UAE Unveils 'Maskan' App: Revolutionizing VAT Refunds for Home Construction

The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority has launched 'Maskan', a smart application enabling seamless VAT refunds for citizens constructing new homes. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency, minimize bureaucracy, and align with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision of advanced and integrated government services.

The UAE's Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has introduced a groundbreaking smart application named 'Maskan', designed to streamline the process for UAE citizens to reclaim VAT expenses incurred during the construction of new homes. This initiative is a pivotal part of the FTA's digital transformation agenda, aligning with the UAE government's strategic goals of providing exceptional and efficient tax services.

According to the FTA, the 'Maskan' app represents a cornerstone in the Authority's suite of transformational projects that aim to foster digital service advancements, reduce paper usage, and minimize necessary documentation. This move is in direct response to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's directive to modernize government services and eliminate bureaucratic processes, positioning UAE's services among the world's best.

The 'Maskan' application is not just innovative but also crucial to the UAE's ambition to be a global leader in digital government services by 2031. It offers a paperless, expedient VAT refund process, eliminating the risk of lost or damaged documents. The app's second phase, launching before July 2024, promises further enhancements such as scanning barcodes for instant invoice uploads. This initiative underscores the FTA's commitment to the UAE's 'Zero-Government Bureaucracy (ZGB)' program, aiming to significantly reduce service times and procedures.

(With inputs from agencies.)