rafidainscope - 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, while calling for the adoption of electronic and legal mechanisms to enhance fee collection and increase municipal revenues.
In a report prepared after conducting field visits to a number of Baghdad Municipality departments and boroughs, the Commission said that some boroughs achieved revenues exceeding 37 billion dinars last year, surpassing the planned amount.
The Commission added that it called on the Baghdad Municipality to establish a unified mechanism for collecting debts arising from professional, advertising, and waste removal fees, to comply with the procedures set forth in the Government Debt Collection Law, and
to avoid unlawful measures such as sealing shops or placing concrete blocks.
It explained that it proposed establishing a unified electronic platform enabling taxpayers to inquire about fees and debts owed and the amounts paid, noting the lack of clarity in the basis for calculating some fees and citizens' weak knowledge of the amounts due.
The Commission affirmed that it recommended intensifying media campaigns to raise awareness of fee regulations and the possibility of installment payments, along with periodically reviewing fee estimates in a way that takes into account the economic situation, achieves fairness, and
encourages compliance with payment. It also recommended not granting or renewing licenses for a number of sectors and professions, including tourism, hotels, banks, exchange companies, hospitals, private clinics, goldsmith shops and workshops, gas stations, and generators, except after presenting a
clearance certificate from Baghdad Municipality departments.
The Commission affirmed that it recommended intensifying media campaigns to raise awareness of fee regulations and the possibility of installment payments, along with periodically reviewing fee estimates in a way that takes into account the economic situation, achieves fairness, and encourages compliance with payment. It also recommended not granting or renewing licenses for a number of sectors and professions, including tourism, hotels, banks, exchange companies, hospitals, private clinics, goldsmith shops and workshops, gas stations, and generators, except after presenting a clearance certificate from Baghdad Municipality departments.
The Commission noted that work is still proceeding under the profession and business estimates adopted by the Baghdad Municipality since 2018, calling for their updating in line with economic changes and maximizing state resources.
