Cairo: Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk announced the launch of the Premium Tax Services Center in New Alamein City and the Egyptian Tax Authority's Real Estate Transactions app as part of the country's ongoing tax relief initiatives. These developments are designed to streamline tax-related services, emphasizing the state's commitment to digital transformation for improved accessibility and efficiency.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Kouchouk highlighted the government's dedication to making tax facilitation measures tangible and practical for citizens and taxpayers. The inauguration of the New Alamein center by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly signals a move towards a new service model featuring faster processing, simplified procedures, and technical support in a modern setting.
The Real Estate Transactions app is a significant step in digitizing tax services, allowing citizens to handle real estate transactions entirely online. The app facilitates the registration of transactions, document uploads, tax payments, and the issuance of electronic clearance certificates, aiming to save time and reduce the frequency of visits to tax offices.
Kouchouk emphasized the importance of providing practical assistance alongside digital services, proposing a service for users to receive guidance by phone while completing transactions online. This initiative seeks to ensure technology eases rather than complicates citizens' experiences.
Efforts are also underway to facilitate electronic tax services for Egyptians living abroad, enabling them to handle transactions without needing to travel back to Egypt. These services are being considered for integration into the Real Estate Transactions app.
Egyptian Tax Authority Head Rasha Abdel Aal added that the New Alamein center offers an integrated model, providing various services without geographical limitations. The center features trained teams to deliver swift responses and support, addressing challenges faced by taxpayers and investors.
Abdel Aal noted that the app serves as a 'miniature, fully integrated tax office' available 24/7 on mobile devices and the authority's website. It begins with electronic identity verification, allowing users to obtain a tax registration number and submit real estate transaction details. The app also supports electronic payments, with plans to incorporate additional payment methods.
Assistant Finance Minister for Tax Policies Rami Youssef highlighted the growth in account registrations and tax filings under the new electronic system, indicating increased voluntary compliance. The system offers insights into compliance rates for various properties, aiding field teams in inventorying and registering properties under construction.
Future developments include a guidance library within the app, direct data-upload capabilities, and geolocation features to classify areas and calculate average property prices. An English-language version is also planned to cater to foreign users.
eTax CEO Khaled Abdel Ghany emphasized the expansion of modern tax services and the ongoing development of digital solutions to enhance taxpayer experiences. The Real Estate Transactions app allows for seamless handling of real estate procedures and will continue evolving based on user feedback.
These initiatives signify a robust commitment to modernizing tax administration through technology and partnership, with ongoing engagement with citizens and the business community to improve service quality and streamline procedures.