Baghdad: The Integrity Commission has launched an investigation into the effects of fee collection on the revenue streams of the Baghdad Municipality, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to manage outstanding debts owed by taxpayers for services such as professions, advertising, and waste removal.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Federal Integrity Commission has urged the Baghdad Municipality to develop a standardized mechanism that aligns with legal protections for business owners while safeguarding public funds. An extensive report, following multiple visits to key municipal offices including those in Rusafa, Karkh Center, Rashid, Karrada, Mansour, and Adhamiya, detailed the need to evaluate how these collections influence municipal revenues. The Commission stressed compliance with the Government Debt Collection Law No. 56 of 1977, advising against non-standard practices like sealing premises with red wax or using concrete blocks.
The Commission’s findings, shared with the Prime Minister’s Office, the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, a House of Representatives member, and the Mayor of Baghdad, called for the development of an electronic platform for municipal departments. This platform would facilitate taxpayer inquiries about outstanding debts and payments, addressing the lack of awareness among citizens and taxpayers regarding owed fees and the criteria for determining these fees. The report highlighted a significant issue, noting that over 41,000 taxpayers across five municipal departments did not settle their dues in 2025.
The report also highlighted the need for ministries and other entities to settle longstanding debts and emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness about fee-related regulations. It reported that municipalities like Rusafa, Karkh Center, Mansour, Adhamiya, and Rashid collectively achieved revenues exceeding 37 billion dinars in 2025, surpassing planned targets.
Additionally, the Commission recommended that several governmental bodies, including the Ministries of Culture, Health, Oil, Trade, and Planning, along with the Central Bank, should withhold licenses and renewals for various businesses until they secure a clearance certificate from the Baghdad Municipality. This directive extends to tourism companies, hotels, private banks, and other professions, urging compliance to enhance revenue collection.
The report also suggested periodic reviews of fee assessments in consideration of the economic climate to ensure fairness and incentivize citizens to pay dues, thereby boosting state revenues. It noted that the fee assessments established in 2018 for vital businesses and professions remain in force, underscoring the need for ongoing evaluation and adjustment.