Ministry Contemplates VAT on Non-life Insurance Claims

Mar 4 , 2023


[ssba-buttons]

Officials of the Ministry of Finance are considering imposing a 15pc Value Added Tax (VAT) on non-life insurance claims paid by insurance companies, according to a bill up for discussion with stakeholders last week. The bill, which was debated at the Ministry's headquarters on King George Street, could be a reversal of the exemption previously granted to insurers from paying VAT. Officials acknowledged that insurance companies had been exempted from paying VAT on non-life insurance claims for the past two decades, but noted that the insurance industry had since matured. However, representatives from some insurance companies see the move could discourage policyholders. Wasihun Abate, the discussion moderator and tax advisor, has given insurers a fortnight to make a supported argument with evidence including data from other countries. It remains to be seen whether this proposed bill will be enacted and how it could impact both the insurance industry and policyholders in Ethiopia.


Radar

Somali Region Advances Budget Independence as Revenues Rise

Somali Regional State is moving closer to fiscal independence, with nearly half its budget now funded locally. Officials point to rising agricultural output and stronger tax enforcement as key drivers behind growing revenues. The region plans to cover 32.5 billion Br from its own resources in the upcoming fiscal year. Communication Head Mohammed Abdi credited last year's tax collection of 18 billion Br, exceeding the 17 billion Br target, to agriculture, khat, and other taxable goods. The reg...


Radar

Environmental Protection Authority Shuts Down Polluters

Addis Abeba's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has taken enforcement action against 3,249 manufacturers and service providers found violating environmental standards in the 2024/25 fiscal year. The violations, ranging from air and noise pollution to improper waste disposal, were identified during inspections of 14,872 businesses citywide. Penalties included warnings and closures, with shutdown orders issued to six plastic factories, 23 block factories, a soft paper plant, 102 nightclu...


Radar

Ministry Mandates Full Electronic Clearance for Top Taxpayers

Taxpayers under the Ministry of Revenues' Medium No. 1 branch will have to ditch paper filings and switch entirely to the e-Clearance system for non-audited services starting August 1, 2025. The mandate, routed through the Ministry's e-filing portal, is pitched as part of a broader push to modernise tax administration and advance the government's digital agenda. Officials say the platform lets users process clearance requests remotely via the Fayda national ID, cutting out manual paperwork. A...