01/09/2026
UAE Corporate Tax: Treatment of Tax Loss
Key Points
Tax losses can be carried forward indefinitely.
Yearly offset limited to 75% of taxable income in future periods.
Losses incurred before Corporate Tax or related to exempt income cannot be carried forward/utilized.
Losses may be restricted after a change of more than 50% ownership if the business activity itself changes.
Tax losses can be transferred between qualifying UAE group companies, subject to specific conditions.
Businesses claiming Small Business Relief is not eligible for Tax Loss relief.
Key takeaway: Businesses should regularly review their tax losses, ownership structure and future taxable profits to maximize available Corporate Tax benefits while staying compliant.