Finance Minister stresses on the necessity of tax payments - Broadcast announcement made
Artists in Kazakhstan to Pay Taxes on Online Income
In Kazakhstan, popular artists like Saken Maiagaziev and Kaiarat Nurtas are now selling subscriptions to their concert and event broadcasts on social networks [1]. This new revenue stream has raised questions about taxation, with the Minister of Finance, Madina Tkayeva, providing clarification.
During a government briefing, journalists reminded Tkayeva of these artists' online sales [2]. In response, she confirmed that income from online concerts or weddings is considered any other form of income and must be declared [3].
Under Kazakhstan's tax laws, Individual Income Tax (IIT) at a flat rate of 10% is applicable to all income, including that from online broadcasts [1]. Additional taxes such as social tax (11% paid by the employer) and social and pension contributions may also apply, but these are primarily relevant for income earned by businesses or entrepreneurs, rather than private individuals [1].
VAT may also be relevant if the artist or their entity is registered under the VAT regime, but this mainly applies to businesses [1].
The tax for additional income must be paid by April 10, 2026, if declared by March 31, 2026 [4].
The online broadcast of a Kazakhstani singer's son's wedding caused heated discussions on social media, with some viewing it as an interesting experiment and others regarding it as inappropriate commercialism [5]. The exact earnings from this online event varied greatly, with estimates ranging from around 150 million tenge to as low as seven million [6].
Despite the legal discussions surrounding the event, it underscores the need for artists to be aware of their tax obligations when earning income online. For more details about the discussions surrounding the online broadcast of the wedding, see the linked article [7].
[1] Kazakhstan's Taxation Laws [2] Government Briefing [3] Tkayeva's Statement [4] Tax Payment Deadline [5] Social Media Discussions [6] Estimated Earnings [7] Detailed Discussions Article
- Artists in Kazakhstan, such as Saken Maiagaziev and Kaiarat Nurtas, now earning income through online concerts and event broadcasts, must declare this income under Kazakhstan's tax laws, as confirmed by Minister of Finance Madina Tkayeva.
- The income generated by these artists from online broadcasts, including concerts, is subject to Individual Income Tax at a flat rate of 10%, as stated in Kazakhstan's tax laws.
