Is a Director’s Salary Deductible Under the UAE Corporate Tax Law?

Director’s Salary as a Deductible Expense

A director’s salary is typically considered a deductible expense if it meets the following criteria: 

• Wholly and Exclusively Incurred for Business Purposes: The salary must be paid for services rendered by the director that are directly related to the business’s operations. This includes strategic decision-making, management oversight, and other roles that contribute to the company’s profitability.

• Aligned with Market Value: The salary should correspond with the market rates for similar roles in comparable businesses. The UAE’s Corporate Tax Law requires that payments to related parties, such as directors, be made at arm’s length—that is, they must be comparable to what would be paid to an unrelated third party for the same services.

• Not Excessive or Unjustifiable: Any salary deemed excessive or not justifiable by the business’s needs may be disallowed as a deduction. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) may require businesses to provide evidence that the director’s salary is reasonable and necessary for the business.

Example: Deductibility of a Director’s Salary

Let’s consider a scenario where a director of a mid-sized trading company in Dubai is paid an annual salary of AED 600,000. The director is responsible for overseeing the company’s operations, negotiating contracts, and managing high-level relationships with key clients.

In this case, the director’s salary would likely be deductible, provided:

The salary is in line with what other companies in the same industry and of similar size would pay for such a role.

The director’s responsibilities are directly related to the company’s business activities.

The salary is not disproportionately high compared to the company’s overall payroll and revenue.

If the company were to pay the director AED 1,500,000 annually, but the market rate for similar positions in similar companies is AED 600,000, the FTA may only allow a deduction of AED 600,000, disallowing the excess as it would not meet the arm’s length requirement.

Non-Deductible Scenarios

Not all payments made to directors will qualify as deductible expenses. For example:

• Excessive Compensation: If a director’s salary is significantly higher than the market rate without justification, the excess amount may be disallowed.

• Payments for Non-Business Activities: If part of the director’s salary is allocated for activities unrelated to the business, such as personal projects or activities that do not benefit the company, that portion of the salary would not be deductible.

Ensuring Compliance

To ensure that a director’s salary is fully deductible under the Corporate Tax Law, businesses should:

Conduct regular market value assessments to determine the appropriate salary range for directors.

Maintain detailed records of the director’s role and responsibilities, showing how their work directly contributes to the business.

Ensure that all related-party transactions are documented and justified, in case of an audit by the FTA.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a director’s salary can be deductible under the UAE Corporate Tax Law, provided it meets the necessary criteria of being wholly and exclusively incurred for business purposes and aligned with market value. Businesses should exercise caution and ensure proper documentation to justify the salary as a legitimate business expense.

At ProfiTrack Accounting, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of the new tax environment. Contact us today for expert advice on managing your corporate tax obligations efficiently and effectively.