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.