Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has thrown his full support behind the government's new tax relief measures, aiming to boost business confidence, widen the tax base, and simplify compliance. Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk announced that tax offices and centres have begun implementing the "tax facilitation" package under President Sisi's directives, with an emphasis on restoring trust and easing the burdens on taxpayers. The measures include unprecedented incentives for small businesses with annual revenues up to EGP 20 million, exemptions for past violations, and a simplified dispute resolution process. New laws also shield unregistered taxpayers from penalties if they register before May 12, 2025. "We have analysed tax challenges, set priorities, and are now executing facilitation measures to build a fairer, more attractive tax system," Kouchouk said. "Together, we begin a new chapter of trust, partnership, and support." Key provisions under the package include capping late fees at the original tax amount, allowing retroactive filing without penalties from 2020 to 2024, expedited VAT refunds, and a pre-approval system to help businesses plan future tax obligations. The Ministry of Finance pledged to continue dialogue with the business community and tasked independent bodies with monitoring the reforms' impact from taxpayers' perspective. Ibrahim Sarhan, Chairman and CEO of e-Finance, confirmed the company's commitment to deploying advanced digital solutions to support the reforms, noting that technology will play a central role in delivering faster, more transparent tax services. A new law (No. 5 of 2025) also formalises the legal framework for the package, offering registered and unregistered taxpayers various paths to resolve outstanding disputes and regularise their status without penalties for prior tax periods. Kouchouk urged taxpayers to seize the opportunity: "Register now, settle old files, and move forward without the burden of the past." Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
