Over 4,200 companies have uploaded invoices and e-documents to Egypt’s new e-invoice system, says Reda Abdel Kader, head of the Egyptian Tax Authority.

Since its activation, the e-invoice system has received over 82 million electronic invoices, he added.

“We are continuing to complete all stages of the system in the time specified for this,” he stated, noting that the electronic invoice system is an important step on the path to digital transformation to achieve Egypt’s Vision 2030.

Abdel Kader emphasized that the system’s success was a result of the Finance Minister and Ministry’s continuous and diligent follow-up, providing support and solving any issues that arose.

The Tax Authority head also highlighted the e-invoice system as an important step towards developing the tax system, increasing tax examination and collection, and contributing to the country’s financial and economic goals.

It also supports the integration of the informal economy to the formal one to lay the foundations for a sophisticated tax system comparable to developed countries, he added.

Finance Minister Mohamed Maait previously announced the launch of a unified platform for electronic tax collection in late August, stating that “The state is stepping up its efforts to merge the informal and formal economies for the sake of achieving tax justice and leveling the playing field among taxpayers in the local market, as well as increasing the state’s public treasury revenues”.

The FinMin recently noted that Egypt will have a “fresh economic face” by the end of FY2021/2022, with its tax and custom system modernization projects to be completed by then.

Abdel Kader notes that the 4th phase of the system began in September 15, and applies to all companies registered in the Center for Mediterranean Financiers (Cairo), and the Center for Senior Freelance Professions (in Nasr City).

The 5th phase is set to kick off in December 15 2021, with the Tax Authority holding several workshops to educate financiers prior to their mandatory entry to the system. 

Abdel Kader explained that the Ministry of Finance and the Tax Authority provide all facilities and support for companies to mandatory join the electronic invoice system, whether through the technical support office at the Senior Taxpayers Center or field visits and through the integrated call center on 16395 or through e-mail.

Some of the current ongoing efforts to modernize the tax and customs system are the trail launch of new electric receipt system, the e-tax collection platform, and a 14% VAT on all online delivery services and highly paid content creators.