حesba

Which professional do you need?

Who does what, where to find the official lists, what to prepare before the meeting to save time and money, and how to check that a professional is registered.

By need

Starting a businessChartered accountant · Accountant · Tax adviser

Who to see

Chartered accountant, Accountant, Tax adviser

What to bring

  • National ID card
  • Description of the activity and expected yearly turnover
  • Lease or proof of ownership of the premises
  • Diplomas, if the activity is regulated

What to ask

  • Which status suits me, and why?
  • What is the total yearly cost: tax, CNSS and fees?
  • Which deadlines and returns must I meet?
  • Does my activity need a licence?

Try the free tool first: Business guide

Bookkeeping and tax returnsAccountant · Chartered accountant

Who to see

Accountant, Chartered accountant

What to bring

  • Sales and purchase invoices
  • Bank statements
  • Tax ID card and previous returns
  • Payslips if you have employees

What to ask

  • What is the monthly fee, and what does it include?
  • Who files the returns, and when?
  • How do I send you the documents?
Tax audit or noticeTax adviser · Chartered accountant · Lawyer

Who to see

Tax adviser, Chartered accountant, Lawyer

What to bring

  • The notice received and the date you received it
  • Returns and accounts for the period concerned
  • The related contracts and invoices

What to ask

  • How long do I have to reply? (deadlines are short: act quickly)
  • What are the options, and their cost?
Buying or selling propertyNotary (عدل إشهاد) · Lawyer

Who to see

Notary (عدل إشهاد), Lawyer

What to bring

  • National ID card
  • Ownership certificate (land title) and previous deed
  • Municipal tax receipt
  • Plans, if any

What to ask

  • What is the total cost: duties and fees? (estimate the duties with the property calculator)
  • How long until the deed is registered?

Try the free tool first: Property tax calculator

InheritanceNotary (عدل إشهاد) · Lawyer · Chartered accountant

Who to see

Notary (عدل إشهاد), Lawyer, Chartered accountant

What to bring

  • Death certificate and حجة الوفاة
  • List of assets and title deeds
  • Bank statements and debts

What to ask

  • The inheritance declaration is due within a year of the death — what are the steps?
  • Which exemptions apply (main residence, agricultural property)?

Try the free tool first: Property tax calculator

DisputeLawyer · Bailiff (عدل منفذ)

Who to see

Lawyer, Bailiff (عدل منفذ)

What to bring

  • Contracts, written exchanges and documents about the dispute

What to ask

  • What deadlines, what cost, what prospects?

Who does what

Chartered accountant

Accounts and financial statements, tax returns, advice when setting up a business or company, statutory audit.

Body : Order of Chartered Accountants of Tunisia (OECT) · Law : Loi 88-108

Official members directory ↗

Accountant

Bookkeeping and monthly and annual tax returns for small businesses.

Body : Compagnie des comptables de Tunisie (accountants’ professional body) · Law : Loi 2002-16

No confirmed official site — contact the body directly.

Tax adviser

Tax advice and representing taxpayers before the tax administration, especially in audits and disputes.

Body : Approval by the Minister of Finance · Law : Loi 60-34

No official list is published: ask for the registration number or approval and check it with the body.

Official approval procedure ↗

Notary (عدل إشهاد)

Drawing up deeds: sales, gifts, inheritance deeds (حجة الوفاة), powers of attorney.

Body : Ministry of Justice

Ministry of Justice site ↗

Lawyer

Disputes including tax disputes, contracts, company articles and representation in court.

Body : Tunisian National Bar Association (ONAT)

Find a lawyer (ONAT) ↗

How to check

  • Chartered accountants: look the name up in the Order’s official directory.
  • Accountants, tax advisers, lawyers, notaries: ask for the registration number or approval decision, and check it with the body concerned.
  • The title “tax adviser” is sometimes used by people without approval: ask for the Minister of Finance’s approval decision.
  • Ask for a written quote before starting.
⁦حesba⁩ does not recommend one professional over another and takes no commission. General information; for confirmation, contact the bodies concerned.