Minister of Finance Dr. Ghali has reiterated that justice is one of the most important pillars in the appeals committee, representing a neutral element in the service of justice between the taxpayer and the tax authority.  Dr. Ghali’s comments came in a meeting with heads of the appeal committees which is made up of judges and state council consultants.

The Minister said that the role of the appeals committees will reduce the number of filed suits by the taxpayers against the tax authority and opting for reconciliation instead.

Ghali explained that the government has focused on improving its relationship with the taxpayer over the past 24 months prompting larger investments on both the local and international scales.

Ghali added that correspondence between the taxpayer and the appeals committees will be based on the exchange of letters to stimulate the committees to review complaints with utmost transparency and justice.

Ghali noted that intensive training courses will be set for members in the appeals committees to review the new tax law in detail.

On the other hand, taxpayers will be bound to submit their tax returns no later than March 31^st.

Ghali concluded that the Egyptian tax law has sent ripples of approvals across the Arab countries who have requested support from the Ministry of Finance to try a similar experience in their respective countries.  On the other hand, Ghali was invited by the US Secretary of the Treasury John Snow to address Congress on the Egyptian experience.

(Ministry of Finance)