Tunisia Takes a Decisive Step Towards Transparent and Equitable Taxation
As the mandatory use of cash registers gradually comes into effect, Tunisia is taking a crucial step towards a more transparent and equitable tax system. This transition, which has been awaited for several years, aims to modernize practices and restore trust between the administration and taxpayers.
A New Era in Taxation
Starting from November 1, 2025, Tunisia is entering a new phase in the modernization of its tax system. Classified tourist restaurants, tea rooms, and cafes of the second and third categories will now be required to use a cash register that meets the standards set by the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI). This first wave marks the launch of a progressive system that will be extended to all consumption establishments in the coming years.
Fighting Tax Fraud and Promoting Justice
This legal framework, established by a decree published on October 14 in the Official Journal, is part of a clear objective: to combat tax fraud and establish greater justice among taxpayers. Transactions will be transmitted in real-time to a central platform designed by the Ministry of Finance's Computer Center, a national technological choice that highlights the state's willingness to modernize its control tools while preserving its digital sovereignty.
Transparency and Fiscal Citizenship
In the eyes of the authorities, this evolution responds to a fundamental requirement of the rule of law: ensuring that everyone contributes to the national effort according to their abilities. Paying taxes is not only a legal obligation, but also an act of citizenship. By strengthening the transparency and traceability of financial flows, the state aims to restore trust between the administration and taxpayers, often shaken by the perception of inequalities or favoritism.
A Renewed Fiscal Pact
Beyond the technical aspects, this reform could be an opportunity to redefine the relationship between the state and economic actors, provided it is part of a global dynamic of trust. Several Mediterranean countries that have modernized their tax systems, such as Morocco or Greece after their digital transition, have demonstrated that success does not rely solely on technology, but on the consistency of the entire system.
Preserving Quality and Economic Viability
However, this measure must not overlook the concerns expressed by sector operators. Restaurant owners and cafe operators fear the impact of this obligation on their already fragile margins, weakened by inflation, rising operating costs, and volatile demand. The installation of these devices, their maintenance, and the adaptation of accounting practices represent a financial investment and an operational transition that can be heavy, especially for small structures.
Accompanying Professionals to Succeed
To ensure that this reform bears fruit, it must be part of a real and visible support for professionals. In each business, there are women and men, employees, investments, and families living from a know-how. Fiscal modernization cannot be reduced to a technical device; it must translate into concrete support, clear pedagogy, and constant listening to the constraints of the field. It is at this price that trust is built, and the state shows itself not as a distant controller, but as a partner that protects economic activity while demanding respect for the law.
A New Contributory Culture
Ultimately, this project opens a rare window to reconcile the formal economy and the actors who make it live. Preserving the quality of service, encouraging innovation, guaranteeing the viability of establishments, and at the same time ensuring that the fair tax is respected. This is the true ambition. It is only by combining economic truth, fiscal justice, and mutual respect that Tunisia can affirm a new contributory culture, a culture where every declared dinar becomes a guarantee of the future and a step towards a stronger, more equitable, and closer state to its citizens.
