FinMin to announce final specifics of healthcare tithe this week: The Finance Ministry will announce this week its final framework for the 0.25% levy businesses will be required to pay this year to finance the national healthcare system under the Universal Healthcare Act, according to a domestic press report citing unnamed government sources. Among the questions the business community will be looking to have answered:

• Whether the levy is on the top or bottom line
• Whether it is tax-deductible (in the event it is a levy on the top line)
• The basis of calculation for specific outliers

The big one is whether the levy is on the top or bottom line. The current setup would require the companies to pay a 0.25% tithe on top-line revenues, but word on the street is the government is considering amending the Universal Healthcare Act to make the levy on net profit instead.

Background: The state’s EGP 600 bn health insurance plan will be rolled out incrementally over the course of 11-13 years, but the ministry is expected to start collecting taxes (including the 0.25% tithe) to fund the scheme this fiscal year.