Corporate  Income tax

Tax returns–

A provisional declaration of tax must be submitted in the prescribed form within three months from the end of the accounting period to which it relates. The final annual return of income should be submitted in the prescribed format within six months from the end of the accounting period to which it relates. Reasonable time extensions can be sought and are normally provided for filing the provisional and annual returns of income, but these do not defer payment of tax, which will be subjected to an additional tax at 1% per month from the due date to the actual date of payment.

By virtue of recent amendments, for tax years beginning on or after 1 January 2020, a single ‘return of income’ shall replace the provisional and final returns of income, to be filed within four months from financial year close.

In the case of companies having a paid-up capital in excess of OMR 20,000, the annual return of income should be accompanied by audited accounts signed by an auditor registered in Oman. The law requires accounts to be drawn up in accordance with IFRS or any similar standards as approved by the Tax Authority (TA), consistently applied. It specifically provides for accrual accounting unless prior permission of the TA has been obtained. The accounts must be submitted in local currency unless prior approval of the TA has been obtained for submitting them in foreign currency.

In the case of SMEs falling in the category of the 3% tax rate, the tax returns must be filed and accompanied by a simplified income statement within three months of the year-end.

Delay or failure in submitting the provisional or annual returns may attract a penalty of not less than OMR 100 and not more than OMR 2,000.

Failure to file the provisional or annual returns of income may result in an estimated profit assessment by the TA.

Failure to submit audited accounts as required under the Law is deemed to result in an incomplete annual return of income and may attract an estimated profit assessment. The requirement of submitting audited financial statements has been relaxed for SME taxpayers who fall in the category of the 3% tax rate.

The law confers wide powers on the TA for requesting information. Experience has shown that, notwithstanding the presentation of audited accounts, the tax department requests very detailed information and supporting documentation relating to revenue and expenses. Failure to provide such information or the provision of incorrect information can result in an additional assessment by the TA and/or various penalties on the company and/or the officer responsible for providing the information.

Payment of Tax-

Any tax estimated to be payable in respect of an accounting period should be paid with the provisional assessment and ‘topped up’ for any additional amount computed as payable following submission of the annual return of income. For tax years beginning on or after 1 January 2020, the tax should be paid with the Final Return of Income due within four months of the year-end. Failure to pay taxes by the due date attracts interest at the rate of 1% per month from the date on which such tax was due to the date of payment.

The difference between the amount paid and the amount assessed, subject to filing of an objection, should be paid within one month from the date of the assessment. The additional amount assessed attracts interest at the rate of 1% per month from the date on which such tax was due to the date of payment.

Under the Law, the TA has the authority, with the approval of the Minister and the Tax Committee, to sequester and sell the assets of a taxable entity to recover the taxes due.

If decisive proof is presented to the TA that any person has paid tax for any year exceeding the tax due and payable for such tax year as finally settled, such person has the right to recover the tax. However, if any tax has become payable by such person in respect of another tax year, the excess amount will be adjusted against the future tax liability. Any request for recovery must be presented within five years from the end of the tax year in which the right to refund arises; otherwise, such right shall lapse.

Where the taxpayer fails to declare correct income in the tax return for any tax year, the TA may impose a fine in the range of 1% to 25% of the difference between the amount on the basis of the correct taxable income and the amount of tax as per the return submitted.