Tax refunds scheme for tourists a success: FTA

Emirates Business

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) asserted that the digital system for the tax refunds for tourists scheme has achieved notable success since it came into effect, noting that FTA officials were present at the Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah international airports — the ports of entry included in the first phase of the project — to verify that the scheme is running smoothly.
FTA Director General HE Khalid Ali Al Bustani appla-uded scheme’s success, evidenced by several indicators such as the high satisfaction rate among tourists with
regards to the procedures, where the UAE was the first country in the world to implement a fully integrated, seamless system allowing tourists to recover taxes incurred on purchases made while visiting the UAE, and verify their eligibility for recovering tax using the system’s built-in mechanisms. This, in turn, supports the government’s efforts to imp-lement the tax system and ensure it is in line with international best practices.
“The new scheme’s smooth launch stems from the strategic partnerships between the FTA and all relevant entities in the UAE, particularly, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, whose contributions made it possible to verify tourist information and eligibility for a refund,” he said.