Last updated: 2 May 2012

Taxation

Principal taxes include:

• Corporate income tax, including branch profits tax, capital gains tax and withholding taxes
• Personal income tax
• Value-added tax (VAT)
• Excise tax
• Rent tax on exported crude oil and natural gas liquids
• Taxes and special payments by subsurface users
• Social tax (payroll tax)
• Land tax
• Tax on transport vehicles
• Property tax

For imported products, value-added tax (VAT) of 12 per cent is levied at the border. Additional excise duties apply for tobacco, alcoholic beverages, petroleum and cars.

Kazakhstan has a flat 10 per cent personal income tax as well as a 10 per cent ‘social insurance’ payroll tax levied on employers. Company tax is 20 per cent on profits.

Non-residents that do not have a permanent establishment in Kazakhstan are subject to Kazakhstan withholding tax on Kazakhstan source income. This is broadly defined to include any income from activity in Kazakhstan.

There are no treaties on double taxation between Australia and Kazakhstan.

Top Business Risks

• Bribery of Foreign Officials
• Tariffs and regulations
• Doing business in Kazakhstan

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.