FTA debuts website to help businesses navigate UAE’s new tax system

The Federal Tax Authority, FTA, has launched its website, providing businesses and consumers with a wealth of information on the upcoming introduction of excise tax and VAT in the UAE.

The FTA website includes information about the Authority, as well as the introduction of the different types of indirect taxes in the country, the legislations regulating them, and the objectives and benefits to the UAE economy.

For businesses, the website provides advice and guides to help them determine if they are eligible to register, as well as guidance on the registration process. Businesses can also use the website to learn from the tax guides posted, in addition to the opportunity to register and attend VAT and excise tax live sessions conducted by the FTA around the UAE, as well as webinars and offline training sessions.

A comprehensive FAQ section provides answers to the most common queries businesses and consumers alike may have about the introduction of taxes. The website has a dedicated section for media as well, which will serve as a repository for media releases and statements, photographs and videos, as well as serving as an access point for media queries to the FTA.

From mid-September, businesses will be able to register with the tax authority through the website, ahead of the implementation of excise tax in October 2017 and VAT in January 2018.

"Launching the Federal Tax Authority’s website is a significant and impactful step forward towards implementing an efficient and transparent tax system in the UAE," said Khalid Al Bustani, Director-General of the FTA.

According to Al Bustani the website is full of rich content that is presented in a clear, and concise way that aims to communicate with the UAE community, businesses and individuals with the aim to help website visitors understand the newly introduced tax jargons and technical language.

"We trust that it will be the go-to resource for businesses and consumers seeking information and reassurances about the new tax system. The website’s accessible design and emphasis on relevance and readability reflects the authority’s commitment to international standards and best practices as it goes about executing tax laws and procedures in the UAE," he continued.

The FTA also developed and dedicated a full-fledged careers’ portal on the website that simplifies the process of applying for a promising career path and future at the FTA for ambitious job seekers, and facilitates the recruitment process for the entity, Al Bustani added.

"Implementing taxes in the UAE serves to diversify and, as a result, strengthen our economy," the FTA Director-General explained.

"This requires that all stakeholders step up and demonstrate their readiness to effectively and efficiently adopt the new systems and procedures. The website will help them in this journey, providing them with the information they need and, very soon, with the ability to register their organisations with the Federal Tax Authority before the excise tax and VAT laws go into effect in October 2017 and January 2018 respectively," he concluded.