Latest news with #AbdelAal
Daily News Egypt
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
ETA to support developing countries in transfer pricing, international taxation: Abdel Aal
Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), has announced the Authority's official participation as a partner tax administration in the 'Tax Inspectors Without Borders' (TIWB) initiative, after previously being among the first African tax authorities to benefit from its support since 2016. Abdel Aal stated that, with the full backing and ongoing guidance of Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk for institutional development and international cooperation efforts, the Authority continues to consolidate its position as one of the region's leading tax administrations. She described this transition from beneficiary to technical partner as an unprecedented milestone in the Authority's history. She stressed that this new role reflects the Authority's significant progress in the field of international taxation. She noted that the initiative is a joint project between the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), funded by the European Union. Abdel Aal explained that Egypt will now offer technical assistance to developing countries aiming to enhance their expertise in transfer pricing and international taxation. This support will draw on the Authority's accumulated experience and the outcomes of previous cooperation under the initiative. She added that, in recent years, the Authority has implemented four capacity-building programmes for tax inspectors through the initiative, supported by experts from the OECD, UNDP and several independent consultants. The current programme, she noted, is conducted in collaboration with His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the United Kingdom and focuses on complex transfer pricing issues in sectors such as extractive industries, financial services, and telecommunications. Abdel Aal emphasised that the initiative's support has played a key role in developing sustainable capabilities within the Authority. This includes training 37 inspectors in transfer pricing and international taxation, establishing a dedicated unit for transfer pricing and international tax, and achieving a notable rise in tax revenues through improved examination of multinational companies' pricing practices based on international standards. She also highlighted several reforms to tax policy and regulatory procedures introduced following recommendations by initiative experts. She affirmed that joining the initiative as a partner is international recognition of the Egyptian Tax Authority's commitment to capacity building and global cooperation. 'We are proud of this historic achievement,' she said, 'and we look forward to sharing our expertise with tax administrations in developing countries within the framework of international cooperation led by the initiative. This reinforces Egypt's leading role in shaping tax policy and audit practices globally.' For its part, the OECD confirmed that the ETA's participation as a partner demonstrates its commitment to knowledge sharing and building a more collaborative international tax environment.
Daily News Egypt
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
New tax facilities set stage for rapid growth of micro, small enterprises: ETA chief
Rasha Abdel Aal, Chairperson of the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), announced that the Authority is intensifying efforts to promote awareness of Egypt's new tax facilities package and its benefits for enterprise growth, in line with a broader strategy to foster formalisation and economic inclusion. 'We continue to engage directly with the business community to encourage companies to register under the new system ahead of the legal deadlines and to incentivise informal businesses to enter the formal economy,' said Abdel Aal. She emphasised that the newly introduced tax facilities offer micro and small enterprises a significant opportunity to expand their operations and achieve accelerated growth. The simplified tax system, enacted under Law No. 6 of 2025, is available to all self-employed individuals and freelancers whose annual turnover is below EGP 20 million. Eligible categories include doctors, engineers, artists, media professionals, accountants, lawyers, craftsmen, and other independent professionals. According to Abdel Aal, the new regime applies a proportional tax rate based on declared turnover, starting at 0.4% for turnover under EGP 500,000 and up to 1.5% for turnover below EGP 20m. Tax obligations begin the day after registration, and registrants benefit from full waivers on tax dues and penalties for prior periods—an approach described as 'forgiveness for past periods.' Ragab Mahrous, Advisor to the ETA Chair, highlighted during a recent awareness campaign at the Red Sea Tax Directorate—organised in cooperation with the Future of the Nation Party—that registrants under this simplified integrated system are exempt from tax inspection for five years following enrolment. Mohsen El-Gayar, General Manager of Customer Service for the Canal Cities region, outlined the Tax Authority's broader transformation since 2018, including the launch of key digital systems. These include e-filing, the new core tax management system (SAB), e-invoicing, the e-receipt platform, unified payroll tax calculation standards, and upgraded infrastructure. He noted that these initiatives have enabled real-time support and effective problem resolution for taxpayers. El-Gayar also pointed to Law No. 5 of 2025, effective until 12 August, which allows taxpayers to resolve ongoing disputes by filing or amending tax returns for the years 2020 to 2024 without incurring financial penalties. He described the law as a turning point in strengthening the government's partnership with taxpayers and encouraging voluntary compliance.
Daily News Egypt
28-06-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Final deadline for tax dispute settlement requests is 30 June: ETA chief
Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), announced that Monday, 30 June 2025, is the final deadline for submitting requests to settle outstanding tax disputes currently under review by appeal committees and courts. She stressed that no applications will be accepted beyond this date, in strict adherence to the provisions of Law No. 160 of 2024. Abdel Aal stated that the Authority has taken significant steps to streamline the process for taxpayers by making all relevant forms accessible electronically via the Authority's official portal. This move comes as part of the government's broader digital transformation agenda, in line with directives issued by the Minister of Finance to expand and facilitate electronic tax services. The initiative aims to reduce burdens on taxpayers, enhance tax fairness, increase the efficiency of the tax system, and save both time and effort by eliminating the need for in-person visits to tax offices. Among the forms now available online are the application for settling tax disputes under Law No. 160 of 2024, the real estate transaction tax form, and the tax form for transactions involving unlisted securities. Abdel Aal confirmed that all these documents are easily downloadable and can be submitted electronically through the Authority's portal. She urged taxpayers with pending disputes to promptly access the portal and submit their applications before the deadline. To support taxpayers throughout the process, the Authority has provided extensive technical assistance and guidance tools, including the dedicated hotline (16395), which is available to respond to inquiries regarding procedures, documentation, and application requirements. Abdel Aal reiterated the Egyptian Tax Authority's commitment to building stronger trust and cooperation with the taxpaying community. She emphasised that the Authority continues to focus on transparency, procedural simplification, and strengthening governance in order to foster an investment-friendly environment and support the development of a modern, integrated tax administration system.
Daily News Egypt
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Final deadline to benefit from Egypt's 2025 tax relief is 12 August: ETA chief
Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), has confirmed that 12 August 2025 is the final deadline for businesses to benefit from the relief incentives provided under Law No. 5 of 2025. She urged business owners to take prompt action, as the authority intensifies efforts to engage the business community and raise awareness of the new measures. 'Our engagement with the business community is based on the principle of partnership and mutual benefit, in line with the state's development goals and citizens' aspirations,' said Abdel Aal. She added that hundreds of awareness seminars—both in-person and online—have already been held across Egypt, and these efforts will continue to foster a tax-conscious, voluntarily compliant society. She emphasized that the tax relief measures are time-limited and called on businesses to seize the opportunity to settle outstanding obligations under favorable terms before the deadline. 'This is a chance to open a new chapter based on trust, cooperation, and mutual support,' she said. Abdel Aal also highlighted targeted support for small and micro enterprises under the simplified tax system, applicable to businesses with annual revenues under EGP 20m. These entities are subject to a proportional tax—starting at 0.4% for revenues below EGP 500,000 and up to 1.5% for those under EGP 20m. Additional incentives and exemptions are available under Law No. 6 of 2025, including free technical support and access to operational tools provided by the authority. Abou Zeid Abdel Rahman, Director of Customer Service at the Large Taxpayers Centre and Head of the Integrated Call Centre, explained that Law No. 5 of 2025 waives all penalties related to the submission or amendment of tax returns for the years 2020 to 2024. The law also enables the resolution of disputes from earlier tax periods—ending before 2020—through partial payment of assessed taxes. For businesses with audited accounts, full exemption from late payment interest and additional tax is granted upon payment of the original tax owed. Mohsen El-Gayar, Head of Customer Service for the Suez Canal cities, added that Law No. 7 of 2025, which amends parts of the Unified Tax Procedures Law, limits late payment interest and penalties to no more than the original tax due, regardless of the tax period. The law also allows reconciliation in procedural violations not involving tax liabilities—such as the failure to submit nil returns on time. He also announced enhancements to the Investor Support Unit, the launch of a Pre-Ruling Unit for consultations and feasibility reviews, and a 24/7 complaints unit to provide rapid resolution of taxpayer concerns. New sector-specific audit guidelines and investor-focused manuals are now available on the Egyptian Tax Authority's official website, offering clear information on obligations, entitlements, and incentives. Mohamed Abdel Aziz Amer, Head of the Badr Development Authority, commended the tax authority's outreach and awareness campaign, describing the reforms as a 'remarkable shift in tax policy thinking.' He urged investors in Badr City and beyond to capitalize on the available incentives to support long-term growth and expansion.
Daily News Egypt
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt launches specialized tax units to boost business confidence
Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), has announced the establishment of several specialized units designed to support businesses and streamline tax processes. The new units—Investor Support, Advance Tax Rulings, and Tax Complaints—form part of a broader initiative to enhance responsiveness to investors and improve the overall tax environment. The Investor Support Unit aims to simplify procedures and foster a more investment-friendly climate. The Advance Tax Rulings Unit allows taxpayers to request binding, official interpretations of their tax obligations before conducting transactions. Meanwhile, the Tax Complaints Unit will handle taxpayer grievances promptly and professionally. The announcement came during the Tax Facilitation Package Conference in Damietta, held under the auspices of the Future of the Nation Party and in coordination with the Tax and Customs Committee of the Federation of Egyptian Industries. The event brought together regional tax office leaders, business figures, manufacturers, craftsmen, and representatives from industry chambers. Abdel Aal highlighted the significant tax system reforms launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Finance and the ETA, including the introduction of electronic tax returns, a core tax system upgrade, e-invoicing, e-receipts, unified wage tax calculations, and improved digital infrastructure integrated with government systems. 'While we've made considerable progress—recognized both locally and internationally—we paused last July to assess our achievements and address challenges,' she said. 'This led to the rollout of the first phase of the Tax Facilitation Package, which aims to create a more just, efficient, and transparent tax framework.' A cornerstone of this reform is a simplified tax system for businesses with annual revenues up to EGP 20m. Under Ministerial Decree No. 167 of 2025, businesses enrolling by 12 August 2025 will be exempt from past tax liabilities. The new system eliminates complex bookkeeping and returns, calculating income tax as a fixed percentage of turnover and applying uniformly across all sectors. Businesses exceeding the EGP 20m threshold will transition to the general tax regime but still benefit from initial simplified entry. To enroll, taxpayers must submit Form 1/10 via the ETA website and opt into the system under Law No. 6 of 2025. Participants must also file simplified returns, join the e-invoice and e-receipt systems where applicable, and follow unified wage tax guidelines. Notably, enrolled businesses will be exempt from tax audits for five years. Additional relief includes quarterly VAT filings and annual payroll tax submissions, reducing administrative burdens. Late payment penalties are also capped at 100% of the original tax due. Abdel Aal concluded by reiterating the ETA's commitment to building a fair and supportive tax environment that promotes transparency, facilitates compliance, and encourages investment across Egypt.
