Abdel Aal emphasized that the Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk values the role of civil society and the business community in driving economic growth. She noted that the success of the first phase of tax facilities, which boosted voluntary compliance, served as a catalyst for the second phase.
The new measures, currently under community dialogue to
ensure transparency, include key developments such as supporting SMEs and
digital transformation. Under Law No. 6 of 2025, businesses with an annual
turnover of less than 20 million EGP will benefit from a graduated income tax
rate capped at 1.5%. The Ministry of Finance, in coordination with the Small
and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), will provide direct
financing for projects joining the simplified system.
A new mobile application for "Real Estate Disposal
Tax" allows individuals to notify the state of property sales, pay the
2.5% tax electronically, and obtain clearance instantly. A new digital platform
will allow the business community to review and comment on draft laws and
regulations before they are officially launched.
The second package, comprising 26 items, focuses on
rewarding compliant taxpayers. Key administrative improvements include reducing
the time required for VAT refunds and doubling the number of eligible cases and
refund amounts, as well as developing a centralized clearing system to
facilitate electronic settlements between taxpayers' credit and debit balances.
The improvements include the issuance of a comprehensive
guide for taxing exported services according to international standards. New
mechanisms will separate commercial audits from transfer pricing audits, with a
new appeals stage created specifically for transfer pricing disputes.
Abdel Aal announced the launch of "Premium Tax Service
Centers," designed to offer a modern, efficient experience without
overcrowding. These centers will act as a "one-stop shop," handling
registration, investor support, and technical assistance for electronic
invoicing and receipt systems.
The reforms also address specific industry demands: unifying
departure fees in response to requests from the tourism sector, and standardizing
development fees for all types of cement (white and black) to simplify the
sector's financial burden.
The meeting was attended by Austrian Ambassador Georg Stillfried and Trade Commissioner Georg Krenn, alongside senior officials from the Egyptian Tax Authority. Abdel Aal concluded by reaffirming the authority's commitment to immediate problem-solving, aiming to build a partnership based on mutual trust.