Comments on: Why Qatar needs taxes

By: Pinkkitty85233

Pinkkitty85233 — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 10:52:00 +0000

lets also not forget that foreigners splurge on things such as liquor, fancy cars, designer everything, and so much more when they come to Qatar, its part of the large income per capita scenario is it not? And let’s not forget that is what “the catch” truly is. If it weren’t, no one would come here, at least not as many expats would, because half of the time they are not even paying taxes themselves. I know about 15 expats of all ages and from across the US and Europe, and almost 1/2 of them lie and or cheat their country’s tax system. I find it interesting when us expats try to teach other nations citizens the meanings of things when our countries have major financial issues and practice taxation.

By: Persabian_beauty

Persabian_beauty — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 10:46:00 +0000

If the concept of tax is something that you agree with, then why come to Qatar? each country has a set ground of principles when it comes to finances, judiciary systems, and so on. So if tax is something so greatly appreciated, than one should live in a country that practices the principles of taxing. not attacking, but simply a thought.

By: Persabian_beauty

Persabian_beauty — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 10:41:00 +0000

Tax first off is haram islamically and haram morally. Im a Qatari living in the states and taxes are non-sense! they are never used for what they should be used on and instead cause the citizens to be put back financially. On top of that, once one tax starts, you will see 50 other taxes appearing, and the numbers add up, I made a sad $11.00/hr and had a 2.75% state tax taken out on top of income tax, medical tax, withholding tax, and something that wont exist 10 years from now called social security… my grand earning after these taxes was $7.25 (the legal amount to paid for MINIMUM WAGE!!!) I worked in Qatar too, and come to find out… they already take a form of tax out from all Qataris check called “pension” which has nothing to do with that, and you will never see it. It is a tax, and no benefit is seen from it. instead of taxing Qataris, tax expats (I’m talking white people and any citizen of the US and EU) who get all the luxuries of Qatar while earning up to triple the salary of any Qatari with sometimes less education than the Qatari who is busting his chops, mind I say, I have solid evidence and know that many expats play the game of “tax evation” everyday, and thats their main reason for coming here. Its not a secret. Every country in the world makes a foreign citizen work hard for working in their country and dont provide half of the ammenities that Qatar does. Taxes will only make Qataris not only sacrifice more than what they already have been and will be in the future… but it will also make us do something haram (ribbah). Ask any Muslim finance major and they will tell you. I have seen this from both sides and I am half American, so my opinions are very UNbiased. Anyone who would get upset from this will either be ignorant, a foreigner, or someone is evading taxes, or all of the above.

Peace!

By: Anon

Anon — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 15:54:12 +0000

Hello,

I’ll be very blunt here so please do excuse me.
First off, great idea. But no.
For the simple reason of the economic situation we are having right now.
Some might say its no big deal but others who lived a bit longer can, will and hate the insane inflation we are living.

The only way I believe taxes can be fairly implemented is if the prices are fairly influenced to both consumer and seller. And keeping in mind that most goods are imported from China, the prices really do not make sense. A profit margin of 4658436541% is insane.

Anyway, great idea. But a lot of steps need to taken first.

Also, democracy is in the eyes of the beholder. True democracy is NOT seen anywhere today in any country.

Peace to everyone and everything.

By: Sulis

Sulis — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 22:41:08 +0000

Salam,
If the government has enough resources/incomes, I don’t think we need tax.
Maybe what we need is to make a team (re-enforce team) to encourage the people to do such charities. Plant trees by self motivation, save the electricity and water to help reducing global warming, be nice to everybody as the religion orders (I believe most Qataris are moslem), and many other good things that we can learn from the others.
Need all communities do the effort to harmonize the life in Qatar.
Thanks.

By: Carl

Carl — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:00:40 +0000

Here in sweden i pay 30% of my salary in taxes… I think this is insanity. And thats not all, we also have so called VAT taxes, additional taxes on houses, cars etc. I think your suggestion, a 1% tax is a good idea.

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:14:39 +0000

I am of the opinion that the reason the government doesn’t tax citizens is because they are afraid that it WILL lead to citizens wanting a meaningful say in how the money is spent.

If you start taxing citizens, you will need meaningful, democratic bodies to administer the way the revenue is spent. And we all know that this would really upset a certain family who currently enjoy making all the decisions.

I also can’t really see that your argument that the tax revenue could be used for parks, general beautification projects, maintenance of public roads, etc is a particularly strong one. If this government has the money to throw around on pet projects, a new airport, Aspire, the Islamic Museum, while going on a shopping spree globally to buy anything they can get their hands on, then it’s pretty clear the government ALREADY has the money to be spent on fixing roads and lighting.

This is a government too feeble to make citizens pay for water and electricity, which has resulted in a massive waste of both, leading to shortages and embarrassing infrastructure development.

And since most citizens seem to work for the government, or government affiliated bodies, taxing citizens would just seem to be pushing the same money around; the government giving it on one hand, and taking it back on the other.

If you think this country wants, needs or deserves democracy, then taxation would be the first thing to provoke it. But I wouldn’t hold your breath.

By: Ali

Ali — Mon, 31 May 2010 11:09:19 +0000

I am not so sure that Taxes are a good idea. Mainly for the following reason, upon raising taxes prices, rents etc will rise as well. This will add the the already exiting inflation in the country.

By: Ahmad

Ahmad — Sat, 29 May 2010 11:04:12 +0000

People here don’t understand the concept of taxes. To them it’s just a way for the government to “steal” money from them. I agree with you that we need taxes. But if the government started collecting taxes and spending them on things that I don’t want my money to be spent one, then people will start questioning the government.

this will open eyes on things and the government in our country doesn’t like people to open their eyes.

shower them with money and keep’em quiet is the way to go :\

By: Susan Hope Rodefer

Susan Hope Rodefer — Thu, 27 May 2010 19:03:30 +0000

I whole-heartedly agree. Taxes would definitely encourage more mindful spending and awareness of finances among the citizens.

I also think that taxation would help foster stronger civic responsibility among the citizenry here. I think Qataris are already (rightly) proud of their country, but I think they could have a stronger sense of responsibility for the betterment of their society.

I’m also a big fan of countries having a national service program — not necessarily military, but some sort of obligatory service that requires young people to give back to their country in some meaningful way. Teaching, charity work, environmental service, agricultural and, yes, military service — all useful ways that citizens can contribute towards their country.

This would be especially useful here in Qatar because I think people automatically reach for their wallets when asked to help. Not that that isn’t useful — of course it is. But giving money only provides an initial sense of having contributed towards something; it is short-lived. When you give of your time and effort, your sweat and energy, you strengthen the sense of community and you encourage people to connect with one another. And you create a habit of service that will hopefully last throughout the person’s life.

So I think Qatar should consider national service as well.