The Egyptian Chamber of Commerce has urged the government to extend the deadline for benefiting from tax incentives and offer benefits to compliant taxpayers. According to Ahmed El-Wakil, head of the Egyptian Chamber of Commerce, building trust between taxpayers and the Ministry of Finance is crucial for improving the business climate. El-Wakil made these remarks during a meeting with Dr. Rami Youssef, Assistant Minister of Finance for Tax Policies and Development.
El-Wakil emphasized the importance of continuing the partnership between the government and the private sector in developing the tax system, simplifying procedures, and stimulating voluntary compliance. He noted that the current phase focuses on building trust between taxpayers and the Ministry of Finance, whether in taxes or customs. The business community has been calling for rebuilding this trust as a foundation for improving the business climate and attracting more investments.
The government has taken over 1,000 reform measures in recent years, many of which were based on proposals from the Chamber of Commerce and in partnership with the private sector. El-Wakil stressed that improving the business climate is an ongoing process that requires continuous development and removal of obstacles for the business community. He also highlighted the first package of tax incentives and facilitations launched in April 2025, which included 20 measures to alleviate the burden on the tax community.
The first package led to the Ministry of Finance receiving 110,000 requests to close old tax files, 450,000 amended or new tax returns, and 53,000 new voluntary taxpayers by June 2025. It also increased tax revenues without adding new burdens on the tax community. El-Wakil praised the development of the real estate tax system, which is based on digitalization, simplification of procedures, and reduction of human intervention.
El-Wakil also pointed out the launch of electronic services and applications that allow citizens to submit tax returns, pay debts, and request exemptions electronically without visiting tax offices. He mentioned the application of a new system for real estate transactions to facilitate buying and selling processes. The Chamber of Commerce head requested a discount or benefit for taxpayers who have committed to paying real estate taxes in previous years.
El-Wakil suggested linking the benefit to the number of years of commitment to payment, which would achieve justice and reward commitment. He also requested the Minister of Finance to consider extending the period for benefiting from tax incentives and facilitations, allowing the business community and taxpayers more time to adjust their situations and benefit from announced procedures. This, he believes, would support the state's efforts to expand the tax base.
Dr. Rami Youssef, Acting Head of the Real Estate Tax Authority, affirmed the Ministry of Finance's keenness to listen to the Chamber of Commerce's requests and study them to address obstacles facing taxpayers. He announced that representatives from the Real Estate Tax Authority would be provided at the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce to offer technical support and assistance to taxpayers.
Key points
- Extension of tax incentives and benefits for compliant taxpayers urged by Egyptian Chamber of Commerce.
