- The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) in the UAE has launched a new app, Tourist Refund, that simplifies the process of claiming VAT refunds for tourists.
- Tourists no longer need to keep printed receipts for purchases; instead, the merchant scans the invoice which is recorded in the app.
- The app provides information on each transaction and the amount of VAT that can be claimed upon leaving the country.
- Refunds can be claimed at designated places at the airport, either in cash or as a credit card transfer.
- The app is currently available on the Android platform and will be available for Apple devices by the end of the year.
- The UAE implemented a 5% VAT on consumer goods in 2018, but tourists can claim a refund when exiting the country.
- The FTA is also showcasing a new app, Maskani, which expedites refunds and reduces the refund time from 20 working days to just five.
- The FTA has urged companies to register for the corporate tax, implemented in June 2023, in a timely manner to allow for application review.
Source: khaleejtimes.com
Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.
