FTA Introduces Taxpayer Charter to Enhance Transparency and Compliance in UAE Tax System

In line with its commitment to upholding transparency and clarity standards across the UAE tax system, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has issued the Taxpayer Charter, an official document that outlines and offers detailed definitions for a set of key rights and obligations for taxpayers in the country.

The Charter forms part of the Authority’s efforts to raise taxpayers' awareness of their rights and obligations and ensure self-compliance with tax regulations.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, FTA Director-General, said,

“The FTA is dedicated to fulfilling all aspects of its role as the government body tasked with upholding transparency and clarity standards across the UAE tax system, as well as ensuring the seamless and effective implementation of the UAE tax system and all relevant laws and regulations. A major cornerstone of that role is raising awareness among taxpayers and all other stakeholders about the rights they enjoy under the system and the obligations they are expected to meet.”

“Introducing the official Taxpayer Charter is a significant step towards achieving this objective, as it outlines the main obligations taxpayers must fulfil to ensure compliance with tax laws while also educating them about their rights,”

Al Bustani added.

“The Charter, therefore, serves to ensure transparency in the tax system, while enhancing the quality of the services that the Authority offers its customers, in line with the UAE Government’s directives to promote excellence in operations.”

The Charter outlines a set of rights for taxpayers in the UAE tax system, noting that they have the right to fair, professional, and respectful treatment by the FTA and its staff; consistent application of relevant tax legislation; privacy and confidentiality; and consideration of the facts and circumstances affecting them when dealing with the Authority.

Moreover, taxpayers have the right to expect responsiveness on the part of the Authority to their requests, the right to obtain accurate and reliable information from it to help meet their obligations, the right to be represented by a listed Tax Agent or appointed legal representative, to submit an appeal about an FTA decision, and to submit complaints about the services provided by the Authority.

Meanwhile, taxpayers are under obligation to fully comply with all tax obligations that apply to them, provide complete and accurate information within the specified time period, cooperate with and respect the FTA and its staff, and assist the Authority in its efforts to deter tax evasion.

The Charter forms part of the FTA’s efforts to raise taxpayers' awareness about all aspects of the UAE tax system. These efforts include a series of awareness campaigns and workshops led by FTA experts across all emirates, as well as various manuals, guidelines, and Public Clarifications published on the FTA’s official website, among others.

News Source: Emirates News Agency