Egypt's Finance Minister, Ahmed Kujok, has announced an extension of the deadline for submitting property tax returns until December 31, 2026, and for dispute resolution and exemption from late fees until April 2, 2027. This move has been welcomed by the business community, taxpayers, and experts, who describe it as a smart and proactive decision. The extension aims to provide more time for taxpayers to take advantage of new facilities and incentives.
The decision has been praised for its timing and speed, as it continues the policy of easing procedures for taxpayers and businesses, which has been a hallmark of Kujok's tenure. Experts believe that the extension will increase the registration of properties across various governorates and provide relief to taxpayers. Dr. Nabil Abdel Raouf, a professor of accounting and taxes, expects the extension to boost property registration and provide benefits to taxpayers.
Sidi Abu Al-Qumsan, former Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, described the decision as "relief for everyone," emphasizing that the Ministry of Finance is committed to its responsibilities. Dr. Raft Radwan, head of the Center for Information and Decision Support at the Council of Ministers, agrees that the decision will ease procedures for taxpayers and develop the property tax system, expanding the base of taxpayers.
Ahmed Al-Wakil, head of the General Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, praised the decision, expressing gratitude to the Minister for quickly responding to the demands of the business community. Al-Wakil emphasized that the decision reflects the Ministry's commitment to listening to the business community and interacting with their demands, demonstrating a partnership approach to developing the tax system.
Al-Wakil noted that the General Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce had requested an extension of the deadline to allow taxpayers and businesses more time to comply with the new regulations. He believes that the rapid response to this request sends a positive message to the business community, confirming that institutional dialogue between the government and the private sector has become an effective mechanism for finding practical solutions to economic problems.
According to Al-Wakil, the Ministry of Finance has announced significant progress in the registration of properties, with over 2 million units registered within 100 days, and 1.5 million citizens creating electronic accounts and submitting 1.2 million tax returns. These numbers demonstrate the impact of the new facilities and highlight the importance of continued development of the electronic system.
Al-Wakil emphasized that building trust between the state and the business community is essential for sustainable tax reform. He believes that the rapid response to practical problems and proposals is a crucial step in establishing this trust and turning the partnership between the government and the private sector into tangible results on the ground.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has extended the deadline for property tax returns and dispute resolution, providing relief to businesses and taxpayers.
- The decision aims to provide more time for taxpayers to take advantage of new facilities and incentives, promoting compliance with tax regulations.
- The extension reflects the government's commitment to easing procedures for taxpayers and businesses, fostering a partnership approach to tax reform.
