Egyptian press sees promise in tax overhaul, urges practical follow-through

Egypt’s ambitious new tax incentives package—framed around trust, partnership, and voluntary compliance—is drawing cautious praise from prominent voices in the press and business community. But while many view the reforms as visionary, concerns remain over how effectively the policy will translate into action on the ground.

The government’s latest tax overhaul, led by the Ministry of Finance and the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), features 20 key measures aimed at broadening the tax base and simplifying compliance, particularly for small businesses. The incentives include caps on penalties, streamlined VAT refunds, dispute settlement procedures, and a simplified framework for businesses earning under EGP 20 million annually.

“These measures are among the most notable efforts to expand the tax base. They are commendable—indeed, I would not hesitate to describe them as exemplary.” said Emad El-Din Hussein, editor-in-chief of Al-Shorouk News. “However, the key question remains: how can these measures be effectively implemented at ground level?”

That sentiment is echoed by other observers, who credit the state for listening to long-standing demands from the private sector, including calls for electronic reconciliation systems and clearer taxpayer rights. Yet the gap between top-down policy and street-level execution persists.

“In the Tax Facilitation Initiative, I saw a clear title of partnership, characterised by transparency, fairness, clarity, and certainty—methodological elements that build taxpayers’ trust.” said Hamdi Rizk, a member of Egypt’s National Press Authority.

“The taxpayer is no longer presumed guilty until proven innocent; instead, they are considered innocent from start to finish, fulfilling their duty to the state without suffering reputational harm or facing accusations that lead to court.”

The broader economic backdrop adds urgency to the reforms. Egypt is grappling with high inflation, currency volatility, and external debt pressures, while seeking to attract fresh investment and shift from a consumption-driven to a production-based economy.

To that end, the ETA has positioned itself not just as a tax collector, but as a facilitator of economic growth. “Encouraging and motivating manufacturers and investors, and building bridges of trust and partnership with the business community as a whole, is one of the state’s top priorities.” said Abdel-Sadek El-Shorbagy, head of the National Press Authority.

“We are currently witnessing a new phase of constructive cooperation: extending bridges of trust and partnership, and establishing support between the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) and the business community.”

This “new phase” includes independent audits of taxpayer satisfaction, enhanced investor service centers, and a complaints portal—features seen as critical to sustainable reform. Still, Ahmed Radwan, editor-in-chief of Habi Newspaper, warns that legislative progress must be matched by human engagement. “Even as digital tools advance, the human factor remains critical to the success of the new incentives.” he noted.

Veteran journalist Hassan Al-Mestikawi captured the spirit of the moment in personal terms. “I love Egypt—its history, its present, and its future,” he said. “As much as I was taught to value my country and my political and social obligations toward it, this relationship also fostered a deep respect for the law.”

Calling the reform “a fresh start filled with facilitations, reduced burdens, and streamlined procedures,” Al-Mestikawi said it is underpinned by “mutual trust” and positions taxpayers “as key development partners” in Egypt’s economic future.

The success of Egypt’s new tax model may ultimately hinge on whether it can turn such sentiments into widespread, everyday reality. For now, the vision is bold. Its credibility will be tested in tax offices, business meetings, and balance sheets across the country.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English