List of goods on which ‘excise tax’ is levied can change in coming days, says official
At the start of the year, Qatar’s recently launched General Tax Authority (GTA) announced its decision to levy heavy taxes on some articles that can adversely affect a person’s health and well being.
The list of items that came under the new tax included soda, cigarettes and alcoholic beverages. While there was a mixed reaction to the move, GTA’s head of Indirect Tax Hamad Mohamed Al Attiyah has said the list is not final and could be subject to changes in the future, according to Gulf Times.
The official, who was speaking at a seminar on excise tax organised by Qatar Chamber yesterday, said some goods could either be added or removed from the list.
On January 1, Qatar had officially imposed excise taxes on carbonated drinks (50%) and tobacco products, energy and alcoholic drinks (100%).
“Excise tax is a form of indirect tax levied on specific goods that are deemed harmful to human health or the environment. The intent of excise tax is to reduce consumption of such goods, while also raising revenues for the government that can be spent on public services,” he was quoted as saying by The Peninsula.
He said the tax was well received by the Qatari community and affirmed that it would have no impact on upcoming events which will be hosted by the country.
Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the seminar, GTA’s indirect tax expert Samy Nasr said in addition to the excise tax, the state would also implement Value Added Tax (VAT) in Qatar.
However, he declined to provide further details as to when VAT will take effect in the country.
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Correct, Valid point ..................
Nurse is right, fully agree , please ban alcohol ..........
Nurse is right, fully agree , yea ..........
Seriously, why is there alcohol is a Muslim country? Getting rid of alcohol will save lots of money for those who indulge in it and on the system as a whole including reduced sick time and accidents from its use. People are not forced to work here and can do so without the alcohol; if they can’t then it would be best for them to be employed elsewhere.
I agree with the health tax...but sad to hear that VAT is planned....5% or more increase to all prices will hit hard in the pocket
That is good our health is no 1 priority, I welcome it from the inner core of my heart, yea, really ..........