What can Egypt businesses claim as expenses?
10 common business expenses with Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA)-compliant rules for limited companies, sole traders and contractors in Egypt.
Accountant and Audit Fees
Yes. Fees for bookkeeping, tax returns and audit are costs of running the business.
Business Meals and Hospitality
Sometimes. Meals with a clear business purpose may be accepted; your accountant decides.
Business Travel
Yes, when the trip is for the business.
Dividends Paid to Owners
No. A dividend is a distribution of profit, not a cost, and it carries its own 10% tax. Finn records it against retained earnings and tracks the tax withheld.
E-invoicing and POS Provider Costs
Yes. Fees for the e-invoice and e-receipt tools the ETA requires are business costs.
Employee Salaries and Social Insurance
Yes. Salaries and the employer's social insurance contributions are business costs, provided payroll is run properly.
Office Rent
Yes. Rent for premises used by the business is a normal cost.
Private and Personal Costs
No. Costs of the owner's private life are not business costs. Keep them out of the company's books, or record them against the owner who benefited.
Software and Subscriptions
Yes. Software, cloud tools and online subscriptions used for the business are normal costs of an Egyptian company.
Working From Home
Partly, in some cases. Ask your accountant how a home office is treated for your business.