Oman Might Be Getting A “Sin Tax” Very Soon

For residents and expats in the Sultanate of Oman, a tax might be added

Called the “sin tax,” this new taxation form was proposed by the State Council and the Shura Council on Tuesday.

Adding at the very least close to OMR100 million to the revenue of Oman’s economy from the “sin tax,” the Economic and Financial Committee stated.

A “sin tax,” is a taxation payment that will be added on all and any product that is deemed “unhealthy.”

Including the following:

• Cigarettes
• Alcoholic beverages
• Energy drinks

The decision comes to tax the consumption of these harmful goods that can affect the environment and the public health in Oman, will improve the public health level.

The proposed tax is also aiming to decrease the consumption of these taxed goods and is expected to do so by 15-20% in the first year of implementation.

Because of the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and energy drinks – the Omani government pays millions of Omani rials every year to consumers affected by these.

Therefore, the decrease in consumption will also decrease the finances towards retreat for consumption of these taxed goods.