Underscoring its commitment to transparency and stronger tax compliance, the General Tax Authority (GTA) has announced the referral of 13 companies to the Public Prosecution. This action comes after these companies were implicated in tax evasion amounting to roughly QAR 36 million. The referral of these companies, throughout the first half of 2025, is the result of detailed investigations conducted by the GTA's competent units, working alongside relevant government authorities. These investigations uncovered significant tax irregularities, including instances where the companies intentionally concealed their true earnings. This measure comes as part of the GTA’s commitment to the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, specifically the pursuit of financial stability through enhanced tax system efficiency and universal adherence to responsibilities by all economic actors. This is essential for the protection of public resources and the attainment of tax justice. Moreover, the ongoing effort to combat tax evasion is integral to diversifying income resources by cultivating a resilient and sustainable financial system that underpins economic diversification and bolsters the state's ability to fund extensive development projects and realize balanced economic growth. In clarifying the matter, the General Tax Authority confirmed that the companies referred to the Public Prosecution are officially registered in Qatar. It further stated that the necessary legal measures have been taken against these entities, in line with the provisions of the Income Tax Law (Law No. 24 of 2018), which explicitly criminalizes fraudulent activities and tax evasion. Consequently, the General Tax Authority urges all taxpayers to adhere to the legally mandated deadlines for submitting transparent and accurate tax returns. It also emphasizes its ongoing commitment to combat tax evasion, a financial offense with detrimental effects on the national economy, and to apply tax laws equitably to all. These efforts aim to enhance the business environment and contribute to sustainable development in the State of Qatar. The General Tax Authority, through its various departments, continues to work towards fostering a stronger culture of voluntary compliance and building greater public trust in the tax system. The goal is to increase compliance rates, reduce evasion, and thereby prevent legal repercussions.

The General Tax Authority is pleased to report the overwhelmingly positive outcomes of its 100% Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative. This Initiative, in line with the GTA's commitment to easing financial burdens on companies and encouraging voluntary tax compliance, is making the tax system more efficient and transparent, ultimately bolstering the nation's sustainable development plans. Since its commencement on March 1st, the initiative has granted total exemptions over QAR 900 million to 4,000 taxpayers. This significant participation underscores the value taxpayers place on this opportunity provided by the GTA. This initiative empowers companies through smoother compliance with tax laws and regulations. To make it even easier to benefit from this initiative, the Authority has simplified its terms and conditions. Taxpayers now need to complete the registration process on the Dhareeba Tax Portal, update all their information, submit all required tax returns and financial statements, and pledge to file and pay their taxes on time for the next three years. The Authority will carefully examine all applications submitted within the specified period and will notify applicants of the result through their accounts on the Dhareeba Tax Portal. Importantly, the registration deadline for this initiative is August 31, 2025. The General Tax Authority encourages all eligible taxpayers to seize this valuable opportunity to regularize their tax affairs and avoid future penalties. They also can get detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, terms, and procedures through visiting the Authority's official website and the Dhareeba portal or contacting the unified call center.

As part of efforts to enhance international cooperation and exchange expertise in tax practices, the General Tax Authority (GTA) organized a joint workshop with the Federal Tax Service of Russia at the GTA headquarters in Doha. The workshop focused on enhancing collaboration in key areas such as digitalization, the e-invoicing project, and improving the overall efficiency of tax performance. Senior officials and technical experts from both sides participated in the event. During the main discussion session, both parties explored areas of cooperation, including the scope and outcomes of an ongoing technical assistance project. This initiative supports the GTA’s digital transformation strategy and aims to develop its systems into an integrated hub for financial and tax information. The joint workshop provided a platform to exchange best practices in the digitalization of tax systems, aligning with broader efforts to build a modern, technology-driven tax administration. The agenda featured a series of technical presentations and expert-led discussions, with a particular focus on Russia’s experience in value-added tax reform and digital innovation. The workshop also included presentations covering strategies for expanding the use of electronic documentation, addressing associated technical and regulatory challenges, and assessing the potential impact of future tax policies on innovation and economic growth. Participants emphasized at the conclusion of the workshop the importance of continued technical cooperation and knowledge exchange to strengthen the resilience of tax systems in both countries and better equip them to respond to future challenges, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development.

The General Tax Authority (GTA) has announced the extension of validity for several tax certificates required by taxpayers to complete their transactions. This comes as part of its commitment to support them and to simplify procedures related to their tax obligations. Among the updates is the extension of the validity period for the Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) for Change of Ownership, which is now valid for 180 days, giving taxpayers additional time to complete their transactions. In the same context, GTA now allows the issuance of the Tax Compliance Certificate via the Dhareeba Tax Portal. The validity of this certificate has been extended from one month to one full year. This certificate serves as an official document proving the taxpayer’s compliance with all tax obligations, facilitating smoother dealings with various entities and enhancing investment opportunities. Additionally, the validity period of the NOC for Commercial Registration Cancellation or issuing the Disbursement of Dues Certificate has been extended to 90 days, providing taxpayers with additional time to complete necessary procedures without the need to resubmit requests. The Authority emphasized that this step is part of its commitment to improving services and enhancing the user experience. It noted that the certificates are available for issuance through the “Dhareeba” platform, along with a range of other electronic services that offer taxpayers a more flexible and efficient experience in managing their tax obligations.

In a significant step which reflects the depth of brotherly relations and commitment of both countries to strengthening economic and financial cooperation, the State of Qatar and the State of Kuwait have signed a bilateral agreement aimed at avoiding double taxation and removing obstacles that could hinder the movement of capital. The agreement seeks to enhance trade exchange and encourage the flow of investments between the two nations. The agreement was signed by H.E. Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Finance, and H.E. Engineer Noura Suleiman Al-Fusam, Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment of Kuwait, during an official ceremony in Kuwait attended by a number of senior officials from both countries. The agreement seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework to prevent double taxation between the two governments, thereby creating a fair tax environment that stimulates economic activities and facilitates investment flows. It also aims to address barriers that may restrict capital movement and enhance opportunities for joint commercial cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the highest international standards of transparency through the exchange of verified financial information between the relevant authorities in each country. The agreement includes several technical provisions related to the regulation of income taxes across various sectors, most notably international transportation. It also covers the taxation of joint ventures, dividends, interest, and royalties. These measures are expected to help reduce double taxation and create a stable and secure investment climate that supports sustainable economic growth. This agreement is part of the ongoing efforts by both countries to strengthen economic and financial collaboration and enhance Gulf integration in a manner that serves mutual interests and contributes to comprehensive economic development across the region.

The General Tax Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Qatar Development Bank, organized an awareness workshop titled “Your Tax Compliance Begins with Knowledge” at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry headquarters in Lusail City. The event was attended by representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as home-based business owners. The workshop highlighted the mechanism of the Simplified Tax Return, explaining the steps for its submission and the details of the process, aiming to educate taxpayers and simplify the approved procedures. It also included guidance to avoid common mistakes, thereby enhancing the level of tax compliance and supporting adherence to the applicable regulations. The session also featured a presentation on the 100% Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative, which aims to encourage voluntary compliance and help taxpayers rectify their tax status. The workshop clarified the necessary conditions and requirements to benefit from this initiative. Additionally, practical topics were addressed, including procedures for registration in the tax system, how to register or cancel a Tax Identification Number (TIN), update taxpayer information, and register home business licenses, among other related procedures. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s hosting of the workshop comes as part of strengthening cooperation with government partners in awareness and education, in addition to providing a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and business owners, in line with the country’s directives to support transparency and facilitate compliance with procedures and regulations. On its part, Qatar Development Bank, represented by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Department, participated in the workshop by showcasing its programs and services aimed at entrepreneurs and local companies at various stages of growth, to empower them and enhance their role in the private sector. The Bank’s participation focused on a range of services provided by the department in the areas of auditing and accounting. These included the "Annual Audit and Taxation Service," the " Accounting & Bookkeeping Service," and the "Virtual CFO Service." The team highlighted the importance of these services in supporting businesses, improving their financial performance, enhancing reliability, boosting management efficiency in decision-making, reducing financial risks, and saving time and effort in managing the company’s operations and tax practices. The workshop concluded with an open discussion session where participants were given the opportunity to raise their inquiries and feedback, providing a platform for direct communication with specialists and contributing to enhancing their understanding of tax procedures and regulations. This workshop is part of the General Tax Authority’s efforts to enhance tax culture among different categories of taxpayers by providing guidance and technical support, clarifying regulatory procedures, and simplifying the steps for submitting the Simplified Tax Return.

His Excellency Mr. Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Jaham Al-Kuwari, President of the General Tax Authority, commends the Cabinet’s approval of the draft resolution granting a tax incentive on capital gains from corporate restructuring within the same group of companies. He affirms that this step reinforces national economic policy aimed at diversifying the economy, supporting business growth, attracting investments, and enhancing Qatar’s long-term competitiveness. His Excellency explained that the resolution represents a strategic step toward building a flexible and stimulating investment environment by modernizing the tax system to make it more competitive and adaptive to the rapid changes in the global economy, in alignment with the best international practices. He also noted that enabling and encouraging companies to go public not only supports their expansion but also serves as a cornerstone for boosting the appeal of the national economy, attracting foreign investments, and reinforcing trust in Qatar’s market as a stable and safe destination. The President of the General Tax Authority clarified that this step confirms the State’s commitment to enhancing the business environment and stimulating economic growth, as the Cabinet approved a draft decision granting a tax incentive on capital gains resulting from the restructuring of companies within the same group. The resolution aims to create a more attractive investment climate, supporting companies in their journey toward listing on the financial market. It also includes an exemption on capital gains arising from the transfer or exchange of assets within holding companies. This is part of ongoing efforts to align with the best international practices and stimulate sustainable institutional growth. His Excellency highlighted that the decision is a practical response to the needs of the Qatari economy, as the Authority has worked to develop effective solutions that meet the expectations of the business community and support the goals of economic and social development. He added that this direction reflects the flexibility of tax policy as a strategic tool for enhancing competitiveness in a global market driven by investment attraction. The General Tax Authority reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that contribute to the modernization of the tax system and the enhancement of the business climate, driving economic growth and aligning with the State’s vision for sustainable development based on diversity and openness.

The General Tax Authority welcomed a student delegation from Mohammad Bin Abdulwahhab Independent Secondary School for Boys, accompanied by several teachers and administrative staff, as part of a visit aimed at introducing students to the role and efforts of the Authority in serving the nation and society. During the visit, tax expert Mr. Omar Almatarnih delivered an awareness workshop titled "Taxes in the State of Qatar", designed to enrich students’ knowledge of taxation and enhance their understanding of the country’s tax system. This workshop was organized as part of the Authority’s commitment to raising tax awareness among students by familiarizing them with its operations, the types of taxes implemented in Qatar, their application mechanisms, and the stages of their development. Serving to bridge academic knowledge with real-world practice, it deepens students’ appreciation of the vital role taxes play in supporting the national economy. The initiative aligns with the inclusion of taxation as a topic within the secondary school curriculum and as a minor specialization at Qatar University, underscoring the importance of embedding tax awareness at an early educational stage and encouraging students to engage positively with issues of development and civic responsibility. The visit also provided students with the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the working environment of a key government institution, broadening their career perspectives and enhancing their understanding of the GTA’s role in ensuring financial stability and contributing to economic development. This visit falls within the broader framework of strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and government entities, with the aim of raising students' awareness of public sector bodies' work and their contributions to national progress. It also seeks to promote a culture of taxation and instill principles of tax compliance among future generations.

As part of its awareness initiatives aimed at enhancing tax knowledge among members of the community, the General Tax Authority (GTA) launched an awareness booth at AlHazm Mall from May 4 to 10, 2025, operating daily from 5 PM to 10 PM. The booth aims to support taxpayers by providing tax consultations, guidance on how to file tax returns, and promoting the 100% Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative, which will remain in effect until the end of August 2025. Additionally, the booth provides taxpayers with comprehensive information about other initiatives that help facilitate their tax obligations. The GTA invites all taxpayers and business owners to visit the booth, benefit from the services provided. This booth launch is part of a broader series of awareness initiatives previously held at major commercial centres, including West Walk, Place Vendôme, and Landmark Mall, aiming to enhance direct engagement with taxpayers and provide necessary guidance and support. The General Tax Authority reaffirms its commitment to continuing its awareness programs across key locations in the country, to raise tax awareness among different community segments, through direct communication channels that offer access to consultations and services where people are located.

In an achievement that reflects its commitment to enhancing localization and developing national competencies, the Human Resources Department – Recruitment Section – at the General Tax Authority has won the Government Sector Localization Award for the fiscal year 2024. The award was presented during the Human Resources Directors Meeting organized by the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau. The Authority was recognized by His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, President of the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, who presented the award during the ceremony. It was distinguished among more than 60 participating government entities for achieving the required localization targets. This recognition reflects the Authority’s dedication to implementing the national strategy for localization and workforce planning, and its adoption of the best practices in attracting and developing national talents, contributing to the realization of sustainable development goals and the empowerment of human capital.