The General Tax Authority (GTA) has announced the launch of the nationally recognised Certified Tax Specialist Programme, aimed at developing national competencies and strengthening the capabilities of tax professionals, thereby supporting the advancement and transformation of Qatar’s tax sector. The programme is designed to enhance technical expertise in key areas, including income tax, value-added tax and excise tax, in line with internationally recognised standards and best practices. Delivered through intensive in-person sessions, the programme combines technical knowledge with practical application. It concludes with a proctored electronic examination to assess participants’ competencies and acquired knowledge. The curriculum covers a range of specialised topics, including tax fundamentals, tax compliance frameworks, global tax developments, tax reporting and transfer pricing, alongside practical applications relevant to professional practice. The programme is internationally accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), enhancing the credibility of the certification and confirming its alignment with global professional standards. It also contributes to improving the capabilities and competitiveness of national talent within the tax sector. The Tax Certification Programme forms part of the General Tax Authority’s ongoing efforts to develop national competencies and support the long-term sustainability of Qatar’s tax sector. It aligns with the Authority’s agenda to enhance professional skills, strengthen institutional knowledge and adopt global best practices, contributing to the development of a flexible and highly efficient tax system. The programme also supports the qualification and certification of specialised professionals to provide tax services and consultancy in accordance with the regulations and instructions of the General Tax Authority, thereby enhancing transparency and efficiency across the tax sector. The programme will be introduced gradually, beginning with employees of the General Tax Authority, followed by tax professionals. Coordination will also take place with local training centres to enhance tax knowledge and awareness among specialists and relevant entities.

As part of the Emerging Leaders Development Program, the General Tax Authority organized an interactive session titled “The Inspiring Leader” to strengthen internal engagement and foster the exchange of leadership insights and experiences with the next generation of emerging leaders. The session featured H.E. Mr. Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Jaham Al-Kuwari, President of the General Tax Authority, who shared key insights from his leadership journey and professional experience with attendees. He also highlighted his perspective on the importance of developing institutional capabilities and investing in national talent. The discussion included a series of questions about his career path, along with reflections on the leadership lessons and real-world experiences that shaped significant milestones throughout his journey. The session provided participants with a valuable opportunity to benefit from his expertise and experiences, contributing to the development and empowerment of future leaders. The event also featured an open discussion and exchange of ideas with a group of General Tax Authority employees on leadership principles, workplace challenges, the importance of continuous development, and building national capabilities. This engagement reflects the Authority’s commitment to investing in national talent, fostering a culture of inspirational leadership, and empowering employees to acquire the knowledge and experience needed to support their professional growth and contribute to achieving the Authority’s future objectives.

As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships with stakeholders and advancing tax knowledge, the General Tax Authority (GTA) organized a series of specialized workshops for audit firms aimed at enhancing technical and practical competencies and promoting compliance with relevant best practices and standards. The workshops were held at the Authority’s headquarters and brought together more than 50 auditors and representatives from various audit firms. Through a range of interactive sessions, participants were introduced to the latest legislative and procedural developments in the tax field. The workshops combined theoretical and practical aspects to support professional capacity building, strengthen the practical understanding of tax regulations, contribute to the alignment of professional interpretations, and achieve higher levels of compliance and consistency in implementation. These workshops reflect the Authority’s commitment to fostering continuous cooperation and partnership with audit firms, thereby supporting tax compliance and enhancing the quality of professional practices. The workshops also form part of an integrated plan developed by the Authority to unify relevant technical concepts and applications, strengthen adherence to approved regulations and procedures, enrich specialized knowledge, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and keep pace with developments and emerging trends in the tax environment.

Within the framework of enhancing financial transparency and promoting joint investment, the State of Qatar and the Republic of Austria signed an amendment to certain provisions of the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and capital. The agreement was signed on behalf of the State of Qatar by H.E. Mr. Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Jaham Al-Kuwari, President of the General Tax Authority, while H.E. Ms. Erika Bernhard, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the State of Qatar, signed on behalf of Austria. The amendment comes as part of updating the agreement in line with the latest international tax standards, enhancing transparency and keeping pace with global economic developments. Key changes include the redrafting of Article 8 on international maritime and air transport, the revision of Article 10 on dividends to clarify the scope of eligible government entities, and the enhancement of Article 27 on the exchange of information for tax purposes, in line with international transparency and cooperation requirements. The signing of these amendments affirms the State of Qatar’s commitment to strengthening its tax system in line with global best practices and to deepening its economic partnerships with friendly countries, contributing to increased trade flows and opening broader opportunities for joint investment.

The General Tax Authority and Edaa announced the signing of an electronic linkage agreement, in a strategic step aimed at enhancing data exchange systems and improving the efficiency of tax operations, in line with Qatar’s digital transformation agenda and reinforcing principles of transparency and compliance. The agreement was signed on behalf the Authority by H.E. Mr. Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Jaham Al-Kuwari, President of the General Tax Authority, and on behalf of Edaa by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Edaa. This linkage represents a significant advancement in automating data exchange between the two entities, reducing reliance on manual processes and replacing them with automated electronic channels that accelerate the flow of information and minimize human error associated with manual data entry, while ensuring access to accurate and up-to-date data in real time. It also supports the development of comprehensive analytical reports based on direct-source data and strengthens compliance with regulatory requirements, in accordance with best local and international standards in tax transparency and information exchange. This step is expected to enhance the efficiency of services provided to beneficiaries by reducing administrative burdens and expediting procedures, reflecting the Authority’s commitment to developing an advanced tax environment that supports economic growth and aligns with Qatar’s vision for digital transformation. The General Tax Authority and Edaa affirmed that this agreement represents a significant collaboration toward building an integrated digital tax ecosystem, strengthening joint cooperation and partnership among relevant entities, contributing to enhanced trust and supporting the efficiency of the financial sector in the State.

The General Tax Authority has announced an extension of the deadline for submitting the tax return for the 2025 tax year until 30 June 2026. This step aims to support taxpayers and enhance tax compliance by providing additional time to fulfill their obligations. The Authority calls on all companies and entities holding a commercial registration, trade license, or home license – including tax-exempt entities – that have not yet submitted their tax returns to do so within the specified period via the Dhareeba Tax Portal, in order to avoid penalties and ensure business continuity. This extension applies to all entities and individuals subject to the provisions of the Income Tax Law No. (24) of 2018 and its amendments, including tax-exempt companies, companies owned by Qatari or GCC nationals residing in the State, as well as private associations and institutions, including charitable and public benefit organizations established in accordance with applicable regulations. However, it does not apply to companies operating in the petroleum and petrochemical sectors, which are required to submit their tax returns no later than 30 April 2026. The Authority also provides multiple support channels, including the call center at (16565) and email (support@dhareeba.qa) to facilitate the submission of tax returns and respond to taxpayers’ inquiries, ensuring compliance with the specified deadlines. The decision to extend the deadline for filing tax returns reflects the Authority’s commitment to empowering taxpayers and simplifying procedures, contributing to a more enabling business environment.

His Excellency Mr. Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Jaham Al-Kuwari, President of the General Tax Authority, chaired the State of Qatar’s delegation at the 16th meeting of the Committee of Heads and Directors of Tax Administrations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held today in the presiding country, the Kingdom of Bahrain, via video conferencing. The meeting discussed key developments and challenges related to tax policies and procedures in the region. The heads of tax authorities in member states explored 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 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. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was emphasized that GCC countries remain committed to continuing joint coordination, strengthening economic integration, and reinforcing the principles of fairness and transparency in tax policies, in support of sustainable development across the Gulf region.

As part of the State of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tax policies and support public health, Law No. (2) of 2026 has been issued, amending certain provisions of Law No. (25) of 2018 on Excise Tax. The amendment introduces a new mechanism for excise tax on sweetened drinks based on a tiered volume model, where the tax is calculated according to the amount of sugar or sweeteners in the drink or taxable product. The schedule of excise goods subject to tax has also been updated to include sugar-sweetened drinks such as soft drinks and juices with added sugar. The scope further extends to all products that can be converted into drinks and contain sugar or sweeteners, including concentrates, powders, extracts, and other similar products. The General Tax Authority stated that the law will come into effect on 6 July 2026, allowing sufficient time for taxpayers and manufacturers to align their operations accordingly. It also emphasized the requirement for anyone holding excise goods to submit tax declarations disclosing stock levels at the time the law takes effect through the Dhareeba Tax Portal. This initiative reflects the State’s efforts to reduce the consumption of high-sugar products and encourage manufacturers to lower sugar content in their products, contributing to improved public health. It also aligns with the country’s strategic direction to enhance the efficiency of the tax system in line with international best practices, while maintaining a balanced approach between economic and health objectives.

As part of its efforts to enhance the implementation of excise tax and streamline related procedures, the General Tax Authority intends to launch the excise tax warehouse licensing service. This service enables the licensing premises designated for the production, processing, possession, storage, or receipt of excise goods, whether locally produced or imported, under the tax suspension regime. This regime refers to the deferral of excise tax liability on such goods while they remain within a licensed tax warehouse, in accordance with the provisions of the Excise Tax Law and its Executive Regulations. The excise tax warehouse licensing service will be available starting from 1 April 2026 to companies producing excise goods, with plans to expand the scope of the service at a later stage to include other eligible entities. The Authority explained that the tax warehouse regime provides a flexible framework for managing excise tax, allowing the suspension of tax payment until the goods are released into the local market. It also enables the import and storage of excise goods and raw materials under a tax suspension status, thereby enhancing taxpayers’ cash flow, supporting production needs, and ensuring supply chain stability. In addition, it contributes to improved inventory management and more efficient operational planning. The tax warehouse service is considered a key enabler for supporting the business environment, as it simplifies administrative procedures related to the refund of excise tax on the import of raw materials, such as concentrates, as well as in cases involving the export of excise goods. The implementation of this service eliminates the need to submit refund applications in such cases, thereby reducing the administrative burden on registered taxpayers. The General Tax Authority affirmed that the launch of this service reflects its role of being an active partner in supporting the national economy and fostering an attractive business environment.

The General Tax Authority (GTA) announced official clarifications regarding capital gains tax in the State of Qatar, including an exemption for gains arising from intra-group restructuring, thereby supporting the investment environment. The GTA indicated that this exemption aims to enable companies within the same group to carry out restructuring operations more efficiently and to facilitate the transfer and exchange of assets within the State of Qatar, thereby enhancing the efficiency of financial asset management. It also supports the listing of companies on the Qatar Stock Exchange, contributing to the stimulation of the financial market. The tax also applies to net gains arising from the sale or disposal of shares or ownership interests in companies that are resident or registered within the State, real estate related to taxable business activities, and certain properties located outside the State when disposed of by Qatari projects not connected with a permanent establishment abroad. It further covers tangible and intangible assets associated with taxable business activities. The GTA highlighted that the intra-group restructuring exemption was introduced to strengthen the exemptions provided under the Income Tax Law and its Executive Regulations. These include gains realized by individuals from real estate and securities not connected with taxable business activities, as well as gains earned by non-Qatari investors from trading securities and investment fund units listed on Qatari financial markets. The exemptions also cover certain revaluation transactions, subject to specific conditions, most notably the achievement of the economic, commercial, and financial purpose of the restructuring, and compliance with applicable requirements. The General Tax Authority is committed to promoting transparency and tax fairness and works to enable taxpayers to understand their rights and obligations, thereby fostering a safe and sustainable investment environment in the State of Qatar.