Egypt Income Tax Rates: 2017-2018 Individual and Corporate Tax Guide
A practical guide to Egypt's personal income tax, non-resident taxation, corporate tax, capital gains, withholding taxes and related charges. Historical 2017-18 figures are preserved separately from the current legal framework.
Personal income tax rates in Egypt: 2017-2018
Under the historical regime, employment and other taxable personal income were subject to progressive rates. The following table reproduces the principal rates and tax-credit percentages stated in the original 2017-18 article; eligibility for a credit depended on the relevant legislation and income level.
| Annual earned income (EGP) | Historical rate | Historical tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 7,200 | 0% | 0 |
| 7,201 - 30,000 | 10% | 80% |
| 30,001 - 45,000 | 15% | 40% |
| 45,001 - 200,000 | 20% | 5% |
| Above 200,000 | 25% | Nil |
Payments by an entity other than the employee's principal employer were historically subject to a separate 10% treatment in certain circumstances. That treatment should not be applied to current payroll without checking the applicable provisions.
Residency and non-resident individuals
Egyptian tax residents generally fall within the rules for taxation of income within the scope of Egyptian law, including relevant foreign-source income where statutory conditions apply. Non-residents are generally taxed on Egypt-source income. The source of employment income, duration of presence, treaty relief and the identity of the payer can affect the result. The historical article stated that non-residents earning from an Egyptian treasury or performing work in Egypt were subject to the relevant personal tax bands.
Historical exemptions and deductions
The original article recorded an annual salary exemption of EGP 7,000 and a personal deduction of EGP 7,200. These are historical amounts, not current allowances. Deductions historically addressed qualifying social insurance contributions, approved private insurance-fund contributions, eligible life and health insurance premiums, and substantiated business expenses such as rent or depreciation where the law permitted them.
Current individual income tax framework
Egypt's Income Tax Law No. 91 of 2005, as amended, remains a principal statute governing personal and corporate income tax. Amendments including Law No. 30 of 2023 and Law No. 7 of 2024 changed personal tax bands and exemptions. Current personal tax rates are progressive and can reach 27.5% for higher taxable income, subject to the applicable bands and rules for the taxpayer's income level. Unlike the historical 2017-18 table, current calculations must use the thresholds and exemptions effective for the relevant year.
For up-to-date filing instructions, forms and legislative announcements, consult the Egyptian Tax Authority and the Ministry of Finance. Tax legislation and administrative decisions may distinguish salary income, professional income, commercial income and investment income.
Capital gains and property transfer tax
Different rules apply to immovable property, listed shares, unlisted shares and other assets. The original article reported the following historical treatments; subsequent changes and deferrals mean they must not be treated as a universal current schedule.
| Transaction | Historical treatment stated in original article |
|---|---|
| Disposal of certain real estate in Egyptian cities | 2.5% of the property transaction value |
| Capital gains on Egyptian Exchange-listed shares | 10% (historical description; subsequent rules and implementation dates vary) |
| Gains on unlisted shares | Potential taxation at the applicable income-tax rate; 22.5% cited for companies |
| Gains realized by non-resident legal persons on securities | 10% cited historically, subject to applicable rules |
The 2.5% real-estate disposal tax is distinct from ordinary income tax on profits. Its application, exclusions, procedures and liability depend on the nature of the transaction. Taxation of listed securities has been amended repeatedly; check current ETA guidance rather than relying on a historical headline rate.
Withholding taxes on dividends, interest and royalties
The historical article identified dividend withholding at 5% or 10%, and general withholding on interest and royalties at 20%. Actual liability can depend on the recipient, transaction, domestic exemptions and a double-taxation treaty. Treaty benefits typically require supporting residence and beneficial-ownership documentation.
Corporate income tax in Egypt: 2017-2018 and current framework
The historical article reported the following corporate tax rates. Egypt generally continues to apply a 22.5% standard corporate income tax rate, although certain sectors and activities are governed by special rules.
| Category | 2017-18 historical rate |
|---|---|
| General corporate income tax | 22.5% |
| Suez Canal Authority, Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and Central Bank of Egypt (specified activities/entities) | 40% |
| Oil exploration and production companies (specified cases) | 40.55% |
Foreign companies carrying on taxable business in Egypt through a permanent establishment can be subject to Egyptian corporate tax. The existence of a permanent establishment, taxable profit attribution, treaty protection and applicable withholding rules should be examined separately.
Corporate deductions and foreign tax credits
Subject to statutory requirements, qualifying costs incurred to earn taxable business income may include documented financing costs, depreciation, amortisation and bad debts. Restrictions apply to provisions, related-party arrangements and head-office allocations. A foreign tax credit may be available within the limits of Egyptian law and applicable treaties; it is not an automatic refund of foreign tax.
Other Egyptian taxes and employer obligations
Real estate tax
Egypt's Real Estate Tax Law No. 196 of 2008 generally provides for a tax measured by reference to assessed annual rental value, with statutory deductions and exemptions. The original article described a 10% rate, maintenance allowances of 30% for residential and 32% for non-residential property, and historical rental-value exemption thresholds. Reassessments and legislative changes can alter the payable amount.
Social insurance
Employers and employees have social insurance obligations under Social Insurance and Pensions Law No. 148 of 2019. The salary ceilings and contribution rules in the 2017-18 article are outdated; employers should use the current contribution base and limits issued by the competent authorities.
Stamp duty and customs
Egypt imposes stamp duty on certain instruments and transactions under the applicable stamp tax legislation, including fixed and proportional charges. Banking transactions can attract special rules. Customs duties and import VAT depend on product classification, valuation, origin and exemptions; the historical 5% machinery example is not a general current customs rate.
Key legislation and official sources
- Income Tax Law No. 91 of 2005: the core legal framework for taxable income, assessment and income-tax obligations, as amended.
- Law No. 30 of 2023 and Law No. 7 of 2024: amendments affecting individual income-tax thresholds and related relief.
- Real Estate Tax Law No. 196 of 2008: rules for the taxation of built property.
- Social Insurance and Pensions Law No. 148 of 2019: social insurance and pension contribution framework.
- Egyptian Tax Authority - official website: legislation, taxpayer services, notices and filing guidance.
- Egyptian Ministry of Finance: tax policy and government financial publications.
- Egyptian Tax Authority - English portal: English-language taxpayer information where available.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017-18 Egyptian personal income tax table valid today?
No. It is a historical reference. Current tax computations require the applicable amended thresholds, exemptions and filing rules for the relevant tax year.
What is Egypt's general corporate income tax rate?
The standard rate is generally 22.5%, with special treatment for certain entities, industries and transactions.
Do non-residents pay income tax in Egypt?
Non-residents can be taxed on Egypt-source income, subject to the nature of the income, domestic law and applicable double-tax treaties.
This article is general information, not individualized tax advice. Verify current rules and effective dates before filing or making a transaction.