Annual Real Estate Tax in Egypt: What Owners Need to Prepare
Understanding Egypt’s annual property tax is less daunting when you know the main rules and paperwork required. If you own rental, vacation, or residential real estate, here’s exactly what matters most in 2025—without the legalese.
What Is the Annual Real Estate Tax?
The tax, managed by Egypt’s Real Estate Tax Authority (RETA), is based on the “rental value” of your property—this isn’t what you necessarily earn, but what a local committee thinks your place would fairly rent for. The base rate is 10% of the assessed annual rental value (not sale price), and you pay this in two installments: by the end of June and December each year (rta.gov.eg).
Expense Deductions—Don’t Overpay
If your property is residential, you automatically deduct 30% for expenses (32% if it’s commercial). The tax is charged on what’s left. Most owners only owe tax if their “assessed value” is above the government’s exemption threshold—this was EGP 24,000 per year on a main home, but Cabinet debates to raise it mean you should check the latest (rta.gov.eg FAQs).
What About Exemptions?
If your main residence falls below the threshold, you may pay nothing. Get this exemption in writing and re-apply if you renovate or add property (rta.gov.eg exemptions).
Short-Lets & Rentals: Keep Your Paper Trail Clean
Running a short-term let, Airbnb, or similar? Keep clear, dated lease contracts, renewal letters, guest ledgers, utility meter numbers, and all receipts. Authorities sometimes question your assessed value—showing realistic turnover and expenses makes your case stronger in an audit.
Assessment & Appeals
A local RETA committee may visit to estimate market value. If you disagree, you can file an appeal—but don’t miss the legal window (usually 60 days). Keep all formal letters.
What You Need to Keep
1. Latest lease or rental contracts
2. Ownership papers and prior RETA assessments
3. Property tax payment receipts
4. Utility account numbers
5. Any appeals or exemption correspondence
Practical Tip:
Document your rental income and regular expenses (maintenance, cleaning, agent fees). Rental hosts: always store digital and paper copies, even after selling—the authority can ask for old records.
Legal Note: This explainer is for informational purposes; check with RETA or a local tax advisor for sudden law changes, exemption thresholds, or property-specific questions.
References:
RETA (rta.gov.eg)—Main Authority
Egypt Tax Authority FAQ (2025)
Local owner experience/interviews, 2024/25
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