Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held a meeting on the development of entrepreneurship with the participation of the leadership of the Ministries of Finance and National Economy, as well as the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs.
The meeting reviewed the current state of entrepreneurship, preliminary results of the tax reform, and measures aimed at ensuring fair regulation of business activities. Particular attention was paid to business activity, as well as sectoral and regional indicators.
Minister of Finance Madi Takiyev reported that corporate income tax revenues to the national budget increased by 15.7% in the first half of the year. Positive dynamics were particularly noted in the financial sector and manufacturing industry.
The number of small and medium-sized business entities increased by approximately 550,000 in the first half of the year. According to the Ministry of Finance, this growth resulted from the legalization of self-employed activities. Self-employed individuals are exempt from paying taxes and are only required to make social contributions.
At the same time, around 260,000 SME entities without employees ceased their operations, indicating a significant reduction in the artificial fragmentation of businesses.
In addition, following amendments to the Tax Code, the threshold for advance corporate income tax payments was raised from 325,000 MCI (KZT 1.4 billion) to 600,000 MCI (KZT 2.6 billion) effective January 1, 2026.
As a result, companies falling under the new parameters will make their final corporate income tax payments once a year. The corresponding revenues based on the results of 2026 will be reflected in the 2027 budget, whereas previously such payments were made monthly during the reporting year. This measure will allow businesses to reduce their reporting burden and retain more funds in circulation.
Chairman of the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs Kanat Sharlapaev raised a number of issues relevant to the business community and presented proposals on behalf of entrepreneurs. First Vice Minister of National Economy Azamat Amrin provided comments on the issues raised.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov instructed the relevant authorities to continue close cooperation to improve the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between the state and business community in achieving the common goal of ensuring sustainable economic growth.
The Ministries of Finance and National Economy, together with the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, were instructed to conduct a comprehensive monthly analysis of the state of the business sector by industry and region, with the relevant information to be submitted accordingly.