OCTIS vs Zoho Books vs Tally vs Xero for UAE VAT and corporate tax
Prices from each vendor's UAE page, and what the rules ask your software to do.
Last checked · 10 sources
Otty's short answer
Zoho Books is the lowest monthly cost for a UAE company: a free plan, then AED 60 per month billed yearly, with direct VAT filing, and Corporate Tax compliance from its AED 90 plan. TallyPrime is a one-time licence from AED 2,340 and suits accountant-led or stock-heavy firms. Xero is priced in US$ in the UAE and starts higher, at US$32 per month after a discount period.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Zoho Books | TallyPrime | Xero |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry paid price | Accounting by OCTIS accountants, 10–30% below your current bill | AED 60 per month, yearly | AED 78 per month | US$32 per month |
| Free plan | 10–30% below your current bill | Yes, 1,000 invoices a year | Free demo and trial | 30-day trial |
| One-time licence | Service, not a software licence | No | AED 2,340 single user | No |
| Multi-user price | Whole team in one workspace | 3 users on AED 60 plan | AED 7,020 licence | Users per plan not stated |
| VAT returns | Hong Kong has no VAT/GST; UAE VAT rules still apply to UAE operations | Yes, direct VAT filing | VAT reports, FTA audit file | Submit VAT online |
| Corporate tax features | Profits tax 8.25% on the first HK$2 million, 16.5% above; no VAT/GST | From AED 90 plan | Not stated | Not stated |
| UAE e-invoicing | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | Add-on, 100 free on higher plans | E-invoice exchange listed | Listed |
| Multi-currency | Multi-currency via licensed partners | Not stated | Yes, converts to AED | Premium plan only |
| How you run it | One workspace, with accountants doing the books | Cloud | Desktop, online services optional | Cloud |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want accountants to keep the books, with company and CRM in one place.
Zoho Books
Choose Zoho Books if you want the lowest monthly cost, a free start and VAT and Corporate Tax features in one cloud tool.
TallyPrime
Choose TallyPrime if your accountant already uses it, you hold a lot of stock, or you prefer one licence fee over a subscription.
Xero
Choose Xero if you want a well-known cloud ledger with bank feeds and are fine paying in US$.
What the table does not show
What the tax rules ask of your software
A UAE business must register for VAT when taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 in 12 months. VAT is 5%. UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000, and small business relief covers eligible resident businesses with turnover up to AED 3,000,000. The Ministry of Finance states a AED 10,000 penalty for late corporate tax registration. Your software should keep VAT invoices and produce clean VAT and profit reports.
Subscription or licence
Zoho Books and Xero are monthly subscriptions. Zoho lists AED 60, 90, 120, 280 and 660 per month on yearly billing, with the free plan as the start. Xero lists US$32, US$54 and US$82 per month after a 3-month introductory discount. TallyPrime sells a one-time licence from AED 2,340 for a single user and AED 7,020 for multi-user, or a subscription from AED 78 per month. Check whether VAT is added.
Where each one fits
Zoho Books lists direct VAT filing from its first paid plan and Corporate Tax compliance from Professional. Tally lists FTA VAT codes, an FTA audit file, bilingual invoices and multi-currency conversion to AED. Xero lists UAE VAT submission and e-invoicing, and multi-currency only on Premium. Third-party blogs disagree on how deep each tool goes, so test the filing flow on a free trial.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS does not keep books or file UAE VAT or corporate tax. If you run a Malaysian or Hong Kong company with a UAE subsidiary, OCTIS can handle the home company's bookkeeping and tax, so the consolidated numbers are ready when the UAE accounts come in. Ask about 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best accounting software for UAE VAT?
Zoho Books, TallyPrime and Xero all list UAE VAT support. Zoho Books is cheapest and lists direct VAT filing from its first paid plan. Tally suits stock-heavy firms and accountant-led teams. The best choice is the one your accountant will use.
Do I need accounting software for UAE corporate tax?
You need proper records either way. Corporate tax is 9% above AED 375,000 of taxable profit, and you file a return. Zoho Books lists Corporate Tax compliance from its Professional plan. Xero and Tally do not state corporate tax features on the pages we read.
Is Zoho Books free in the UAE?
Yes, there is a free plan for one user and one accountant, with up to 1,000 invoices and 1,000 bills and expenses a year. It does not list VAT filing. The Standard plan at AED 60 per month billed yearly adds VAT returns.
Is TallyPrime cheaper than Zoho Books over three years?
A single-user TallyPrime licence at AED 2,340 compares with Zoho Standard at AED 60 per month, which is AED 2,160 over three years, before VAT and before any Tally renewal. Tally includes no free plan. Add accountant time and the cost of annual renewals to compare fairly.
When must a UAE company register for VAT?
A UAE-resident business must register if taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over 12 months, or are expected to in the next 30 days. Voluntary registration starts at AED 187,500. The application must be made within 30 days of the requirement.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.
- Zoho Books UAE pricing
- TallyPrime VAT software in the UAE
- TallyPrime UAE subscription plans
- Xero UAE pricing
- FTA mandatory VAT registration
- UAE Government portal, VAT registration
- Ministry of Finance, taxable income threshold
- Ministry of Finance, small business relief guide
- Ministry of Finance, late registration penalty
- FTA corporate tax registration