Egypt bets on incentives to reshape tax compliance

The Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) is set to launch a “White List” recognizing the country’s most tax-compliant taxpayers and offering them incentives and priority services as part of its second package of tax facilitation measures aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance.

ETA Head Rasha Abdel Aal said the package introduces reforms designed to improve services for compliant taxpayers, in line with Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk’s directives to promote voluntary compliance through incentives and simplified procedures.

The White List will be based on objective, risk-based criteria, with eligible taxpayers selected automatically in accordance with predefined standards, without any human intervention, Abdel Aal said.

Taxpayers included on the list will receive a range of benefits, including expedited VAT refunds, certificates of appreciation, honorary awards, and priority access to specialized services such as the Advance Ruling Unit and the Investor Support Unit. They will also have access to a dedicated hotline.

Those selected will receive a Tax Excellence Card in one of three categories—Platinum, Gold, or Silver—to streamline their interactions with the Authority and provide faster access to services.

The selected taxpayers will be announced and honored at the upcoming “Thank You 2” Conference, Abdel Aal said.

Separately, the ETA will launch a mobile application for real estate transactions, allowing individuals to pay property disposal tax electronically without visiting tax offices.

Through the app, users can upload the required documents, after which the system will automatically calculate the tax due. They can then complete the payment electronically, obtain a tax clearance certificate, and track the status of their applications digitally.

The initiatives are part of the Authority’s broader digital transformation strategy to simplify tax procedures, enhance taxpayer services, and encourage voluntary compliance through faster, more accessible digital solutions.