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Yes: Fully Claimable

Can I Claim Accountant and Audit Fees as a Business Expense in Egypt?

Yes. Fees for bookkeeping, tax returns and audit are costs of running the business.

Typical claim: Varies with the size of the business and the number of filings. Many firms charge a monthly fee for VAT and payroll work and a separate fee for the annual return and the audit. Clean books usually cost less to close.

Finn does your books in Egypt

AccountsOS keeps the books for Egypt businesses, tracks tax deadlines and handles expenses, in plain English. Ask Finn about yours, no signup needed.

What Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) says

Professional fees for the company's own accounts and returns relate to the business. Keep the e-invoice from the firm. Purchase VAT is deductible only on a valid ETA e-invoice from an Egyptian supplier. Since 1 July 2022 VAT on a paper invoice is not deductible except in the cases the executive regulations allow. The firm should issue its e-invoice to the company's Tax Registration Number. An invoice in a director's personal name is weak support in an ETA audit.

When you can claim

  • Preparing the annual income tax return
  • Monthly VAT and payroll filings
  • Statutory audit of the financial statements
  • Tax advice on the simplified regime or a specific transaction
  • Help with the e-invoicing set-up
  • Advice on Form 41 withholding
  • Company secretarial work for shareholder meetings
  • Legal fees for company contracts
  • Fees for registering the company for VAT

When you cannot claim

  • The owner's personal tax affairs unrelated to the business
  • Fees for another company in the group
  • Fines and late payment charges paid to the ETA

Good to know

Pro tip: Ask for one e-invoice per engagement so fees are easy to match to the work. Send Finn each e-invoice from the firm as it arrives so the fees are matched to the bank payments before the year end.

Important: Fees for advice on forming the company may need different treatment from running costs. Ask your accountant. Finn keeps the books ready for your accountant, but it is not a registered accountant and does not file anything with the ETA.

Source: Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA)

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