Are you looking for a US taxation service in the United Arab Emirates?
Need help with your US tax planning?
Facing challenges with US expat tax filing?
Are you having questions about US income tax for expats?
Uncertain about American Tax in UAE?
Having trouble filing US tax returns in UAE?

Meet Your Trusted US Tax Accountant, US Tax Preparer and US Expat Tax Guide in the 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.

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.

The Leader of our US Tax Team has successfully completed the Comparative Tax Program at Harvard University. Read more…

Play Video
Featured On
We have been in practice since 1980

Our US Tax Expertise Includes:

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 Dubai, UAE

We have significant experience assisting our clients with complicated, international tax issues.

The following list represents some of the areas in which our US taxation service Dubai has 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
  • Given the uniqueness of the U.S. Tax Code, we are perfectly positioned to assist American Citizens, American Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) and American companies who want to expand to Asia with:
  • Incorporation and corporate structuring
  • Annual returns for both Asia and the United States
  • Work passes across the region
  • Corporate secretarial and full accounting services

For American Citizens, American Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) and American companies already in Asia and Europe, we can assist with U.S. tax issues including -

  • US Tax Amnesty – both Offshore Voluntary Disclosure (OVDP) and US Streamlined Tax Amnesty
  • 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

As an American or Green Card holder living in the UAE

As an American or Green Card holder living in the UAE, taking care of your U.S. taxes can feel like a complicated task. Knowing which tax rules affect you and understanding your options is a lot to stay on top of so you may benefit from an experienced US tax accountant in UAE.

Living in Dubai and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is an incredible experience for a variety of reasons – the architecture, culture, nightlife, and shopping to name but a few. As an American expatriate living in Dubai or the UAE though, what exactly do you need to know regarding filing US expat taxes?

For thousands of U.S. citizens working in the UAE, filing U.S. taxes comes with new considerations and questions: “Do I have additional information to report to the IRS? How do my Dubai financial accounts affect my filing? What options do I have to reduce my tax bill? How do I file U.S. taxes from the UAE?"

For starters, Americans and U.S. Green Card holders living in the UAE should continue to file a U.S. tax return each year. Working as a U.S. citizen in the UAE can affect your taxes even if you don’t stay for very long. For example, if you earn income while on a short-term assignment, you’ll need to report that income on your U.S. taxes. As you establish deeper financial roots in the UAE, you’ll have more considerations for your American tax filing.

You may need to report your UAE financial accounts and assets. Generally, U.S. taxpayers with more than $10,000 in foreign bank or financial accounts are subject to FBAR filing and reporting requirements. You may also be subject to FATCA reporting requirements if you have assets valued at $200,000 and higher.

All US citizens and green card holders who earn more than $12,550 (in 2021, or just $400 of self-employment income or just $5 if you’re married to a foreigner) anywhere in the world are required to file a US federal tax return and pay taxes to the IRS, regardless of where in the world they live or where their income originates.

The good news is that there is no income tax in Dubai or the UAE. None As an American in the UAE, you’ll only need to file taxes on the U.S. side as the UAE doesn’t tax income.

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.

Value Added Tax in 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.


We've recently acquired GulfTips.com to assist us in our goal to become the best US expat tax service in UAE

Why Choose Dubai as Your Base?

Here are some of the benefits of moving to Dubai for US expats:

  • 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.

Of course, there are also some challenges to living in Dubai, such as the hot climate and the strict laws. However, for many US expats, the benefits of living in Dubai outweigh the challenges.

If you are considering moving to Dubai, I recommend doing some research to learn more about the city and the expat experience.

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.

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.

Typical American taxation questions we answer on a daily basis are:

Our US tax advisors in our UAE office can provide you with all the necessary US tax advice, 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 our USA tax services in Dubai, UAE will be the right fit.

Whether you’re living in or moving to United Arab Emirates (UAE), you will most certainly need to obtain a solid understanding of both local and international rules (like double taxation treaties) that are applicable to expats in the 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. 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.

Or, as an alternative, you may put that burden on our shoulders.

Tax filing for US citizens living abroad (including the United Arab Emirates) is our expertise and we’d gladly help.

As a US tax accountant in Dubai, we have decades of experience assisting American expats and global citizens with their US tax filing and planning. We stay up-to-date on the latest IRS regulations affecting Americans overseas to ensure compliance.

Our US tax planning services Dubai team develops customized strategies aimed at minimizing your US tax liability. We leverage our knowledge of international tax codes and treaties to optimize your tax situation.

As leading American tax consulting Dubai specialists, we advise clients on reducing their US tax obligations and avoiding penalties. Our tailored guidance looks at your global assets and income.

Our US tax accountant in Dubai team helps Americans abroad file timely and accurate returns that minimize IRS obligations through deductions and credits.

As an experienced US tax advisor in Dubai, we have the expertise regarding IRS rules for Americans overseas to help US expats comply and reduce tax liabilities.

As a leading American tax service Dubai firm, we assist US expats with filing compliant returns and developing tax minimization plans based on their global assets and income.

Our US Taxation Dubai experts have specialized knowledge and experience helping Americans overseas remain compliant with IRS regulations and tax obligations.

We offer expert USA taxation Dubai guidance for US expats on remaining compliant with IRS rules and legally minimizing tax liabilities through credits, deductions and planning.

As a USA tax Dubai firm, we utilize our expertise on IRS regulations and international tax codes to ensure US expats file compliant returns that minimize IRS obligations.

Our US expat tax Dubai team understands the unique issues Americans overseas face. We leverage our knowledge to legally minimize your IRS tax obligations. Trust us for your US expat taxes.

Our US expat tax services UAE team leverages expertise on IRS rules and international tax codes to ensure Americans overseas remain compliant while legally reducing tax liabilities.

As an IRS authorized US tax returns UAE preparation firm, we file timely and accurate returns for US expats that take advantage of deductions, credits, exclusions and treaties to minimize IRS tax obligations.

With specialized expertise in international tax codes, our international tax advisor UAE team assists US expats worldwide in remaining IRS compliant while legally minimizing tax liabilities.

Common US Expat Tax Challenges and Opportunities in the United Arab Emirates

  • Whether you are considering US expat tax advisory services or just browsing the web, here’s what you need to know: Americans and US Green Card holders living in UAE are required by law to file a US tax return each year.
  • You might be subject to FBAR and/or FATCA reporting requirements.
  • Many of our clients can lower their US tax bills and avoid dual taxation with certain tax strategies (like foreign earned income exclusion or foreign tax credit). Depending on your situation, different strategies might fit you better. 
  • Also, there are numerous rebates and incentives available to you that you might not be aware of.

A Few Reasons to Choose Us as Your Preferred American Expat Taxation Service in UAE

Firm Successes

Looking for an American Tax Service in UAE?

We’re always here to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch