Latest news with #RashaAbdelAal
Al-Ahram Weekly
4 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt tax authority sets 30 June deadline for dispute settlement requests - Economy
The Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) has said that taxpayers have until Monday, 30 June, to submit requests to settle outstanding tax disputes currently under review by appeal committees or the courts. ETA head, Rasha Abdel Aal, stated on Sunday that no applications would be accepted after the deadline, which is set by law. Disputes can be filed through electronic forms available on the authority's website. The move is part of a broader government effort to digitize tax services and reduce reliance on in-person procedures. The forms cover capital gains taxes on real estate and unlisted securities, as well as cases falling under Law No. 160 of 2024. Taxpayers are being urged to submit their requests online. The authority said technical and advisory support is available, including a dedicated hotline. The government has attributed a recent rise in tax revenue to these and other facilitation measures. Revenues increased by 36 percent year-on-year, adding EGP 500 billion in the first 11 months of the 2024/25 fiscal year, which ends on 30 June. The finance ministry said the gains were achieved without introducing new taxes. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
4 days ago
- 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.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ETA poised to back Chinese firms' expansion in Egypt: Chief
Egypt - Rasha Abdel-Aal, Chair of the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), affirmed the authority's commitment to enhancing economic cooperation with countries around the world in a manner that fosters new investments into Egypt's business climate. She underscored that Chinese companies are among Egypt's most significant partners and confirmed ETA's full readiness to provide all necessary support for their expansion and continued growth. Abdel-Aal proposed the formation of a permanent joint committee between the ETA and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to further strengthen this partnership and deepen economic collaboration. She noted that recent tax facilitation measures—enacted through Laws 5, 6, and 7 of 2025—have contributed to creating an ideal and investor-friendly tax environment. These laws represent a strategic shift in Egypt's taxation approach, resolving longstanding disputes and marking a new phase in business-state relations based on certainty, development, and mutual trust. She added that a simplified, integrated tax framework has also been introduced for small and micro-enterprises with annual revenues below EGP 20m. Abdel-Aal highlighted additional institutional reforms, including the establishment of an Advance Rulings Unit that offers precise advisory services for investors planning to enter the Egyptian market, supporting feasibility studies with accurate, up-to-date data. A dedicated Complaints Unit has been launched to swiftly handle taxpayer grievances. Meanwhile, the Investor Support Unit has been upgraded, and new mechanisms for Central Clearing and VAT refunds have been rolled out—reducing the average processing time for VAT refunds to just 22 days from the date of application. Ashraf El-Zayat, Head of the Audit Sector at the ETA, explained that Law 5 of 2025 supports economic formalisation by exempting past liabilities, allowing businesses to treat their date of registration with the ETA as the official start of operations. The law also permits the submission or amendment of tax returns for the period from 2020 to the date of enactment without incurring penalties or fines. Speaking during the ETA's meeting with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, El-Zayat also elaborated on the simplified tax framework for small and micro-enterprises earning under EGP 20 million annually. The law introduces a streamlined tax rate, beginning at 0.4% for annual revenues under EGP 500,000 and rising to a maximum of 1.5% for those earning between EGP 10m and under EGP 20m. It also provides partner taxpayers with free technical support and electronic point-of-sale (POS) systems. Saeed Fouad, Advisor to the ETA Chair, stated that the authority has released comprehensive guides to unify auditing standards nationwide and prevent arbitrary assessments. Additional reference materials have been published to inform investors of their rights, responsibilities, tax benefits, and incentives—contributing to increased transparency and awareness of Egypt's tax framework. These guides are available in multiple languages on ETA's official website, Fouad noted, adding that preparations are underway to launch the authority's first official English-language website. This initiative, he said, will lay the groundwork for future multilingual expansions aimed at promoting Egypt's tax culture on a global scale. 'We value our trade ties with Egypt, which serve as a model for development across the Global South—particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone,' said Chang Wei-Tsai, President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Egypt. 'We extend our sincere appreciation to the ETA for their ongoing cooperation and strong support for Chinese enterprises operating in Egypt.' Tsai added that the Chamber has become a vital link facilitating trade between China and Egypt, contributing to the creation of over 100,000 jobs for Egyptian citizens. He also expressed interest in expanding partnerships in clean energy—particularly solar, wind, and hydropower—supporting Egypt's transition to a green economy. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Final deadline to benefit from Egypt's 2025 tax relief is August 12: ETA chief
Egypt - 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
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.
