His Excellency Mr. Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Jaham Al Kuwari, President of the General Tax Authority (GTA), led the State of Qatar's delegation at the 15th meeting of the Committee of Heads and Directors of Tax Administrations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in the State of Kuwait on 9 September 2025. 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 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 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM until 31 December 2025, 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. The Authority confirms that the 100% Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative will continue until 31 December 2025, reaffirming its commitment to promoting tax compliance and building a strong and sustainable partnership and trust with all taxpayers.

In response to the growing interest in benefiting from the 100% Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative, and in line with its commitment to supporting taxpayers and enabling them to regularize their status, the General Tax Authority announced the extension of the submission period for the initiative until 31 December 2025. The extension aims to provide the opportunity for the largest possible number of taxpayers to benefit from the available exemptions. The General Tax Authority allows taxpayers to apply for the initiative through the Dhareeba platform, while continuing to provide support and guidance services that reinforce transparency and help instill a culture of tax compliance. The initiative has achieved significant results, with more than 7,000 taxpayers exempted from financial penalties exceeding QAR 1.6 billion, and over 56,000 tax returns submitted — including overdue returns covering tax periods from 2014 to 2024. This has greatly contributed to raising the overall tax compliance rate. The initiative also witnessed a high participation rate among companies and business owners who were able to rectify their situations and benefit from the full exemption from financial penalties. Beneficiary companies represented various vital sectors, reflecting the inclusiveness of the initiative and its broad impact in supporting different components of the national economy. In this context, the General Tax Authority urges taxpayers to take advantage of the initiative via the Dhareeba platform. The initiative is considered one of the Authority’s landmark measures, designed to enable taxpayers to settle their tax obligations through a 100% exemption from financial penalties incurred due to late registration, filing, or payment, subject to specific terms and conditions. The General Tax Authority confirmed that the initiative has successfully enhanced voluntary compliance by offering a clear and practical opportunity to rectify tax status with ease and convenience. This contributes to the efficiency of the tax system and strengthens the relationship of trust and partnership between the Authority and taxpayers.

Qatar and Tanzania initial sign Double Taxation Agreement to boost Trade and investments The General Tax Authority welcomed a delegation from the United Republic of Tanzania to hold a round of negotiations on a draft agreement to avoid double taxation, as part of its efforts to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. The negotiations addressed the technical and legal aspects of the draft agreement, ensuring tax fairness and preventing double taxation on investors from both countries, in addition to removing obstacles that may affect the movement of capital. This, in turn, contributes to enhancing trade exchange and encouraging the flow of investments between the two sides. Discussions also covered the development of effective mechanisms for the exchange of tax information, which would promote transparency and reflect a commitment to international standards. Both parties reached a final agreement that reflects their common interests and contributes to expanding the horizons of economic cooperation between the State of Qatar and the United Republic of Tanzania. The agreement includes provisions related to international maritime and air transport, joint ventures, dividends, interest, and royalties. Taking a step forward with regards to reinforcing the bilateral economic ties between the two governments. The agreement was initiated today, Wednesday, 27 August 2025, in Doha, paving the way for the necessary legislative procedures between the two sides. These negotiations come within the General Tax Authority’s strategy to expand its network of international tax agreements, support efforts to attract foreign investments, and create a transparent and trustworthy business environment that fosters growth and strengthens trade exchange between the two countries.

In light of the growing response to the 100% Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative and with its deadline approaching, the General Tax Authority (GTA) has announced an update to the reception hours at its headquarters, with the aim of simplifying procedures and promoting voluntary compliance. The Authority announced that direct applications regarding the initiative are available at the GTA Tower during the following times this week:       •     Wednesday and Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM       •     Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM       •     Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Moreover, work will resume on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in two shifts:       •     Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM       •     Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM The General Tax Authority also enables taxpayers to apply for the Exemption Initiative through the Dhareeba platform until August 31, 2025, in addition to providing support and guidance services related to filing tax returns. This reflects the Authority’s commitment to transparency and to fostering a culture of tax compliance. The 100% Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative is one of GTA’s key programs, designed to help taxpayers correct their tax status by exempting them from penalties arising from delays in registration, filing tax returns, or paying dues. The initiative grants a 100% exemption from financial penalties, subject to a set of terms and conditions. The Authority invites all taxpayers to take advantage of this initiative within the specified period, affirming its commitment to providing efficient and comprehensive tax services that support the business environment and contribute to achieving sustainable economic development.

As part of its efforts to promote a culture of voluntary tax compliance and to reinforce the principles of partnership and mutual trust with taxpayers, the General Tax Authority (GTA) renews its call for all registered taxpayers to submit their tax returns for the 2024 fiscal year through the Dhareeba Tax Portal, before the final deadline of August 31, 2025, in order to avoid any penalties or legal actions due to delays. The Authority emphasized that this requirement is in line with the provisions of the Income Tax Law (Law No. 24 of 2018) and its executive regulations and amendments. All companies and institutions holding a commercial registration or license within the State are required to submit their tax returns within the specified timeframe, including tax-exempt entities, companies fully owned by Qatari citizens or GCC nationals, and companies with foreign partners. Within this framework, the GTA reaffirmed the continuation of the 100% Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative, which gives taxpayers the opportunity to regularize their tax status without incurring additional financial burdens, in accordance with the approved terms and conditions. The initiative is valid until August 31, 2025, and taxpayers can submit exemption requests and the required documents easily via the Dhareeba Tax Portal. This initiative is part of the Authority’s strategic approach to supporting the national economy and encouraging entrepreneurs to comply voluntarily by providing a flexible and incentivizing tax environment that strengthens the confidence of the business and investment sectors, contributing to the development of a diversified and sustainable economy. This effort reflects the GTA’s ongoing commitment to supporting taxpayers by reducing financial burdens, simplifying procedures, and helping them rectify their tax status and meet their legal obligations. The General Tax Authority also confirmed that its technical support and customer service teams are available to provide tax consultations at the GTA Tower on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, until August 31, 2025. Taxpayers can also receive support via the call center (16565) or by email at support@dhareeba.qa.

As part of their shared commitment to empowering national talents and supporting localization efforts in government jobs, the General Tax Authority, in collaboration with the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, organized a rapid recruitment campaign targeting candidates from the “Kawader” platform. The campaign included instant interviews for over 50 candidates applying for roles at the Authority, with the presence of senior officials from the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau. This reflects the ongoing efforts to attract and qualify highly skilled national talents, enabling them to contribute effectively to the labor market and to support national economic growth. This step comes as part of the ongoing cooperation between government entities to develop the government work system and support national initiatives aimed at building a sustainable base of qualified Qatari human resources that adhere to standards of institutional excellence. The Civil Service and Government Development Bureau continues its efforts to accelerate the pace of employment in government entities through targeted initiatives, such as the rapid recruitment campaign, in coordination with those entities. The General Tax Authority stated that this campaign contributes to enhancing the efficiency of attracting talent by streamlining the procedures for joining the tax sector and engaging directly with national talents. The General Tax Authority also reaffirmed its commitment to providing an attractive and motivating work environment, and to opening promising career paths for Qatari youth, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to develop an advanced public sector capable of meeting challenges and achieving sustainable development.

The General Tax Authority and the Ministry of Social Development and Family organized an awareness workshop for owners of “Home Grown” projects entitled "Your Step Towards Tax Compliance for Home Grown Projects" on Monday, July 7, at Katara Cultural Village - Building 15. This workshop aims to enhance tax awareness among Home Grown project owners, simplify procedures for taxpayers, support voluntary compliance, and provide an interactive platform for raising direct inquiries with relevant specialists. Under the title “Your Step Towards Tax Compliance for Home Grown Projects,” the General Tax Authority’s workshop program featured several key discussions, including requirements for filing tax returns and paying Income Tax, registration methods and procedures for various licenses including home-based businesses, filing a Simplified Tax Return through the “Dhareeba” platform, data update processes, and the verification of residency for GCC citizens. Additionally, the workshop addressed financial penalties for late tax return filings, the Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative, and the process for cancelling tax number registration. Moreover, the workshop shed light on the individuals and entities required to submit a tax return, which include the following categories: all companies, regardless of their commercial activity status, and individuals engaged in economic activities within the country, even those with tax exemptions. The workshop further clarified that companies eligible for Income Tax exemption are: those wholly owned by Qatari citizens or citizens of GCC countries, on the condition that they demonstrate proof of residency in the State of Qatar. The General Tax Authority has announced its "100% Financial Penalty Exemption Initiative", effective from March 1, 2025, to August 31, 2025. This initiative intends to support companies and alleviate their tax burdens by providing a full exemption on unpaid penalties, as per the Income Tax and Excise Tax Laws. Consequently, the tax return filing deadline has been extended to align with the initiative’s duration, in accordance with the approved regulations and provisions.

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.