An FTA registered tax agent is a tax professional approved by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to help businesses meet their tax obligations. To register, the FTA requires a relevant degree, at least three years of experience, Arabic and English skills, a pass in the FTA's Tax Agent exam and professional indemnity insurance. The FTA publishes a list of registered tax agents on its website.
Source: FTA
What a Tax Agent Does
The FTA lists three core duties of a tax agent:
- Help the taxable person meet their tax obligations, under a contract
- Keep the information they receive confidential
- Refuse to take part in any work that could break the law
In practice, businesses use tax agents and consultants for VAT and corporate tax registration, tax returns, voluntary disclosures and FTA queries.
Source: FTA
FTA Requirements for a Registered Tax Agent
| Requirement | What the FTA asks for |
|---|---|
| Education | A bachelor's or master's degree in tax, accounting or law, or a recognised international tax certificate |
| Experience | At least three years of recent experience in tax, accounting or law |
| Language | Written and spoken Arabic and English |
| Good conduct | A certificate of good conduct |
| Medical | A medical fitness certificate |
| Exam | Pass the FTA's Tax Agent exam |
| Fee | AED 3,000, renewed every three years |
| Insurance | Professional indemnity insurance |
Source: FTA
Tax Agent vs Tax Consultant
"Tax consultant" is a general term for anyone who gives tax advice. A registered tax agent is formally approved by the FTA and appears on its list. Many firms offer both: day-to-day bookkeeping and tax support from consultants, with registered tax agents where formal representation before the FTA is needed.
How to Check a Tax Agent
- Ask for the agent's name and FTA registration details.
- Check them against the FTA's list of registered tax agents.
- Confirm the services and fees in a written contract, as the FTA's duties are based on a contractual agreement.
How to Choose a Tax Consultant in Dubai
- Relevant experience: ask about clients in your sector and with your type of business (mainland, free zone or sole establishment)
- Scope: check whether they handle VAT, corporate tax, bookkeeping and e-invoicing, or only one of these
- Clear fees: a fixed monthly or per-filing fee is easier to budget than open hourly rates
- Deadlines: ask how they track your VAT and corporate tax deadlines
- Communication: make sure they explain things clearly and reply quickly
- Location: a nearby office, such as in Business Bay, makes meetings and document handover easier
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- Are you, or is someone on your team, an FTA registered tax agent?
- Which filings will you handle, and which will I handle?
- How will you keep my records and documents?
- What happens if the FTA raises a query or penalty?
- What are your total fees for a year?
Related Guides
- Who must register for corporate tax
- How to register for VAT
- VAT penalties in the UAE
- Bookkeeping requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an FTA registered tax agent?
A tax professional approved by the Federal Tax Authority to help taxable persons meet their tax obligations, under a contract.
How do I check if a tax agent is registered?
Check their name on the FTA's list of registered tax agents on tax.gov.ae.
What qualifications does a tax agent need in the UAE?
A degree in tax, accounting or law (or an international tax certificate), three years of experience, Arabic and English, a pass in the FTA exam and professional indemnity insurance.
Is a tax consultant the same as a tax agent?
Not always. A tax consultant gives tax advice; a registered tax agent is formally approved by the FTA.
How much does it cost to register as a tax agent?
The FTA's registration fee is AED 3,000, renewed every three years.
Note: This article provides general information only and is not tax advice. Confirm the current requirements with the Federal Tax Authority or a qualified tax professional.