Qatar presents a host of advantages for entrepreneurs and investors looking to set up businesses in the country. One of these is with regards to taxation, as Qatar adopts a tax and legal landscape that’s in harmony with global best practices outlined by organizations like the OECD. For example, there is an absence of income tax on salaries and a business-friendly corporate tax rate.
These policies and Qatar’s overall tax environment are both always evolving, so it is essential for individuals and companies to remain well-informed about any developments. Here’s a rundown of various facets of taxation in Qatar, alongside what we can do to assist business owners and individuals for their tax and accounting needs.
Tax Governance in Qatar
In Qatar, the overseer of all taxation matters is the General Tax Authority (GTA). Every company in Qatar must be registered under the GTA so as to prevent any penalties. When complying with said tax obligations, the government has also made processes easier via Dhareeba. This is an online portal to streamline tax compliance via secure, user-friendly, and convenient services.
Income Tax in Qatar
There are no income taxes on salaries, wages, and allowances in Qatar, irrespective of whether the workers are Qatari nationals or not. This is one of the most appealing aspects of their tax system. Having said that, however, anyone involved in profit-generating commercial activities may become liable for income tax, contingent upon the source of their income within Qatar. The corporate tax rate for Qatari entities stands at 10%, adhering to a territorial tax approach.
Corporate Tax in Qatar
Any company that is fully owned by either Qatar or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals enjoy exemption from corporate income taxes (CIT). Meanwhile, companies fully or partially owned by foreigners may be subject to a flat, 10% CIT rate for any income that they generate from Qatar-based sources. Specific companies engaged in oil and gas operations may be liable to a higher tax rate of 35%.
Capital Gains Tax in Qatar
In general, there is no obligation to pay capital gains tax when disposing of property and securities in Qatar. But, foreign residents might encounter a 10% tax rate when selling assets considered to have originated in Qatar, such as property situated within the country. Those subject to this tax are required to file a capital gains tax return within the specified timeframe.
Property Taxes in Qatar
Property taxes are also not charged in Qatar. Instead, they collect a nominal government fee upon property registration. This is paid by the property’s buyer. Landlords may also be obligated to pay registration fees of roughly 1% of their property’s annual rental value – to be remitted to the Real Estate Lease Contracts Office.
Excise Taxes in Qatar
Qatar introduced excise taxes in 2019 to deter the consumption of harmful or prohibited goods. Since then, tobacco items, energy drinks, alcohol, and pork items have been taxed at 100%, while carbonated drinks incur a tax of 50%.
Withholding Tax in Qatar
Foreigners who do business in Qatar may have to pay a 5% withholding tax for any income that they’ve earned within the nation. This applies to individuals, self-employed workers, and businesses. Nevertheless, there may be exemptions in cases where a tax treaty exists between Qatar and the taxpayer’s country of residence.
Value Added Tax (VAT) in Qatar
Qatar does not currently impose any Value Added Taxes (VAT). An upcoming VAT scheme may be implemented soon though, in accordance with the GCC VAT framework. Projections see the potential VAT rate at around 5%.
Social Insurance, Wealth Tax, and Inheritance Tax in Qatar
In Qatar, employers are mandated to cover social insurance expenses for their Qatari national employees, amounting to 10% of their base salary. More importantly, there are no wealth tax or inheritance tax provisions in the country.
Fulfill your Tax Responsibilities Seamlessly with Creative Zone Qatar
Make the most out of your business opportunity in Qatar by having experts handle your tax compliance. Our team at Creative Zone Qatar is happy to provide both guiding advice and our expert tax services, to make sure that you complete your obligations and are ready for any developments that may arise in
