Egypt allows tax debt, late fee waivers in property tax reform

Egypt announced on Monday a broad overhaul of its real estate tax system, introducing higher exemptions, digital payment options, and new incentives aimed at making it easier for citizens to comply.

Speaking at a session with tax officials, Ahmed Al-Sadiq, head of Real Estate Taxation Authority (RTA), described the measures as a “tangible and motivating” step towards simplifying a system long seen as complex. “We have a real desire to simplify and improve services for citizens,” he said.

Under the new measures, the exemption threshold for primary residences will rise to 8 million Egyptian pounds, and taxpayers will be able to pay in instalments or electronically. Late payment fees will be capped at the value of the original tax owed, and in cases where a property is demolished or rendered unusable by unforeseen circumstances, taxes will be waived.

For the first time, taxpayers in certain cases may have both their tax debt and late fees waived. Al-Sadiq said a single declaration can now cover multiple properties across different tax offices, submitted either on paper or electronically.

The reforms also introduce incentives for timely filing, with discounts of 25 per cent for private residences and 10 per cent for non-residential properties.

Al-Sadiq said the initiative aims to expand the tax base, improve services, and create a fairer, more transparent system. The changes are part of a broader effort to digitise tax administration and build trust in government services.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English