DGT Clarifies Tax Settlement SMS: Awareness Campaign, Not Personal Issue

The Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) has issued a statement providing clarifications regarding recent SMS messages concerning tax settlements. The DGT indicated that these communications are part of a general awareness campaign rather than individual notifications aimed at specific taxpayers. This official statement from the Directorate General of Taxes (المديرية العامة للضرائب) comes amidst reports of some confusion among recipients. The DGT stated that the SMS messages are an invitation to taxpayers to visit its offices across various national wilayas (مختلف ولايات الوطن) to learn about tax settlement measures. A statement from the Directorate General of Taxes (المديرية العامة للضرائب) urged, "The Directorate General of Taxes invites you to approach its departments to learn about tax settlement measures." This proactive clarification aims to ensure that the public understands the nature and purpose of the outreach.

Campaign Details and SMS Content

The Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) distributed SMS messages to citizens and taxpayers outlining tax settlement procedures. These messages were specifically designed to invite recipients to engage with DGT services and gain a clearer understanding of the available mechanisms. The specific text of the SMS, as stated by the Directorate General of Taxes (المديرية العامة للضرائب), read: "تدعوكم المديرية العامة للضرائب للتقرب من مصالحها للاطلاع على تدابير التسوية الجبائية" (The Directorate General of Taxes invites you to approach its services to learn about tax settlement measures). These measures, according to the DGT, encompass voluntary tax settlement initiatives and the processes for cancelling or clearing tax debts. The campaign aims to inform the public about available mechanisms for resolving their tax obligations, providing a structured approach for taxpayers to address their financial responsibilities. The DGT emphasized that these messages are part of a broader educational effort, not an indication of individual tax issues.

Context of Tax Settlement Procedures

The Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) stated that the SMS message is part of an information and awareness campaign. The campaign's objective is to promote exceptional measures outlined in Articles 93 and 122 of the Finance Law for the year 2026. These tax settlement procedures came into effect at the beginning of the current year. The DGT explained that the initiative seeks to inform taxpayers about these specific legal provisions and the mechanisms available for resolving tax obligations under the new law. These exceptional measures relate directly to voluntary tax settlement and the cancellation or clearing of tax debts, offering taxpayers specific avenues for compliance and resolution. The DGT's efforts are designed to ensure that all citizens and taxpayers are well-informed about their options and the legal framework governing these procedures.

Open Days Initiative

The Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) campaign coincides with "Open Days" initiatives organized by the directorate. These "Open Days" events are being held across various wilayas (provinces) of the country, providing accessible information points for taxpayers. The DGT has scheduled these awareness sessions from May 10 to May 14. The purpose of these "Open Days" is to raise awareness among citizens and taxpayers regarding new facilities and measures. These events aim to simplify explanations of these provisions, making complex tax information more understandable for the general public. The initiative aims to enhance public understanding of tax settlement procedures and available mechanisms, fostering greater transparency and compliance. These in-person sessions complement the SMS campaign by offering direct engagement opportunities.

Official Clarification Issued

Some citizens and taxpayers misinterpreted the SMS messages, according to reports, believing the communications indicated they were personally and directly subject to the tax settlement procedures. This misunderstanding prompted the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) to issue its clarifying statement. The DGT's campaign is intended as a general awareness effort, designed to inform the broader public about the new tax settlement measures and the "Open Days" initiative. The DGT has reiterated that the SMS messages were not targeted at individuals for specific tax issues but were a general invitation for all taxpayers to learn about the exceptional measures and procedures available. This clarification seeks to alleviate any undue concern and ensure that the public correctly interprets the DGT's communication strategy.