Amman: The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, has approved the 2025 draft law on building and land tax, aimed at modernizing tax regulations to align with urban expansion and organizational developments within municipalities, the Greater Amman Municipality, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, and the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority.
According to Jordan News Agency, the draft law seeks to automate the processes of property valuation, tax collection, and appeal procedures to enhance efficiency and ease burdens on taxpayers. It introduces a fairer tax assessment system based on property location, classification (residential, industrial, commercial, or agricultural), and market value, while allowing deductions based on usage and revenue generation. Additionally, land taxes will be calculated based on land utilization rather than total property value.
To incentivize prompt tax payments, the draft law expands exemptions for taxpayers who settle dues within the first three months of the year. It aligns tax incentives with urban development goals, encouraging investments in green buildings, heritage preservation, parking facilities, and the utilization of vacant lands for commercial and industrial projects.
The Cabinet also approved the rationale for amending the Law on the Formation of Regular Courts for 2025, which will be referred to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for further processing. The amendment aligns with the justice sector's strategic plan (2022-2026) and aims to expand the jurisdiction of the Economic Chamber, enabling it to handle commercial disputes beyond the Capital Governorate's First Instance Courts.
In the energy sector, the Cabinet approved the general regulatory and operational framework for electric vehicle (EV) charging, in line with the global shift towards green energy. The framework aims to reduce Jordan's fuel import bill, lower transportation costs, and cut carbon emissions. It sets quality standards for EV chargers and streamlines the process for investors and citizens to install charging infrastructure.
The Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission will oversee the integration of EV charging infrastructure into new residential and commercial buildings, while electricity providers will coordinate on meeting demand. Additionally, the framework supports private sector partnerships for establishing and operating charging stations.
In the water sector, the Cabinet approved financing for a water network rehabilitation project in Jerash's al-Naseem Municipality, funded by a 7.5-million-dinar grant from the Republic of Korea. The project aims to enhance water supply sustainability and improve water management.
The Cabinet approved a lease agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Diamond International Industrial City for Investment to establish factories for processing vegetables and fruits in the Jordan Valley. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance national food security and promote agricultural industries under the Economic Modernization Vision.
The Council also allocated over 7,300 dunums in Aqaba's Al-Qurayqara and Bir Madhkur regions for agricultural projects, focusing on date cultivation and quality crops. These projects are expected to generate employment and support local communities.
The Cabinet approved the 2025 Jordanian Digital Inclusion Policy to advance digital access and economic modernization. The policy seeks to bridge the digital divide, expand job opportunities in the digital economy, and support small and medium enterprises.
Additionally, the government approved tax settlements for 459 cases, aiming to ease financial burdens on taxpayers and improve the business environment.
In foreign investment, the Cabinet endorsed an amendment to the 2017 investment protection agreement between Jordan and Saudi Arabia to align with international best practices. It also approved the minutes of the first session of the Jordanian-Iraqi Joint Trade Committee held in Baghdad last month, which included agreements on trade, industry, customs, and private-sector collaboration.