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Rasha Abdel Aal, Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), announced that the country’s tax relief packages represent a major shift in the authority’s approach to the business community. The measures aim to build trust between the government and taxpayers, encourage tax compliance, expand the formal economy, and leverage technology and artificial intelligence to improve tax services and strengthen Egypt’s investment climate.

Her remarks came during a session titled “The Tax Facilitation Package: Towards a More Supportive System for Investment and Growth,” held as part of the 30th edition of Cairo ICT 2026. The session was attended by Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk and Osama Kamal, CEO of Trade Fairs International, and moderated by Ahmed Ismail, CEO of Electronic Payment and Collection Consultants at eFinance Investment Group.

First Package Aims to Strengthen Relations with Businesses

Abdel Aal said the first tax relief package sought to establish a new relationship with the business community, which she described as a key partner of the Egyptian Tax Authority and the Ministry of Finance.

The package also focused on resolving long-standing tax disputes and encouraging small businesses to join the formal economy.

She explained that Law No. 6, applicable to businesses with annual turnover not exceeding EGP 20 million, provides a simplified tax system with proportional rates ranging from 0.4% to 1.5%. The highest bracket applies to businesses with annual turnover between EGP 10 million and EGP 20 million.

A business with annual turnover of EGP 20 million would pay annual income tax of up to EGP 300,000, she said.

Other measures include allowing VAT payments every three months instead of monthly and capping late-payment penalties at the amount of tax due.

Second Package Includes 33 Measures and Amendments to Six Laws

Abdel Aal revealed that the second tax relief package comprises 33 measures and legislative amendments to six laws, including the Unified Tax Procedures Law, Income Tax Law, Value Added Tax Law, and Stamp Tax Law.

The package is designed for compliant taxpayers registered within the official tax system, with the aim of addressing challenges they face and encouraging continued compliance.

Expansion of Premium Tax Service Centers

As part of efforts to improve taxpayer services, the authority is expanding its network of “Premium Tax Centers” and plans to establish a presence inside shopping malls, with further expansion planned in the North Coast and Sheikh Zayed.

The centers are intended to deliver tax services within minutes through a prior-booking system, helping simplify procedures and improve service delivery.

AI-Powered Consultation Platform to Analyze Taxpayer Feedback

The authority has also launched the “Al-Mashoura” platform as an ongoing communication channel with the business community and relevant associations. The platform allows tax instructions and legislation to be presented for consultation before their adoption.

Abdel Aal added that artificial intelligence is being used to classify and analyze taxpayer proposals and identify common challenges, supporting the development of tax decisions and regulations.

Platinum, Gold and Silver Cards for Compliant Taxpayers

The ETA is preparing to introduce a list of compliant taxpayers and grant them three levels of “Excellence Cards”: Platinum, Gold and Silver.

Holders of the Platinum Card will receive exceptional benefits, particularly immediate VAT refunds for exporters, with the option to submit outstanding documents at a later stage.

Abdel Aal said the authority has already reduced the average VAT refund period to 22 days, down from 45 days. Platinum Card holders will also receive immediate priority in resolving issues and obtaining advance tax opinions.

Tax Database Contains Nearly Four Billion Electronic Records

Abdel Aal noted that the authority’s database includes approximately two billion electronic invoices and two billion electronic receipts, bringing the total to nearly four billion records.

The authority is working to apply artificial intelligence to analyze this data, improve operational efficiency, and further develop the tax system.

Mobile Application for Real Estate Transactions

The ETA has also launched its first mobile application, dedicated to real estate transactions.

According to Abdel Aal, the application uses artificial intelligence to facilitate tax payments and promote tax fairness. She emphasized that the authority will continue its reform and modernization efforts to build a flexible tax system that supports investment and economic growth.

Cairo ICT 2026 Highlights Practical AI Applications

The 30th edition of Cairo ICT 2026 is being held under the patronage of the Prime Minister, with a focus on practical artificial intelligence applications and their role in improving services, business efficiency, and innovation across various sectors.

The event also features the third edition of the AIDC² exhibition and conference for artificial intelligence, data centers and cloud computing, as well as the 13th edition of PAFIX, the digital payments and financial inclusion exhibition and conference, held under the auspices of the Central Bank of Egypt.

Other accompanying events include the sixth edition of Connecta, dedicated to gaming, smart devices and entertainment technology, and the Innovation Arena, where startups and entrepreneurs can showcase their solutions and products and connect with investors, business partners and organizations supporting innovation.