Oman Tax & Audit Updates
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Implementation of Pillar Two – Global Minimum Tax
Aligning with OECD/G20 initiatives, Oman has introduced a 15% domestic minimum tax effective January 1, 2025. This tax applies to multinational enterprises (MNEs) with global revenues exceeding EUR 750 million, ensuring they pay a minimum tax rate on profits, particularly targeting low-taxed foreign subsidiaries.
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Tax Treaty Network Enhancements
Oman has expanded its tax treaty network to prevent double taxation and curb tax evasion:- ●
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Signed Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with Cyprus and Tanzania in December 2024, ratified in March 2025.
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Amended the existing tax treaty with India, with the protocol ratified in April 2025.
These treaties are set to become effective from January 1, 2026, upon mutual ratification.
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Tax Authority Reorganization and Compliance Emphasis
The Oman Tax Authority (OTA) is undergoing internal restructuring to enhance efficiency:- ●
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Establishing separate committees for tax objections to ensure independent assessments.
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Mandating prior appointments for in-person meetings with tax officials.
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Conducting assessments on companies that failed to file tax returns for the 2019 tax year, urging timely compliance to avoid penalties.
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VAT Filing and Audit Preparedness
Businesses are advised to ensure accurate VAT filings to prevent audits. Common triggers for VAT audits include:- ●
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Delayed or missed VAT filings
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Large VAT refund claims
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Discrepancies between reported income and expenses
To prepare for potential audits, companies should maintain comprehensive records, including:
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VAT returns and tax filings for the past five years
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Financial statements and bank records
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Sales and purchase invoices
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General ledgers and trial balances