FTA Launches 'Maskan' App To Simplify VAT Recovery For UAE Homeowners

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) launched a new smart app called "Maskan" on Tuesday as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize tax services in line with government priorities.

This app helps UAE citizens recover the VAT they paid on building their new homes through fully digital, paperless processes. The FTA highlighted that the introduction of Maskan is a crucial step toward enhancing digital services, reducing paperwork, and streamlining processes.

This move supports the UAE's strategy to deliver efficient and user-friendly government services, following the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to innovate and enhance service quality.

The "Maskan" app is part of the UAE government's plan for 2023-2024 to boost its performance through impactful projects.

These initiatives are aimed at driving the country forward and boosting its global competitiveness across various sectors quickly, supporting the UAE's vision to become a leading nation in innovation by 2031.

Designed by the FTA, the app follows the latest standards to ensure speed and efficiency. It simplifies the VAT refund process for UAE citizens building homes, offering a digitalized, faster, and more seamless procedure, according to WAM.

Before launching this app, the FTA consulted citizens and suppliers in brainstorming sessions to gather feedback on improving the VAT refund process. This input helped shape the user-friendly design of the "Maskan" app.

The app's rollout happens in two stages: The first stage allows UAE citizens to create their profiles, upload invoices or photos of purchases, and submit refund requests digitally.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the FTA said, "The launch of the 'Maskan' digital platform forms part of our efforts to implement the wise leadership's vision to establish a modern housing system that ensures UAE citizens' happiness and provides them with stability and a high quality of life."

"The platform offers transparent and streamlined procedures to expedite the process for refunding taxes that Emirati citizens incurred on the construction of their new homes. Moreover, the launch falls under the FTA's continuous development plans, designed to keep pace with the government's digital strategy to drive smart transformation," he added.

Abdullah Al Bastaki, Executive Director of the Information Technology Sector at the Federal Tax Authority, stressed during the launch that this application is part of the Authority's commitment to the "Zero-Government Bureaucracy (ZGB)" program.