This document discusses developing a harmonized tax regime to foster small business development in the East African Community (EAC). It analyzes the different tax systems of EAC countries and how they affect small businesses. The informal sector plays a large role in EAC economies and small businesses need support to formalize. Different approaches to taxing small businesses are considered, including presumptive taxation based on indicators like turnover. Harmonizing definitions of small and medium enterprises and tax bases across countries could help, but implementing reforms faces challenges around equity, compliance, and preventing tax evasion.