# Can I claim Software and Subscriptions as a business expense in Egypt?

**Yes, fully claimable.** Yes. Software, cloud tools and online subscriptions used for the business are normal costs of an Egyptian company.

Typical amount: Varies by provider. Record each invoice at its real total in EGP, with any VAT shown separately. Foreign tools often bill by card in dollars or euros, so the amount in pounds moves with the exchange rate. Record what left the bank.

## What Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) says

A cost must relate to the business activity to be deducted from profit. Your accountant makes the adjustments from accounting profit to taxable profit. Keep the supplier invoice. 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. A foreign SaaS supplier does not issue ETA e-invoices; ask your accountant how the VAT on a service bought from abroad is recorded. An annual plan paid in advance covers several months, and your accountant may spread it over the period it covers rather than book it all in the month it was paid.

## When you can claim

- Accounting, invoicing and project software used for the business
- Cloud storage and hosting
- Domain names and website hosting
- Design and development tools used for client work
- Paid seats used by staff
- Annual plans paid in advance, spread over the months they cover
- Security and backup software for company devices

## When you cannot claim

- Personal streaming or entertainment subscriptions
- Software used mainly for private purposes
- Tools bought for a different company
- Apps bought for a director's family

## Good to know

**Pro tip:** Put business subscriptions on a company card so every charge has a supplier invoice behind it. Forward software receipts to Finn as they arrive. It matches each one to the bank or card payment and flags a charge with no invoice behind it.

**Important:** Check that an Egyptian supplier's invoice is an ETA e-invoice carrying your company's name and Tax Registration Number.

Source: https://eta.gov.eg/en/home

## Related expenses

- [Accountant and Audit Fees](https://accounts-os.com/eg/expenses/accountant-fees-egypt)
- [E-invoicing and POS Provider Costs](https://accounts-os.com/eg/expenses/e-invoicing-provider-costs-egypt)