Morocco to Ease Income Tax Burden Amid Broad Reforms

The Moroccan government is poised to implement significant income tax reforms aimed at reducing the financial burden on workers while ensuring the persistence of crucial social support programs. This announcement was made by Fouzi Lekjaa, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, during a parliamentary session on Tuesday.

Lekjaa highlighted that a substantial portion of income tax, approximately 78%, is currently collected directly, with the remainder being paid voluntarily by taxpayers. He underscored the government’s commitment to alleviating this burden, particularly for employees in both the public and private sectors, and to enhancing overall tax efficiency.

"As agreed with our social partners, we aim to revise the income tax laws in the upcoming draft bill to ease the burden on employees," Lekjaa stated. "This will encourage more effective self-declaration of taxes by individuals."

Contrary to claims that Morocco has one of the highest income tax rates in the Arab world, supposedly peaking at 38%, Lekjaa clarified that the actual rate stands at 22% when factoring in exemptions for certain worker categories. He pointed out that 80% of employees are exempt from income tax as they do not fall within taxable brackets.

The proposed reforms are designed to broaden the tax base by targeting higher earners whose incomes can sometimes be comparable to corporate earnings. This approach aligns with the principles of tax fairness and aims to ensure that the tax system is more equitable.

Lekjaa emphasized the government's efforts to achieve these reforms without imposing additional tax pressure. "We are committed to expanding the tax base and ensuring fairness without creating new burdens for taxpayers," he said.

During the session, MP Saeed Shakir of the Social Justice Group advocated for reducing the maximum income tax rate to 30% to support the middle class and encourage savings. He also called for greater attention to the informal sector's taxation and the monitoring of freelancers' earnings. Additionally, Shakir proposed revisiting the tax rates for large-scale farmers and landowners who currently benefit from minimal tax obligations.

In response, Lekjaa noted that only farmers earning less than five million dirhams annually are exempt from taxes. "All other farmers fulfill their tax obligations," he assured, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring that all sectors contribute fairly to the tax system.

The planned reforms represent a comprehensive effort to modernize Morocco's tax system, aiming for greater efficiency and fairness across all income levels. The government's proactive approach seeks to balance tax relief with the need for robust revenue streams to support essential social programs, reflecting a nuanced understanding of Morocco's economic landscape.