There was a time when a 2% tax on tea started a revolution, and now we are at a point where we must pay taxes in a video game too. So let’s figure out how to file our taxes in Dune Awakening so we don’t get arrested.
Fortunately, paying your taxes in Dune Awakening is far easier and simpler compared to the real world. There are no complicated documents, all you need a Solari in your pocket and the location where you need to pay in Dune Awakening.
Why And How Often You Need to Pay Taxes
Paying your taxes in Dune: Awakening isn’t a choice; you have to do it on time to keep your base’s shield and batteries running. The Emperor wants his cut every 12 to 14 days, and miss that deadline? You only get a two-week grace period before your home powers down and can be wrecked by storms, raids, or plain old looting.
With both the regular payment window and the grace time, you can stretch your total deadline to about 28 or even 30 days before things turn really ugly.
The tax clock now flips roughly every week and a half, a shift from the old seven-day plan. Miss that cycle, however, and you slip into a grace period that lasts another two weeks, so in practice you have close to a full month to pay up before your base goes dark.
How And Where to Pay Your Taxes in Dune Awakening
There are two locations where you can pay your taxes:
- Arrakeen
- Harko Village
Taxes are always paid in Solari, with a base fee of about 2,500 for every new settlement.
On top of that, extra costs climb with base size-expect around 2,000 Solari more for each expansion-along with zone and structure modifiers from anything you place.
Because of all this, even a small advanced base can run you close to 4,000 Solari; go bigger and the bill grows even faster.
To pay, head to an Imperial Tax Collector in Arrakeen or Harko Village.
On the map look for the lion or shield icon. A taxi ride from any trade post costs 2,500 Solari per trip, or you can use your ornithopter for free after you buy one.
Chat with the NPC and a simple menu pops up; you can choose full payment, partial payment that clears the oldest debt first, or skipping the bill (not smart unless you enjoy penalties).
Once you pay, the screen tells you when the next bill is due, letting you plan your funds.
Tip: Unlock your ornithopter to avoid 2500 Solari taxi ride to Arrakeen and Harko every time you have to pay taxes.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather enough Solari |
| 2 | Travel to Arrakeen or Harko (tax collector location) |
| 3 | Talk to the NPC and select “Pay taxes” |
| 4 | Pay fully or partially to reset the ~12–14 day timer |
| 5 | Repeat every ~2 weeks, plus 2-week grace period |
| 6 | Miss ~30+ days → base depowers and is vulnerable |
Checking How Much Tax You Owe
To check how much tax you owe to the empire go to your base and check the Advanced Sub-Fief console. Tax data is listed under the “Base Shields” section.
This makes it easy to verify your balance before heading out, so you don’t waste time traveling when you don’t owe anything.
| Factor | Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tax | 2,500 Solari | Flat rate for owning a base |
| Each Expansion | +2,000 Solari | Every added expansion increases tax |
| Higher Zone Tier (e.g. desert, mountain) | Varies (~+1,000–2,000 Solari) | Tougher zones have higher base rates |
| Decorative/Utility Objects | +100–1,000 Solari (estimated) | More placed items increase maintenance/tax slightly |
| Multiple Bases | Separate tax for each base | You must pay taxes for each sub-fief individually |
| Missed Tax Cycle Penalty | None (until grace expires) | After ~28–30 days of no payment, your base powers down |
| Taxi Travel to Tax Collector | 2,500 Solari (one-way) | Optional cost if you don’t have an ornithopter |
