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Qatar's General Tax Authority (GTA) has seized over 200 kilograms of tobacco products during an inspection campaign targeting a number of commercial establishments. In a press statement, the agency said its teams, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, identified violations involving tobacco products without approved tax stamps and excise goods unauthorised for sale. The campaign aimed to verify compliance with Qatar's Excise Tax Law and the regulations governing the circulation of excise goods. The GTA's Anti-Tax Evasion team took the necessary measures against the non-compliant outlets and documented the violations to initiate the prescribed legal proceedings. Tax stamps are distinctive markings affixed to excise goods covered by the tax stamp system to confirm payment of the tax due and verify that the goods may be legally traded. Trading these goods without approved tax stamps is prohibited under the provisions and procedures set out in the applicable legislation. The GTA reaffirmed its commitment to continuing inspection campaigns, in cooperation and coordination with the relevant authorities, to strengthen market oversight and combat the illicit trade in excise goods, helping improve compliance with tax legislation and protect public health. GTA also urged importers of cigarettes and other tobacco products to register on the "Dhareeba" platform under the excise goods track-and-trace system, noting that the import or circulation of any excise goods within the country is not permitted without valid and activated excise stamps, and comply with the relevant laws and executive regulations to avoid legal action.

The General Tax Authority (GTA) has participated in the 16th meeting of the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) Tax Administrations Committee, discussing key developments and challenges related to tax policies and procedures in the region. Khalifa bin Jassim al-Jaham al-Kuwari, president of GTA, chaired Qatar’s delegation at the meeting, which was held via videoconference with Bahrain as the host country, exploring ways to enhance cooperation and coordination in the exchange of expertise and best tax practices. They also reviewed updates on the implementation of unified agreements related to indirect taxes, as well as mechanisms to develop technical systems that support electronic connectivity among the GCC tax authorities. The meeting further addressed topics related to updating tax legislation and expanding training and capacity-building for national cadres, with the aim of improving performance and increasing the efficiency of implementing tax systems in line with regional and global economic developments. It was emphasised that the GCC countries remain committed to continuing joint co-ordination, strengthening economic integration, and reinforcing the principles of fairness and transparency in tax policies, in support of sustainable development across the region. 

The State of Qatar took part in the 15th meeting of the Committee of Heads and Directors of Tax Administrations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held recently in the State of Kuwait. Qatar's delegation was led by HE President of the General Tax Authority (GTA) Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Jaham Al Kuwari. The meeting addressed several vital topics related to strengthening regional tax cooperation and the exchange of successful experiences among member states. These discussions support the development of integrated tax policies aimed at fostering the region's economies and stimulating the investment environment. Deliberations focused on mechanisms to enhance the efficiency of GCC tax systems through continuous coordination and the modernization of legislative and procedural frameworks. This aims to improve the fairness and transparency of the tax system and advance effective economic integration among the council's nations. The participants also affirmed the importance of periodic meetings in developing institutional capacities in the tax field and aligning tax policies to serve economic diversification programs and contribute to achieving sustainable development across the Gulf states. The General Tax Authority's participation in this meeting reflects its firm commitment to promoting cooperation and its openness to the exchange of knowledge and expertise. This contributes to building a flexible and stimulating tax system for growth and investment and strengthens the position of GCC countries on the global economic map.

The General Tax Authority (GTA) continues its ongoing efforts to facilitate taxpayers’ procedures and ensure the regularity of their tax transactions. As part of these efforts, taxpayers are now able to submit applications for the Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative at 100% directly at the authority’s tower, in addition to receiving support for a range of other tax obligations and services. The services provided during this period include submitting exemption applications, filing objections and settlements, as well as services related to collection, inquiries, sales, and clearances, in addition to technical support for resolving any issues that taxpayers may encounter in the system. Taxpayers can visit the authority’s tower on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8am to 12 noon until December 31, where dedicated teams are available to provide support and assistance, ensuring that transactions are completed easily and efficiently. Taxpayers can also apply electronically via the ‘Dhareeba’ platform to benefit from the initiative. GTA has confirmed that the 100% Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative will continue until December 31, reaffirming its commitment to promoting tax compliance and building a strong and sustainable partnership and trust with all taxpayers.