New Tax and Advertising Regulations for Bloggers in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstani Bloggers Pay Over $151,000 in Taxes Following Notifications from Fiscal Authorities
Kazakhstani bloggers have recently been making headlines for contributing over 75 million tenge ($151,000) to the state budget after receiving notifications from fiscal authorities. According to Deputy Minister of National Economy Serik Jumangarin, fifteen bloggers have declared 1.5 billion tenge ($3 million) in income, leading to this substantial tax payment.
Jumangarin emphasized that this scrutiny is not limited to bloggers, as large taxpayers and construction companies are also being closely monitored by the Tax Committee. The Deputy Minister stated that these cases serve as examples of how the Tax Committee operates in ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
A leaked internal document has revealed a list of bloggers with tax debts, shedding light on the Tax Committee’s enforcement efforts. Similar notifications have also been sent to representatives of large businesses, indicating a broader crackdown on tax evasion in Kazakhstan.
In line with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s signed law, popular social media users in Kazakhstan are now required to pay taxes on earnings from their platforms, blogs, and advertising revenues. Influencers must adhere to new regulations, including properly labeling advertisements, taking responsibility for content, and maintaining official financial records.
Additionally, users of online platforms who distribute false information could face penalties of up to 20 monthly calculation indices (MCIs), while bloggers engaged in business activities may face a penalty of 40 MCIs. Recent amendments also mandate that online platform owners cooperate with state authorities to combat tax evasion and the spread of false information.
Overall, the recent tax payments made by Kazakhstani bloggers highlight the government’s efforts to ensure compliance with tax laws and crack down on tax evasion across various sectors in the country.
