Monday 13 Jan
Rasha Abdel Aal, head of the Egyptian Tax Authority, convened a meeting with heads of tax sectors, regions, and centers, along with their deputies, in the presence of Dr. ElSayed Mahmoud Saqr, the deputy head of the authority, at the authority's training center.
The meeting followed a directive from the Minister of Finance to discuss the implementation of the first package of tax facilitations and address any challenges encountered in the field. Abdel Aal emphasized the Minister's ongoing and meticulous oversight of the package's implementation, expressing full confidence in the authority's employees' efficiency and dedication in effectively applying these facilitations.
During the meeting, Abdel Aal
reviewed the Minister of Finance's directives regarding transforming the
relationship between taxpayers and the authority and enhancing the public
image, particularly following the announcement of the first package of tax
facilitations. She underscored the significance of sincere intent from all
parties to achieve this objective, as well as the need to overcome negative
practices. Abdel Aal explained that cultural change requires collective effort
and a strong commitment from all authority employees to present a new model
that embodies transparency and flexibility.
The head of the authority
emphasized the significance of these tax facilitations for all stakeholders.
They benefit not only taxpayers by simplifying compliance and reducing burdens,
but also the authority itself by streamlining processes and enhancing
efficiency for employees.
Abdel Aal stressed that the
success of implementing these facilitations requires the development of clear
implementation plans that are flexible and effective, along with defining
mechanisms for close follow-up to ensure the achievement of objectives. She
emphasized the importance of everyone's commitment to implementing the new
policies and working to overcome challenges, and that there will be follow-up
to the implementation of this package step by step to ensure the compliance of
all tax sectors, regions, and departments with its correct implementation.
These mechanisms will be announced soon, aiming to improve the taxpayer
experience and enhance transparency in dealing with tax issues.
She further stated that a
specialized higher committee will be tasked with studying problems in detail
and taking the necessary measures to address them quickly and efficiently,
ensuring the rights of taxpayers and enhancing trust between them and the tax
authorities. This step comes within the framework of continuous efforts to
improve tax services and reduce administrative burdens on taxpayers, while keen
to provide the necessary support to overcome the challenges they may face.
She emphasized that a key
priority during this phase is to thoroughly train employees. This will involve
conducting workshops to introduce and raise awareness about the tax
facilitations, as well as implementing training programs on the legislative
amendments necessary to apply the package effectively.
Furthermore, we will strive to
enhance the digital infrastructure by launching new electronic programs
designed to streamline the application of the tax facilitation package.
She noted that since the
authority's automation, technology has become a cornerstone of our tax
operations. We will develop robust data systems and leverage the available data
to create more accurate and transparent mechanisms for addressing tax issues
and resolving disputes. This will be achieved without imposing additional
burdens on auditors.
She was keen to send a message to
the tax community that the Egyptian Tax Authority is extending its hand to all
segments of the tax community, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative
approach. Taxpayers are viewed as partners in success. The authority is
committed to resolving problems jointly, providing tax facilities that uphold
taxpayer rights while ensuring tax justice.
She stressed the importance of continuing periodic meetings to follow up on implementation and provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the new tax system.
