The Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) has launched a new mobile application enabling taxpayers to pay real estate transaction tax electronically and obtain tax clearance certificates quickly and conveniently, according to ETA Chairperson Rasha Abdel Aal.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, Abdel Aal said the Authority will continue expanding its digital services in line with Ministry of Finance directives to strengthen communication with foreign chambers of commerce.
She noted that chambers play a critical role in representing investors, conveying their challenges, and collecting feedback on the second package of tax facilitation measures ahead of its official launch.
Abdel Aal said these efforts contribute to improving Egypt’s investment climate, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, and building mutual trust with the business community.
She explained that digital transformation and electronic tax systems have driven a qualitative shift in tax administration by simplifying tax return submissions, improving access to services, reducing procedural burdens, and boosting voluntary compliance. The Authority continues to cooperate with major international companies to align tax systems with global best practices.
Expanding the tax base and integrating the informal economy into the formal system remains a central pillar of the current strategy. In this context, Abdel Aal highlighted the simplified tax system for businesses with annual turnover of up to EGP 20m. The system offers proportional income tax rates ranging from 0.4% to 1.5% based on turnover, alongside exemption from tax audits for five years from the date of enrolment.
She said the first package of tax facilitation measures introduced a new framework for taxpayer engagement, allowing tax returns to be submitted or amended without penalties or fines. This approach strengthened trust and encouraged businesses to regularise their tax positions through transparency.
The second package builds on this foundation and includes 26 provisions aimed at addressing practical challenges and rewarding compliant taxpayers. Key measures include reducing VAT refund timelines and simplifying related procedures.
Abdel Aal also announced plans to introduce a “Tax Excellence Card” for compliant taxpayers, offering fast-track access to procedures, services from the Advance Ruling Unit and Investor Support Unit, and expedited VAT refunds.
The package further includes the development of a central electronic offsetting system, enabling taxpayers’ credit and debit balances to be settled electronically. This is expected to shorten processing times, simplify settlement procedures, and resolve administrative challenges linked to tax dues.
She added that the Authority has issued a comprehensive guide on the tax treatment of exported services, defining exported services, determining the place of taxation, and outlining required documentation. The guide includes practical examples and aligns with international standards to ensure stability in cross-border transactions.
Abdel Aal stressed the continued formation of joint committees with foreign chambers of commerce, including the Swiss Chamber, to promptly address investor concerns. She said all inquiries raised by Swiss companies on income tax, VAT, and the automated tax system have been resolved.
During the meeting, Abdel Aal received the first edition of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce’s report on Swiss business activity in Egypt. The report recorded Swiss investments of $676.4m in fiscal year 2022/2023 and $600.6m in 2023/2024, bringing total investments to an estimated $1.2bn–$1.3bn. It also noted 443 projects and the creation of around 25,000 direct jobs.
