Manama: The National Bureau for Revenue (NBR) conducted a total of 358 inspection visits across various local markets in the Kingdom of Bahrain during the first quarter of 2025. These inspections are part of the NBR's ongoing efforts to enhance business compliance and ensure adherence to regulations and legislation, particularly concerning the implementation of VAT and Excise, including the Digital Stamps Scheme.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the NBR's oversight efforts resulted in the reporting of 46 violations, which led to the imposition of administrative fines. These violations included failures such as issuing VAT invoices improperly, not displaying prices inclusive of VAT, supplying excise goods without a valid digital stamp, and failing to visibly display a VAT certificate. Other infractions involved not issuing VAT invoices and issuing them for non-VATable supplies.
The NBR identified certain violations suspected of VAT evasion, and legal actions are being pursued against those offenders. Individuals found guilty of evasion crimes could face imprisonment for up to five years and fines amounting to three times the VAT due.
The bureau stressed the importance of cooperation from businesses and consumers in ensuring the success of the inspection campaigns. Businesses registered with the NBR are advised to comply with all legislation to prevent violations and support the successful implementation of VAT and Excise regulations.
The NBR encourages reporting of any VAT or Excise law violations via their 24/7 call center at 80008001 or through the National Suggestions and Complaints System (Tawasul). More information can be found on the NBR's official website.