The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has officially opened registration for individuals interested in working as tax agents and for tax accounting software vendors, in addition to providing the necessary technical support to help these vendors as they assist UAE-based businesses comply with tax regulations.

In a statement on Saturday, the FTA has defined standards and specifications that must be met by the tax agent, who is defined by Federal Law No. (7) of 2017 on Tax Procedures as any person registered with the authority in the register, who is appointed on behalf of another person to represent him before the authority and assist him in the fulfilment of his tax obligations and the exercise of his associated tax rights.

Who can be a tax agent?

The tax agent must be of good conduct and behaviour, never having been convicted of a crime or misdemeanour prejudicial to honour or honesty, irrespective of whether or not he may have been rehabilitated. He/she must hold a certified Bachelor or Master degree in tax, accounting or law from a recognised educational institution. If the applicant holds a bachelor degree in any other field, he/she may submit a tax certification from an internationally recognised tax institute.

Applicants must also provide a certification of relevant and recent experience of at least three years in either tax, qualified accounting or law, and a certificate proving their verbal and written communication skills in both Arabic and English. Furthermore, they must pass the Authority’s Tax Agent exam, provide a medical fitness certificate, as well as a copy of the liability insurance contract against professional errors. Candidates are to carry out their activity through a legal person licensed by the competent authorities.

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