A new income tax law in the making? The Finance Ministry is drafting a new income tax law after two years of stability in tax policy, a high-level government source told EnterpriseAM. A draft of the new law will be presented for community dialogue in preparation for its referral to the House of Representatives next year as part of a package of tax amendments aimed at aligning the new law with global tax frameworks, according to another government source.

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REMEMBER- Back in 2021, the Finance Ministry had plans to introduce a new income tax law before postponing it due to global unrest.

Why a new income tax? Given the economy's openness to foreign investment and its high flexibility, a new income tax act is necessary, as taxes significantly influence investment decisions. The new act will keep pace with global and local developments in the tax system given two years of tax reform, the issuance of the first package of tax facilities, and the progress seen with digital transformation.

The new law aims to achieve four main goals: Broadening the tax base by incorporating the informal economy, raising the efficiency of tax administration, rationalizing tax spending, and ensuring that the public treasury's dues are not foregone in favor of other countries.

What else? It will also redesign the tax brackets to become fairer through the imposition of a progressive tax that aligns with current income levels, aiming to reduce the burden on low-income groups and small business owners and enterprises.

No change to the current tax rate: The current tax rate of 22.5% and 27.5% for high-income earners will remain unchanged in order to protect investments that were planned based on the current law. Projects, too, will enjoy the same tax rates and tax treatment throughout their lifespan.

Preferential tax treatment for sectors earmarked for localization: The Finance Ministry may approve preferential tax treatment for sectors earmarked for localization, which could be temporary or permanent.

New tax rules for foreign enterprises: The draft law will include updated rules for calculating taxes imposed on foreign enterprises to prevent tax avoidance, another government source told EnterpriseAM.

The ministry will also impose new tax rules on corporate restructuring to prevent tax evasion, according to the source.

The draft law will include the imposition of a 2-5% carbon tax, which will align with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to capture revenue that would otherwise flow abroad.

A new law to settle tax disputes: The ministry is also working on a new law that aims to bring an end to all existing tax disputes in 2026. It will initially be valid for one year, with the possibility of extension.

The tax policy document is currently being redrafted to align with the state's investment strategies and the new National Narrative for Economic Development, according to the source. The Finance Ministry postponed presenting the document for community dialogue, with the aim of ensuring its alignment with the global tax system and the goals of the Egyptian economy, according to the source.

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