FTA Seeks Business Sector Ideas For Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) of the United Arab Emirates is actively seeking input from the business community to enhance its services in alignment with the UAE Government's Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme. This initiative aims to increase efficiency, quality, and flexibility in government operations while eliminating unnecessary procedures. A recent Suhoor event, attended by key figures including FTA Director-General Khalid Ali Al Bustani and Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, underscored the Authority's commitment to fostering partnerships with both government and private sectors.

Over 210 representatives from a diverse range of sectors, including large corporations, SMEs, and government entities, participated in the event. Al Bustani emphasized the critical role of ongoing dialogue with all business sectors to gather insights and suggestions that will inform the FTA's sustainable development strategies for its services and procedures. He highlighted the Authority's dedication to incorporating stakeholder feedback into the continuous improvement of its tax systems and processes.

The FTA is set to introduce several initiatives aimed at expediting tax procedures as part of its contribution to the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme. This ambitious programme seeks to eliminate 2,000 government processes within a year, halving the time required to access government services. By streamlining its operations, the FTA aims to reduce the time needed for businesses to complete tax-related services, aligning with the programme's objectives.

Al Bustani pointed out that achieving excellence in this area necessitates a collaborative effort among all stakeholders in the tax sector. To this end, the FTA regularly organizes meetings and brainstorming sessions, both in-person and remotely, to collect feedback on its development plans. This feedback is crucial for shaping future projects and initiatives.

The gathering also served as a platform to discuss the implementation of Corporate Tax. FTA representatives outlined the importance of adhering to specified deadlines for submitting Corporate Tax registration requests. Starting from 1 March 2024, taxpayers subject to Corporate Tax must ensure their registration requests are submitted by 31 May 2024, following their licence issuance in January and February, regardless of the licence issuance year. This requirement is pivotal in preventing violations of tax legislation.

This initiative by the FTA not only demonstrates its proactive approach towards enhancing its services but also reinforces its commitment to engaging with stakeholders across various sectors. By streamlining procedures and encouraging active participation from the business community, the FTA aims to contribute significantly to the UAE's broader efforts to reduce bureaucracy and improve governmental efficiency.

With inputs from WAM