GCC VAT Implementation : VAT is an indirect tax applied upon the consumption of most goods and services. The representatives of the Member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) confirmed the introduction of a formal VAT system across all six Member States through the signing of a VAT Framework Treaty. The Treaty acts as the basis for the domestic VAT legislation in each Member State by stipulating certain principles, which must be followed by all members, while allowing the countries to opt for different VAT treatments in relation to some supplies.

As per the VAT Framework Treaty, all GCC members aim to implement local VAT legislations from January 1, 2018 or at the least the first quarter of 2018. Both Saudi Arabia and UAE have announced a go-live date of January 1, 2018 for the GCC VAT law, and other GCC states are likely to follow suit shortly.

With its successful track record of implementing taxes in SAP, Cherrytec has been selected to implement VAT in SAP for one of its Clients in the Middle East. The implementation covers 9 companies across Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar; covering various lines of businesses such as food retail and wholesale distribution, trading, services, exports, etc.. Various taxable scenarios in sales such as domestic & export sales, van sales, stock transfers & specific requirements such as tax on free goods and promotional sales are also covered.

Similarly, the project scope includes all taxable scenarios in purchase such as domestic purchase, import from within GCC countries and from non-GCC countries, sub-contracting. The project is scheduled to Go-Live on Jan 1, 2018.