Revenues Bureau Targets Landlords in Revenue Push

Addis Abeba's City Revenue Bureau has implemented a directive requiring roughly half a million property owners to register leases, conduct rent payments through formal banking channels, and apply a 35 percent flat deduction on gross rental income before tax assessment. Authorities say the overhaul addresses chronic underreporting and cash-based transactions in the informal housing market. Landlords and advocacy groups have challenged the system, citing vague guidelines, retroactive penalties, and concerns about market destabilization amid rent increases of 40 percent over three years.