The Federal Tax Authority of UAE is to launch EmaraTax, a new integrated platform on 5 December 2022 to further digitalise tax administration and provide a better experience for taxpayers in managing their tax obligations. EmaraTax in UAE will be a major milestone in the tax system which is being launched after a series of assessments and consultations. The move to EmaraTax in UAE will start from Wednesday 30 November, end of the day and will be available for use on 5 December.
A New and Better Tax Platform
EmaraTax in UAE will enhance the ability to administer taxes better and enable taxpayers to manage taxes in a simple, faster and transparent way. As a new tax platform, EmaraTax in UAE will integrate with important government entities; the UAE Central Bank and national technology-based programs including UAE PASS to update user experience. This coincides with the national digital agenda to utilize emerging technologies to build a solid digital infrastructure that helps individuals and the business community of the UAE.
EmaraTax is easy to navigate and offers self-help options and assistance. EmaraTax in UAE will soon be available on mobile as well.
The key features of EmaraTax are:
- Enhanced user experience
- Integrated user services
- Aligned to the UAE digital strategy
- Smart app
Easy To Use, Easy to Administer
EmaraTax in UAE is to improve the users’ accessibility to FTA’s services, tax payments and obtain refunds. The new online platform also improves FTA’s ability to administer taxes with better, faster decision-making and earlier engagement with taxpayers. This integrated platform will not only help taxpayers but tax agents, legal representatives, foreign missions and diplomats, customs bodies and verification agencies.
Once live, taxpayers will benefit from the upgraded and feature-rich online platform designed to revolutionise the way taxes are being managed. Also, the FTA will continue to launch additional services and features in phases, including an EmaraTax application for mobile phones.
The FTA is dedicated to ensuring every taxpayer has an opportunity to understand the key features of EmaraTax in UAE.
Taxpayers can join one of the daily EmaraTax in UAE webinars organized by the FTA in November to share details of EmaraTax. FTA has also launched a microsite with information about using EmaraTax, educational videos and FAQs. Important information about EmaraTax will be sent directly to taxpayers via email as well. FTA will be releasing more information about the features of EmaraTax and how the UAE is planning a transition to the new system.
Some Key Facts About UAE Emaratax
- 300+ users involved in designing the services
- 60% re-engineering processes, i.e., 180 processes rebuilt from the ground up
- 199 services online – 84 more than the current platform offering an innovative user experience
- 12 new integrations with external systems enabling a range of new and easy functionalities
FTA has consistently improved its services to simplify taxation processes. In April, FTA launched a ‘whistle-blower’ programme to prevent tax violations and evasion. The whistle-blower programme allows FTA to receive reports from individuals on cases of tax evasion, tax-related fraud and violations of tax rules. The reports are verified by FTA authorities and monetary rewards are granted to the informants when certain conditions are met. In September, a paperless tax refund system was introduced by the UAE government for tourists visiting the country, eliminating the need to retain receipts. Through this initiative, electronic invoices were generated that allow visitors to claim VAT refunds.
