• Avoid manual uploads and human errors
• Stay compliant even with complex operations or high document volumes

Platforms like Infinite GIP offer ready-to-use integration with EmaraTax APIs, helping businesses stay compliant without rebuilding systems from scratch.

EmaraTax is not just a new interface — it represents a new mindset for doing business in the UAE. Compliance is no longer something you handle once a quarter. It’s a real-time process, integrated with your operations.

If your business is serious about staying compliant, avoiding penalties, and embracing digital transformation, now is the time to adapt.

FQAs

✅ Do I need new login credentials?

No. Your existing FTA credentials are still valid, but you must activate your EmaraTax profile the first time you log in. You may be required to verify your identity via UAE Pass or registered mobile/email.

✅ Can I assign a tax agent or external consultant?

Yes. EmaraTax allows businesses to digitally authorize tax agents and grant them controlled access to manage filings, view documents, and communicate with the FTA on your behalf.

✅ Is EmaraTax connected to other UAE systems?

Yes. EmaraTax integrates with:

• UAE Pass (for secure login)

• Central Bank of the UAE (for tax payments and refunds)

• Immigration and licensing authorities (for data validation)

• Customs systems (in Excise-related cases)

This enables faster processing and more accurate, real-time verification.