Raqeeb Programme: UAE's Whistleblower Programme for Tax Violations and Evasion

Did you know that, In UAE staying tax compliant is essential, and if you're not, anyone can report your tax violations? Yes, it's true! To foster a fair and transparent business environment, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced the Raqeeb Programmeme—a proactive initiative by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) to combat tax violations and ensure compliance. Whether you're a business owner or a concerned citizen, here's everything you need to know about the Raqeeb Programmeme.

Are you still not tax-compliant in the UAE? Now is the perfect time to take action. Partner with  Filings.ae experts—we can help both individuals and businesses follow FTA rules, stay compliant, and build a trustworthy, successful presence in the UAE. Talk to a  Filings.ae expert today and start your journey towards seamless tax compliance!

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What is the Raqeeb Programmeme?

The Raqeeb Programmeme is a whistleblower initiative introduced by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) in the UAE to combat tax violations and evasion. It empowers individuals to report any suspicious or non-compliant activities related to federal taxes, such as Value Added Tax (VAT), Excise Tax, or Corporate Tax.

Through this Programme, anyone can submit reports using the official Whistleblowing Form provided by the FTA. The FTA thoroughly reviews these reports, ensures confidentiality, and, in certain cases, offers monetary rewards to informants for valuable information.

What Are the Taxes in the UAE?

The UAE has introduced a few taxes over the years to support its economy and promote sustainable growth. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Excise Tax: Introduced in October 2017, this tax is applied to items like tobacco, sugary drinks, and energy drinks. Why? To encourage healthier choices and reduce the consumption of harmful products.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): Since January 2018, a 5% VAT has been added to most goods and services. It’s a small amount that helps diversify the country’s income beyond oil.
• Corporate Tax (CT): The newest tax, introduced in June 2023, applies to the profits of businesses operating in the UAE. It’s part of the global push for tax transparency and fairness.

All these taxes are handled by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), which ensures everything runs smoothly. If your business needs help navigating these taxes,  Filings.ae can make it easy for you to stay compliant and focus on growing your business!

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Importance of Tax Compliance in the UAE

Staying tax-compliant in the UAE is essential for both businesses and individuals. Here’s why it matters:

• Avoid Penalties: Following tax laws help you steer clear of fines and legal troubles that come with non-compliance. Additionally, under the Raqeeb Programmeme, anyone can report their tax violations to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), increasing the importance of staying compliant.
• Support the Economy: Taxes fund important services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, contributing to the country’s growth and stability.
• Build Trust: Being tax compliant boosts your business’s reputation, making you more trustworthy to customers, partners, and investors.
• Fair Competition: Compliance ensures a level playing field where all businesses compete fairly without the advantage of tax evasion.
• Access Benefits: Compliant businesses can take advantage of government incentives, grants, and support Programmes that help in growth and development.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you meet all tax obligations allows you to focus on running and growing your business without worrying about potential legal issues.
• Sustainable Growth: Tax compliance lays a strong foundation for long-term success, ensuring your business can thrive responsibly.

At Filings.ae, we make tax compliance easy for you. Our experts help businesses and individuals follow all FTA rules so you can focus on what you do best—growing your business or managing your finances. Talk to a Filings.ae expert today to ensure you stay compliant and successful in the UAE.

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The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has released a user guide for the Raqeeb Whistleblower Programme. You can find the full guide attached below for your reference.

 Want to know more about the Raqeeb Programmeme? Continue reading to discover all the details.

What is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is a powerful tool that allows individuals to report illegal or unethical activities happening within organisations. In the context of the Raqeeb Programmeme, whistleblowing means reporting any actions that go against UAE tax laws. This can include:

• Tax Evasion: When a business or individual tries to avoid paying the taxes they owe.
• Falsifying Tax Returns: Providing incorrect information on tax documents to reduce the amount of tax owed.
• Failing to Issue Proper Tax Invoices: Not providing accurate invoices that reflect the correct tax amounts can lead to underreporting taxes.

The UAE’s Cabinet of Ministers has entrusted the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) with handling these reports. When you report a tax violation through Raqeeb, the FTA ensures that your information is processed securely and efficiently.

To encourage more people to come forward, the Raqeeb Programmeme offers monetary rewards to informants who provide valuable information that leads to the collection of taxes. This incentive helps uncover tax evasion and fosters a culture of transparency and accountability within the business community.

Purpose of Whistleblowing

The Raqeeb Programmeme serves several important purposes:

• Promote Awareness: By encouraging individuals and businesses to report tax irregularities, the Programmeme raises awareness about the importance of tax compliance.
• Ensure Fairness: It helps ensure that all businesses are treated equally by holding non-compliant entities accountable through penalties and prosecutions.
• Foster Trust: By maintaining a transparent tax system, the Programmeme builds trust within the business community, assuring compliant businesses that they operate in a fair environment.
• Economic Stability: Effective tax collection supports the UAE’s economic growth and stability by providing necessary public services and infrastructure funds.

Who Can Inform the FTA About Tax Violations?

Anyone can inform the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) about tax violations through the Raqeeb Programmeme.

• Employees: If you notice tax irregularities or non-compliant practices within your workplace, you can report them.
• Competitors: If a rival business is not adhering to tax regulations, your report can help maintain fair competition in the industry.
• Concerned Citizens: Even if you're not directly involved with a business, you can still report any suspicious tax activities you become aware of.
• Any Individual: Whether you're an employee, a competitor, or simply someone who values a fair tax system, your input is valuable in maintaining the integrity of the UAE’s tax framework.

What Information Can You Report?

To be eligible for a report, the information (or "leads") you provide should include:

• Suspicious Tax Evasion: For example, a business listing false information on their tax returns or avoiding tax registration altogether.
• Non-Compliance with Tax Laws: Such as not issuing tax invoices, incorrect tax amounts on invoices, not collecting taxes, or offering discounts in exchange for cash payments without proper invoicing.

It's essential to support your report with evidence. Without sufficient documentation, the FTA may reject the lead. However, you can submit an updated report if you gather more information later.

Are Your Details Protected?

While the Raqeeb Programmeme requires informants to provide their information, the FTA ensures that your identity remains confidential. Here’s how your privacy is protected:

• Non-Disclosure Agreement: When you submit a report, you’ll sign an agreement to protect sensitive information.
• Confidential Handling: Your identity won’t be shared with unauthorised individuals or the person you’re reporting.
• No Updates on Reports: After submitting, you won’t receive specific updates about the investigation, ensuring the process remains unbiased.

 Monetary Rewards under the Raqeeb Programmeme

To encourage more people to come forward, the Raqeeb Programmeme offers monetary rewards to eligible informants. Here’s how it works:

• Reward Criteria: The amount you receive depends on the tax collected by the FTA as a result of your report.
• Eligibility: To qualify for a reward, your information must be credible, accurate, and not previously reported. Additionally, the FTA must collect more than AED 50,000 in taxes from the reported individual or business.
• Exclusions: Certain individuals, such as FTA employees, their close relatives, and tax agents, are not eligible for rewards to maintain integrity in the reporting process.

How to Apply for the Raqeeb Programmeme?

Applying to the Raqeeb Programmeme is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to report any tax violations securely:

• Visit the FTA Website: Go to the Federal Tax Authority’s website and find the ‘RAQEEB’ icon in the menu bar.
• Start the Service: Click on the ‘Start Service’ button on the Whistleblowing Form page.
• Accept the Agreement: A pop-up will appear asking you to agree to the non-disclosure agreement. Click ‘Accept’ to proceed.
• Complete the Form: You’ll be redirected to the whistleblowing form, where you can fill in the required details.

What Information is Needed?

To ensure your report is effective, you’ll need to provide specific information:

Applicant Details:

• Full Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number
• Residence Status

Verification: After entering your details, verify your email and phone number using a One one-time passcode (OTP).

Reported Person Details:

• Name of the reported person
• Country
• Building Name & Number
• Emirate/City
• Area
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Tax Registration Number (if applicable)
• Details of the tax violation or evasion
• Explanation of how and when you became aware of the issue
• Description of your relationship with the reported person (if any)
•  Supporting Documents

Once all necessary information and supporting documents are uploaded, submit the form by clicking the ‘Submit’ button. You’ll receive a confirmation email with a reference number for your report.

Review Process

After submission, the FTA will evaluate your report:

• Assessment: The FTA will determine if the information provided constitutes a tax violation.
• Action: If valid, the case will proceed to investigation. If not, the report will be closed.

Sometimes, the FTA may need more details to proceed:

• Notification: You’ll receive an email from the FTA requesting additional information.
• Retrieve Application: Click the link in the email to access the Raqeeb page and enter your:
  • Reference Number
  • Email Address
  • Phone Number
• Verify and Submit: Complete the OTP verification and provide the requested information within 30 days. Failure to respond will result in the closure of your report.

Reward Process

If your report leads to tax collection, you might be eligible for a monetary reward:

• Eligibility Notification: The FTA will email you if you qualify for a reward.
• Retrieve Application: Click the link in the email and enter your:
•  Reference Number
•  Email Address
•  Phone Number
• Verification: Complete OTP verification and provide necessary details, including:
• Applicant Details: Copy of Emirates ID (residents) or Passport (non-residents)
• Bank Details: Information such as Bank Name, Account Number, IBAN, etc.
• Supporting Documents: To verify your bank account

After submitting the required information and documents, you’ll be notified once everything is successfully processed.

Stay Tax Compliant with Filings.ae!

Do you want your business to stay tax-compliant in the UAE? Don’t wait for someone to report any violations through the Raqeeb Programmeme. Filings.ae can help you navigate these taxes effortlessly, ensuring you remain compliant and allowing you to focus on growing your business. 

Talk to a Filings.ae expert today and take the first step towards seamless tax compliance, protecting your business from potential issues and fostering a trustworthy and successful presence in the UAE.

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