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.

The General Tax Authority held a virtual meeting with the Federal Tax Service of Russia, as part of joint efforts to strengthen technical cooperation and exchange expertise in modern tax policies and procedures. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Jaham Al-Kuwari, President of the General Tax Authority, and H.E. Mr. Daniil Egorov, Commissioner of the Federal Tax Service of Russia. The two sides discussed ways to expand coordination, particularly in implementing modern digital technologies in tax administration. Both parties emphasized the importance of sharing experiences in tax compliance and adopting international standards to support service development and keep pace with digital transformation. The meeting also featured a review of innovative Russian digital models and explored how they could support the development of Qatar’s digital tax systems. The officials affirmed that this collaboration contributes to enhancing the efficiency of tax operations and promoting transparency, while also supporting the broader economic goals of both countries through improved business environments and more effective revenue collection. This meeting falls within a strategic framework aimed at strengthening international cooperation, exploring knowledge transfer opportunities, and adopting advanced technological solutions aligned with sustainable development goals and the shared vision of building modern and integrated tax systems.

The General Tax Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, organized a workshop on the mechanism of tax returns on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Lusail City. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of tax procedures, and Mr. Ahmad Al-Yaqoub, a representative of the Authority, delivered a presentation covering the steps for submitting a tax return, with a focus on the regulatory and technical requirements to ensure tax compliance. The workshop also addressed several key topics, including the concept of the tax return, its types, and payment conditions, as well as providing details and guidelines on how to achieve tax compliance. The session concluded with an interactive discussion, allowing participants to engage directly with specialists and ask questions. This initiative comes as part of the General Tax Authority’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with government entities to promote tax culture and streamline procedures for taxpayers, contributing to supporting the business environment and enhancing the sustainability of the national economy.

As part of the General Tax Authority’s (GTA) ongoing efforts to enhance tax awareness and provide direct support to taxpayers, GTA has announced the continuation of its awareness initiative by launching an awareness booth at West Walk. The booth will be active from 20 to 26 April, 2025, operating daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This initiative follows a series of similar outreach efforts previously held at Place Vendôme Mall and Landmark Mall, aiming to strengthen public engagement and provide direct access to tax-related information and services. The booth is designed as an open, interactive platform offering essential guidance and information regarding tax procedures and obligations. It also provides responses to taxpayers’ enquiries and clarifies technical aspects of the tax systems in place within the State of Qatar. The General Tax Authority invites individuals, entrepreneurs, and company representatives to visit the booth and benefit from complimentary advisory services aimed at facilitating tax compliance and promoting the principles of transparency and clarity. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the GTA to bring its services closer to the public, reinforcing its commitment to raising tax awareness in line with the State’s evolving economic landscape. It also aims to strengthen effective communication with taxpayers and enhance their understanding of tax responsibilities, thereby contributing to a transparent and trusted tax environment.

The General Tax Authority (GTA) joined Qatar's annual Family Day celebrations on April 15th, marking the occasion by illuminating its headquarters in green. This gesture reflects the Authority’s strong belief in the pivotal role that families play in shaping positive values and fostering a connected, stable society that contributes to the nation's overall growth and prosperity. The GTA’s involvement in this celebration underscores its commitment to a set of core values, starting with promoting awareness about the vital role of family and social cohesion in strengthening the national social fabric. It also highlights the importance of showing gratitude and loyalty to family, supporting the spirit of cooperation among its members, and reviving the cherished Qatari family values and ethics. Furthermore, the Authority emphasised the family's position as the cornerstone of society, the essential institution upon which social stability is built, and the need to protect and empower its rights. The General Tax Authority’s participation in Qatar Family Day also aligns with the ongoing national efforts to establish a strong and healthy family structure, as the foundational building block of society. This initiative is a tribute to the critical contributions of families in enhancing social cohesion, supporting national development, and fostering unity within the community.