The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) in the UAE has launched its new smart application ‘Maskan’, which is part of its ongoing efforts to implement digital transformation plans and provide exceptional tax services, aligning with government priorities and strategic directions.
Digitizing the VAT refund process for new homes
The application offers additional features for UAE citizens looking to recover the Value Added Tax (VAT) they incurred on the construction of their new homes using 100 percent paperless, digital procedures. This initiative is part of the FTA’s strategy to implement the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to develop government services and adopt highly efficient business models focused on eliminating bureaucracy and proactively providing state-of-the-art integrated services, making UAE government services the best in the world.
"Maskan" is a new digital application launched by FTA to enhance the VAT
refund on newly built residences by UAE Nationals service to provide smart services that contribute to
facilitating and enhancing satisfaction through easy and smooth procedures.Download the app via the… pic.twitter.com/QWqxE0pR5k
— Federal Tax Authority – الهيئة الاتØادية للضرائب (@uaetax) July 17, 2024
A transformative project for the UAE
The ‘Maskan’ application is among the transformative projects within the federal government performance agreements for 2023-2024. These quality projects propel the UAE towards the future and enhance its competitiveness by achieving significant impacts across all sectors in a short period. Furthermore, the new initiative promotes the UAE as a global hub for the new economy and contributes to creating a supportive ecosystem for the UAE to be the most pioneering and advanced nation over the next decade, in line with the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision.
Designing for efficiency, seamless user experience
Moreover, the ‘Maskan’ digital platform was designed according to the latest standards to ensure performance efficiency and speed, offering UAE citizens a streamlined, faster, and more seamless procedure to recover the VAT they incurred on the construction of their new homes. The FTA held brainstorming sessions and consultative meetings during the platform’s preparation stage, incorporating feedback from citizens and suppliers to enhance the user experience.
Read more: UAE’s real estate market to reach $707.86 billion by end of 2024: Report
Phased rollout of Maskan’s features
The full launch of the ‘Maskan’ application’s smart features will further be rolled out over two stages. The first stage is already active, allowing UAE citizens to create their own files and upload tax invoices related to the construction of their homes. The second phase, to be initiated before the end of July 2024, will introduce all of the application’s features, including the ability to scan a barcode from the ‘Maskan’ app to upload tax invoices directly from registered outlets, eliminating the need for paper invoices.
Toward zero bureaucracy
Additionally, the FTA is participating in a government programme that aims to accelerate the implementation of Zero Bureaucracy by fostering strong partnerships with the private sector, targeting the elimination of 2,000 government procedures within a year and reducing the time taken for government services by 50 percent.
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