The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has launched its new smart application ‘Maskan’, as part of ongoing efforts to implement digital transformation plans and deliver excellent tax services, in alignment with government priorities and strategic directions.
The app introduces enhanced features for UAE citizens seeking VAT refunds incurred during the construction of their new homes, employing fully digital, paperless procedures.
In a statement released today, the Authority clarified that the app’s introduction is a key element of its broader initiative – encompassing various transformational projects – aimed at enhancing digital services’ efficiency, reducing paper usage, and streamlining service execution processes.
The Federal Tax Authority initiated this project to align with directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focusing on enhancing government services and adopting efficient business models to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and offer advanced integrated services, positioning UAE government services as world-leading.
The ‘Maskan’ app is part of transformative projects outlined in the federal government’s performance agreements for 2023-2024, aiming to propel the UAE forward and boost competitiveness across sectors rapidly. This initiative supports UAE’s aspiration to become a global hub for the new economy and fosters an environment conducive to pioneering advancements by 2031.
Additionally, the FTA affirmed that the ‘Maskan’ digital platform was designed to ensure optimal performance and speed, providing straightforward procedures for UAE citizens to reclaim VAT paid during home construction.
During the platform’s development stage, the Authority conducted collaborative sessions and consultations with citizens and suppliers to gather feedback from users of the previous refund system, which informed the design of the ‘Maskan’ application.
The FTA announced a phased rollout of ‘Maskan’ app’s smart features: The initial phase enables UAE citizens to create profiles, upload tax invoices digitally, and submit refund requests, with further features, including barcode scanning for invoice uploads, set to launch by July 2024.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the FTA, stated, “The launch of the ‘Maskan’ digital platform is part of our efforts to realise the leadership’s vision of a modern housing system that enhances UAE citizens’ happiness, stability, and quality of life.”
He continued, “This launch is part of the FTA’s ongoing development plans to support the government’s digital strategy, ensuring sustainable, proactive, and innovative services that meet user expectations and government needs.”
Abdullah Al Bastaki, Executive Director of the Information Technology Sector at the Federal Tax Authority, highlighted that the ‘Maskan’ app’s launch simplifies and accelerates VAT refund processes for citizens, aligning with the UAE government’s ‘Zero-Government Bureaucracy (ZGB)’ programme aimed at enhancing public service efficiency.
Al Bastaki emphasized the FTA’s commitment to further streamline services and reduce service durations as part of ongoing efforts under the ‘Zero Government Bureaucracy’ programme.
