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.

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.