Your Trusted US & International Tax Accountant, Preparer & Expat Tax Guide in Dubai, UAE
If you are a US expat or you are simply residing in UAE while being exposed to the US taxation system, it can often be difficult to deal with your taxes all by yourself. We handle your US filings alongside international tax planning for globally mobile individuals.
- American taxation service in Dubai
- Featured on & in practice since 1980
- US & Dubaian taxes — what you need to know
- Who we help in the UAE
- Why choose us as your US tax preparer
- Value Added Tax in the UAE
- Why choose Dubai as your base?
- The new 9% corporate tax
- Our US tax expertise includes
- Just some of our US tax services
- Questions we answer every day
- Firm successes
- What our clients say
- Our Dubai office
A US Tax Service in Dubai for Americans and Everyone Exposed to the US Tax System
From many of our clients who are either US citizens or US Green Card holders living in the United Arab Emirates we often hear complaints that filing US taxes from abroad is not straightforward and at times can be frustrating. That's where HTJ Tax American Taxation Service Dubai comes to help.
As an established US tax consultancy in Dubai, our US tax consultants in UAE serve US citizens and green-card holders right across the Emirates. Whether you need a tax consultant in Dubai for a single 1040 or a US tax advisor international enough to handle a multi-country structure, HTJ.tax is one of the most experienced tax advisors in UAE for Americans abroad, providing the US tax Dubai support you need, from routine US taxes for expats in Dubai to complex cross-border planning.
The Leader of our US Tax Team has successfully completed the Comparative Tax Program at Harvard University.
Our International Tax Service Has Been in Practice Since 1980
Led by Derren Hayden Joseph, Managing Partner
- Chair, Tax Working Group — Moores Rowland International
- Harvard University, Comparative Tax Program
- Admitted to practice before the IRS
- IRS Certified Acceptance Agent (ITINs)
2,000+ reviews across 20 countries·30+ offices on 5 continents·In practice since 1980
Member of, and accredited by
Member of the AICPA
Member firm of Moores Rowland International
Member of the Florida Institute of CPAs
Member firm of ITPA
Member firm of IBSA
Member of the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers
Authorized IRS E-file provider
Member firm of TTN
Member of AmCham Singapore
Member of AmCham Dubai
Member of AmCham Philippines
Independently verified on Google — every office, every review.
US Taxes and Dubaian Taxes — What You Need to Know
US taxes – what you need to know
If you earned more than US$12,550 (in 2021, or $400 of self-employment income etc), you are required to file Form 1040. While taxes are still due by April 15, expats get an automatic filing extension until June 15, which can be extended further online until October 15.
If you have foreign assets worth more than US$200,000 (per person), excluding your home if it is owned in your own name, you must also declare them on form 8938.
If you had at least US$10,000 in one or more foreign accounts at any time during the tax year, you also have to file FinCEN form 114, also known as a Foreign Bank Account Report or FBAR for short.
For many Americans working in Dubai or the UAE it's worth claiming the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, which allows you exclude the first around US$100,000 of foreign earned income from US tax if you can demonstrate to the IRS that you are a UAE resident. Be aware though that even if you don't owe any tax to the IRS.
The US and UAE governments share taxpayer info, while UAE banks pass on US account holders' account info to the IRS, so don't consider not filing or not fully disclosing your income on your return. The penalties for tax evasion for expats are severe to say the least.
If you're a US citizen, green card holder, or US/UAE dual citizen, and you have been living in Dubai or the UAE but didn't know you had to file a US tax return, don't worry: there's a program called the IRS Streamlined Procedure that lets you catch up with your filing without facing any penalties. Don't delay though, as the IRS might find you first.
Dubaian taxes – what you need to know
The United Arab Emirates is a collection of oil-rich family-owned mini-kingdoms. With relatively small populations and spending requirements compared to their wealth, they simply don't need to levy income taxes. Other taxes include 5% VAT, 10% on hotels and entertainment, 10% on rental revenues from commercial property, and 5% on rental revenues from residential property. Foreign oil companies and banks also pay corporation tax.
We strongly recommend that if you have any doubts or questions about your tax filing situation as a US expat living in Dubai that you contact a US expat tax specialist.
If the US Tax System Reaches You Here, so Do We
Being American in the UAE doesn't pause your US taxes. These are the people we work with most.
A Few Reasons to Choose Us as Your Preferred American Expat Taxation Service in UAE
Fully compliant and admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- We are listed in the IRS directory (a searchable database)
- We are a listed US Tax Preparer on the US Commerce Department website
Decades of international tax experience with the primary focus on US expat taxes
Our practice has decades of international tax experience, with our primary focus being US expat taxes. As trusted US tax consultants in the UAE and tax advisors in the UAE, we work with Americans across Dubai and the wider Gulf region every day.
Offices in different countries so there are always team members available in your time zone
A-Z accounting services for US expats in UAE and the Gulf region
We provide A-Z accounting services for US expats in the UAE and the Gulf region, so wherever your affairs take you, your US tax needs are handled under one roof.
Value Added Tax in the UAE
Value Added Tax (VAT) was introduced in the UAE on 1 January 2018. The rate of VAT is 5%. VAT will provide the UAE with a new source of income which will be continued to be utilised to provide high-quality public services. It will also help government move towards its vision of reducing dependence on oil and other hydrocarbons as a source of revenue.
A business must register for VAT if its taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 per annum. It is optional for businesses whose supplies and imports exceed AED 187,500 per annum.
A business house pays the government, the tax that it collects from its customers. At the same time, it receives a refund from the government on tax that it has paid to its suppliers.
Foreign businesses may also recover the VAT they incur when visiting the UAE.
Why Choose Dubai as Your Base?
Here are some of the benefits of moving to Dubai for US expats:
Read the full benefits list
- Tax-free income. Dubai does not have personal income tax, which can save you significant amounts of money.
- Low cost of living. The cost of living in Dubai is lower than in many other major cities, such as London or New York.
- Excellent job opportunities. Dubai is a major business hub, and there are many opportunities for expats to find lucrative jobs.
- High quality of life. Dubai offers a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
- Safe and secure environment. Dubai is a very safe city, with low crime rates.
- Multicultural environment. Dubai is multicultural city, with people from all over the world living there.
9% Corporate Tax — A Sign of Things to Come in the UAE?
The introduction of a 9% corporate tax in the UAE is a significant change and could be a sign of more changes to come. The UAE has long been a tax-free haven, and the introduction of a corporate tax could be seen as a move towards a more conventional tax regime.
Read the full analysis
It is too early to say what the long-term implications of the introduction of a corporate tax in the UAE will be. However, it could be a sign of more changes to come.
Here are some of the potential changes that could come as a result of the introduction of a corporate tax in the UAE:
- The UAE may introduce other taxes, such as a personal income tax or a value-added tax.
- The UAE may make changes to its tax laws, such as making it easier for businesses to comply with the tax regime.
- The UAE may become less attractive to businesses and individuals who are looking for a tax-free haven.
It is important to note that these are just potential changes, and it is impossible to say what will happen. The UAE government has not yet announced any plans for further changes to the tax regime.
However, the introduction of a corporate tax is a significant shift, and there will likely be more changes to come in the future.
Compliance and Consulting, Handled Together
US Tax Compliance (UAE)
Individual clients come to us with complex, multi-jurisdiction tax issues related to cross-border employment and investment opportunities. Similar to an interpreter or guide who helps travelers understand the language and customs of a particular country, we explain tax concepts and laws that are foreign to our clients. We prepare U.S. federal and state income tax returns for U.S. expatriates, foreign nationals and individuals with international financial interests.
US Tax Consulting (UAE)
Our international tax consulting expertise includes analysis of tax treaties, sourcing of income, and reporting of foreign bank accounts, as well as foreign corporations, partnerships and trusts. As consultants, we help individual clients develop cost-effective strategies, propose solutions and prepare individual tax projections. We also work closely with our clients' attorneys and other advisors to provide comprehensive advice.
Just Some of Our US Tax Services in the UAE
We have significant experience assisting our clients with complicated, international tax issues. The following list represents some of the areas in which we have provided both planning and compliance services for our clients:
- US shareholders of foreign corporations
- US partners in foreign partnerships
- US grantors and beneficiaries of foreign trusts
- US shareholders of Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs)
- Reporting for Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBARs)
- Blocked income reporting for deferral of tax in currency restriction situations
- Donations to foreign charities by US private foundations via expenditure responsibility grants
- Income tax treaty analysis for various issues including determination of residency, re-sourcing of income to avoid double taxation, reduction or exemption of tax
- Determination of residency for income tax purposes for foreign nationals including optimization of elections for first and last year of residency
- Social Security tax implications to compensation of foreign nationals and US expatriates including application and analysis of Totalization agreements
- Foreign tax credit optimization including analysis of paid versus accrued methods and maximizing foreign source income
- Optimization for US expatriates including analysis of foreign tax credit versus foreign earned income exclusions
- Reporting of foreign rental properties including proper depreciation methods and treatment of rental of a principal residence
- Reporting and planning for US real property interests by nonresidents including applications for reduction/exemption from withholding on sale proceeds
- Reporting and planning for nonresidents with US investments or US effectively-connected income
- State residency and domicile issues for foreign nationals and US expatriates
- Reporting gifts and inheritances from nonresidents
- Consulting to employers of international assignees relating to tax equalization policy development and application, tax planning for international assignments including coordination with tax advisors in local jurisdictions, compensation structuring, payroll reporting and employee education and tax return preparation
- Determination of residency for US citizens in US possessions
For Americans and US companies expanding abroad, we assist with:
- Incorporation and corporate structuring
- Annual returns for both the local jurisdiction and the United States
- Work passes and residency permits
- Corporate secretarial and full accounting services
For Americans and US companies already overseas, we assist with US tax issues including:
- US Tax Amnesty – both Offshore Voluntary Disclosure (OVDP) and US Streamlined Tax Amnesty, including the US tax amnesty application Dubai residents use to get compliant
- FATCA compliance including Form 8966, W-8 Ben-E and entity analysis
- Reporting of foreign companies, partnerships and foreign trusts
- Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs)
- Foreign Bank Account Reporting (FBARs)
- Pre-immigration Tax Planning
- Cross border tax planning
- Expat Salary negotiation
- Corporate structuring
- ITINs (U.S. Tax IDs)
- Ordinary 1040s
More on Moores Rowland International
With economies rather stagnating in much of the western world outside the US, a new dawn has broken in Asia raising fresh hopes that having learned the bitter lessons of fiscal prudence the region is finally ready to fulfil its promise to make this century 'the Asian century'. True there is much to do, but the introduction of major political and economic reforms across the region augurs well for the future, particularly in the medium term, especially as a new more vibrant leadership has come to the fore. That is not to say everything will be plain sailing, of course, but the prospects for a prosperous journey look fair indeed. To help guide you along the way, the Moores Rowland firms combine global knowledge and best practices with core regional values to produce seasoned yet individually tailored courses of action to best suit your needs.
Moores Rowland firms provide a range of professional services with a focus on audit, tax, accounting, payroll, risk advisory, IFRS, restructuring and transaction support. Beyond these, our member firms also offer a wide range of specialist services from expatriate advice to human resource consulting. Moores Rowland clients are increasingly looking beyond their national borders for new opportunities. The close relationships within the network mean that clients can easily be connected to a like-minded firm of professionals in another country, that they can be assured will have their business interests at heart – no matter what services are required or where they are needed.
US Tax in the UAE, Answered
Can you help me reduce my US tax bill?
How do my finances in the UAE affect my US filing?
Is there anything else I need to report to the IRS?
I'm only in the UAE short-term, does it still affect my taxes?
Our US tax advisors in our Dubai office can provide you with all the necessary guidance and help whether you prefer a DIY approach or you'd rather leave it to an experienced US tax accountant and save your precious time. Whether you're living in or moving to the UAE, you will most certainly need to obtain a solid understanding of both local and international rules that are applicable to expats in Dubai. Or, as an alternative, you may put that burden on our shoulders. Tax filing for US citizens living abroad (including the UAE) is our expertise and we'd gladly help.
A Track Record US Expats Trust
In Their Own Words
Derren has made my life easier as a US expat living overseas. I haven't lived in the US since the 80's, and have run businesses in France and Singapore. Derren has helped eliminate a great deal of burdens and worries for me.
I highly recommend Derren. I have been his client for a number of years now and as an expat in Singapore have relied on his professional and timely service. He will answer immediately any question you have regarding taxes no matter how complicated (or simple) and help you navigate the process in a seamless fashion. A real professional!
Excellent service from Derren, he answered all questions quickly and thoughtfully pertaining my situation. I would highly recommend him for tax returns to the USA! Thanks again.
Derren Joseph were able to help us in our US Tax Compliance performing a detailed review of the last 9 years ensuring that all requirements of the IRS are fully satisfied. He is very helpful to our queries irregardless of the day and time. A customer service that you cannot find to any of the consultant out there... Highly recommended not only because of his credentials but also because of his professional work ethics.
Derren was very highly recommended by business friends to solve my very complicated US Tax problem. From our very first meeting he was friendly and easy to understand... His knowledge of IRS requirements and regulations is supreme. He produced the final results on IRS forms much sooner than expected. I highly recommend Derren for any US Tax matters.
I worked with Derren for my US personal tax return after a friend referred him. I found him to be very knowledgable about any issue asked, and equally important for me, to be very promt with responses. His was a very high quality work with excellent customer service. I used other tax services in the past and can say with confidence that Derren's was a grade above.
An Office in Dubai, a Team Online
HTJ operates in the UAE through HTJ International Consulting FZE and is part of the Moores Rowland International, so your file is handled by people who work this market every day. We are primarily an online practice and don't encourage walk-ins, but the Dubai presence is real, meetings are by appointment.
Wherever you sit in the world, the fastest way in is the chat, it reaches the whole team at once.
By appointment only. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 58 540 1277 or start a chat to arrange.
Sort Your US Taxes in the UAE, Properly
Tell us your situation, US citizen or green-card holder, employed, self-employed or investing. A specialist reviews it and tells you honestly how HTJ can help.
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