DOHA: The introduction of new “selective taxes” on fast food, soda, tobacco, alcohol and certain luxury items in Qatar has been pushed back several months.
\According to a new report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), these taxes will now be rolled out sometime before the middle of next year.
It said: “(Qatar’s) 2018 budget is expected to continue with gradual fiscal consolidation, focusing on the introduction of key tax policy and administration measures, including the introduction of a VAT and excises during the first half of 2018 and further rationalization of recurrent expenditures.”
A value-added tax, which will likely mostly affect businesses, had already been planned for 2018.
But sin taxes were previously expected to be rolled out this year. The postponement comes amid a months-long Gulf dispute that has caused the price of food and transportation to rise in the country.