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Regulatory updates · 6 min read

Five Corporate Tax filing mistakes that trigger FTA penalties

What we see most often in first-year returns, and how to fix each one before you file.

Sample article.

The first Corporate Tax returns are where most avoidable penalties happen. These are the five issues we see most often, and the simple fixes.

1. Registering late

Many businesses assume that expecting to pay 0% means they do not need to register. In most cases they still do. Check your registration deadline first.

2. Mixing personal and business expenses

Undocumented or personal expenses are not deductible. Keep receipts and a clear expense policy.

3. Ignoring related-party transactions

Transactions with owners, family members and group companies must be at arm’s length and properly documented.

Quick check: if you cannot produce a supporting document for a transaction within a day, it is a risk at audit.

4. Incomplete records

Records must be kept for seven years. Incomplete books are the root cause of most adjustments.

5. Filing from the wrong numbers

Returns should come from closed, reconciled accounts, not draft figures. Close the books before you file.

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