Kazakhstan’s tax crackdown: Bloggers on the hook for $100 million

Nearly 600 bloggers in Kazakhstan understated their income and failed to pay taxes on a total of 53.3 billion tenge (approximately $100 million), according to the State Revenue Committee (SRC). Authorities are requiring them to report to the SRC and submit tax returns.

An SRC review comparing data from various sources with submitted tax declarations uncovered discrepancies totaling approximately $100 million for 594 individuals. As a result, from Feb. 13 to 14, 2025, authorities issued desk audit notices for «understatement of income» violations.

Popular media bloggers, also known as social media influencers, are required to submit additional tax filings to the SRC within 30 business days and pay self-assessed taxes. If they disagree with the findings, they must provide an explanation.

The committee emphasized that under Kazakhstan’s Constitution and Tax Code, bloggers must pay taxes on all sources of income, including online advertising, sales of training courses, and revenue from raffles and other activities.

Recent media reports highlighted that renowned Kazakh blogger Alisher Yelikbayev complained on social media about receiving «chain letters» from tax authorities. He claimed that 8,000 influencers were targeted and accused of failing to pay millions of dollars in taxes.