Officials of General Tax Authority and General Authority of Customs during the MoU signing ceremony.
Doha: The General Tax Authority (GTA) and the General Authority of Customs (GAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that signifies cooperation in different areas. The MoU includes standardization and coordination of policies and procedures related to the implementation of the provisions of excise tax law and its executive regulations and other forms of collaboration of mutual interests in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
The MoU was signed by GTA President Ahmed bin Issa Al Mohannadi and GAC Chairman Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal. The signing ceremony was held at the GTA headquarters.
The MoU aims to achieve cooperation in several areas between the two sides, most notably the establishment of an electronic link through the GAC’s customs clearance system (Al-Nadeeb) and the GTA’s tax portal (Dhareeba), to exchange information and statistics instantly and provide excellent tax services to taxpayers and the general public.
Al Mohannadi stressed the importance of cooperation with the GAC to collect and supply taxes imposed on selective goods and establishing an electronic link between the electronic systems for both sides. He also stressed that this cooperation supports the GTA and the private sector, which eases the flow of operations and economic activities by facilitating an effective and rapid collection of fees.
“Dhareeba Tax portal is a major development and a quantum leap in Qatar’s tax system. It is a vital link by connecting the GTA with taxpayers and its partners and the relevant government entities. The Dhareeba portal manages, calculates, and reviews the various types of taxes.
“The GTA consistently seeks to create partnerships and cooperation agreements with different partners to achieve the highest level of benefits of the system and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement,” he added.
Meanwhile, Al Jamal commented, “Signing this MoU comes in recognition of the need for cooperation on matters related to tax collection on selective goods imported through customs. Both entities are convinced that joining forces will be more effective.”
“The GAC developed the customs clearance system (Al-Nadeeb) with to harmonise the provisions related to the calculation and collection of the excise tax, which supports the speed and accuracy of customs and tax procedures that take place through the country’s ports.”
Al Jamal emphasised that the GAC strives to provide the best electronic services related to customs clearance for all sectors in the country.
The MoU stems from the GAC’s economic and security position, aimed at supporting and protecting the national economy, facilitating international trade operations, and encouraging investment by simplifying and streamlining customs procedures and the required electronic link between the various relevant government agencies in the country, including the GTA.
Under the terms of the agreement, GTA and GAC will form a joint venture for cooperation between the two sides, most notably the collection and supply of tax, notification of tax exemption cases, and the implementation of tax suspension procedures, refund, and postponement. The MoU also included strengthening cooperation and prior coordination between the two sides regarding tax agreements and relevant international and regional meetings.
Besides, the two entities agreed to continue the coordination concerning post-audit procedures that are carried out on importers and taxpayers and the exchange of information related to crimes of customs smuggling and tax evasion related to goods and commodities subject to an excise tax. The agreement also included knowledge exchange programs and professional training courses for employees of both entities.
