Tax
Corporate tax, VAT, transfer pricing, withholding and disputes with the Egyptian Tax Authority.
Request a consultation on this practice
What we do
- Corporate income tax planning and compliance review
- VAT registration, treatment and refunds
- Transfer pricing documentation and local file
- Withholding tax on cross-border payments
- Double tax treaty relief
- Tax audits, assessments and internal committees
- Appeals committee and tax court litigation
- Tax aspects of transactions and reorganisations
How a matter runs
01
What we do
We review the assessment or the structure and identify what is actually arguable.
What you provide
The assessment, the returns, and the underlying records.
Typical duration
1–2 weeks
02
What we do
Objection and representation before the internal committee.
What you provide
Supporting documents, on time — deadlines here are short and strict.
Typical duration
2–6 months
03
What we do
Appeals committee, where most assessments are actually resolved.
What you provide
Attendance if the committee requests it.
Typical duration
6–18 months
04
What we do
Tax court, if the committee’s decision is wrong in law.
What you provide
A decision on whether the amount justifies the timeline.
Typical duration
18–36 months
What it typically costs
| Structure | Indicative band |
|---|---|
| HourlyFor matters whose shape is not known at the outset. We agree a cap before starting. | Partner EGP 3,500–5,500 · Associate EGP 1,200–2,200 per hour |
| Monthly retainerFor ongoing advisory work where volume is steady and predictable. | EGP 15,000 – 60,000 per month, by scope |
| Fixed fee — assessment reviewA written opinion on whether an assessment is worth challenging, before you commit to challenging it. | EGP 12,000 – 35,000 |
What moves the number
- The number of tax years under assessment
- Whether the records support the position — reconstructing records is the largest cost
- Whether transfer pricing is involved
- How many committee and court stages are pursued
These are indicative ranges, published so you can budget before you call. A fixed quote follows the first meeting, once we know the facts. Fees are agreed in writing before any work begins.
Questions we're asked
We received a large assessment. Should we pay or object?
Object within the deadline regardless — missing it forecloses the argument entirely. Whether to settle can be decided afterwards, once we know how strong the position is.
Do we need transfer pricing documentation?
If you transact with related parties above the statutory threshold, yes — a master file, local file and disclosure form. The penalty for not having them is applied on the transaction value, not on the tax.
Can we recover VAT on exported services?
Exported services are generally zero-rated, and input VAT is recoverable — but the refund process is documentation-heavy and slow. Build the timeline into your cash flow.
Is a treaty rate automatic on withholding?
No. You need a tax residence certificate and, in practice, to file for the relief. Withholding at the treaty rate without the paperwork is a common and expensive mistake.
How far back can the Authority assess?
Generally five years, extended where no return was filed or where fraud is alleged. Keep records for at least that long.
Do you also do the accounting?
No. We work alongside your auditors and are clear about where the legal advice ends and the accounting begins.
Lawyers in this practice
Sectors
- Banking & Financial Services
- Manufacturing & Industry
- FMCG
- Technology & Telecoms