Integrity Commission: More Than 41,000 Taxpayers Failed to Pay Baghdad Municipality Fees in 2025

mesoiraq - The Federal Integrity Commission revealed on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, that more than 41,000 taxpayers failed to pay fees owed to the Baghdad Municipality during 2025. The commission called for electronic and legal mechanisms to strengthen fee collection and increase municipal revenues. It stated that some municipalities generated more than 37 billion Iraqi dinars in revenue during the previous year, exceeding their planned targets. The commission called on the Baghdad Municipality to adopt a unified mechanism for collecting debts related to professional, advertising and waste-removal fees, while adhering to the procedures established under the Government Debt Collection Law and avoiding unlawful measures. It also proposed establishing a unified electronic platform allowing taxpayers to check outstanding fees, debts and payments, noting a lack of clarity in the calculation of some fees and limited public awareness of amounts owed. The commission recommended increasing public-awareness campaigns regarding fee regulations and installment options, as well as periodically reviewing fee assessments to reflect economic conditions, promote fairness and encourage compliance. It further recommended requiring clearance certificates from Baghdad Municipality departments before issuing or renewing licenses for various sectors and professions, including tourism, hotels, banks, exchange companies, private hospitals and clinics, jewelry shops and workshops, fuel stations and generators. The commission also noted that professional and business assessments adopted by the Baghdad Municipality since 2018 remain in use and called for updating them in line with economic changes and efforts to maximize state revenues.