VAT on QR Payments: Proposed Changes - FCHAIN

VAT on QR Payments: Proposed Changes

Kazakhstan is considering extending the VAT exemption to services related to modern cashless payment methods. The initiative was discussed at the 26th meeting of the Project Office for the Implementation of the Tax Code, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin. Currently, the VAT exemption applies to payment card transactions. Financial regulators propose considering a similar approach for services related to other cashless payment methods, including QR payments, transfers by phone number, electronic money, and the digital tenge.

 

Why the VAT Exemption May Be Extended

Kazakhstan’s payment market continues to develop, with digital payment methods becoming increasingly widespread. Previously, the VAT exemption was introduced specifically for payment cards, as they were the most widely used payment instrument at the time. With the development of QR payments, mobile transfers, electronic money, and the digital tenge, the structure of cashless payments has changed. In this context, financial regulators are considering creating consistent conditions for different modern payment instruments. However, extending the tax exemption to new payment methods requires further consideration. The economic impact of the proposed measure needs to be assessed, and a specific list of transactions eligible for the VAT exemption needs to be determined. Further clarification of tax regulation is also required because payment legislation was updated in 2026, including an expansion of the definition of payment card transactions.

 

Which Payment Methods Are Being Considered

The discussion covered various modern cashless payment instruments, including QR payments, transfers by phone number, electronic money, and the digital tenge. Serik Zhumangarin positively assessed the development of modern payment instruments, including QR payments and the digital tenge. At the same time, it was noted that the economic impact of the proposed exemption must be substantiated before a decision can be made. Following the meeting, it was decided to further examine the issue jointly with the Ministry of Finance, the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, and the National Bank. In particular, the relevant legislative provisions are to be clarified and the necessary calculations prepared. Therefore, extending the VAT exemption to QR payments and other modern cashless payment methods is currently only under consideration. No final decision on the initiative has been made at this stage.

 

A Zero Mineral Extraction Tax Rate Is Also Under Consideration

Another issue discussed at the meeting was the update of secondary legislation required for the application of a zero rate of mineral extraction tax in accordance with the Tax Code. The Ministry of Industry and Construction was instructed to clarify Resolution No. 1102 of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated December 18, 2025. The document regulates the criteria for classifying solid mineral deposits as low-profit deposits, as well as the procedure for determining their profitability.

 

Comprehensive Business Support by FChain

Changes in tax regulation and the development of new payment instruments require businesses to take applicable requirements into account when organizing payments, maintaining accounting records, and managing internal processes. FChain provides comprehensive accounting and legal support to companies in Kazakhstan.

• Accounting and Tax Services — maintaining accounting and tax records and preparing reports as part of the company’s business activities.
• Accounting Recovery — restoring accounting records and documentation when necessary to bring the company’s accounting into proper order.
• Legal Services — professional legal support on matters arising in the course of business activities.
• Legal Support for Business — comprehensive support for a company’s ongoing operations, including legal and corporate matters.
• Legal Audit — reviewing the legal aspects of a company’s activities, internal documents, and applicable business processes.
• Drafting Contracts — preparing and providing legal support for contractual documentation in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Registration of Companies — supporting the company registration process and the preparation of the required corporate documents.

FChain’s comprehensive approach allows businesses to combine accounting and legal support within a single professional team and systematically manage their accounting, tax, and legal processes.

 

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Prepared by: Anel Kosmaganbetova

Assistant to the Director

FChain Kazakhstan

 📩almaty@f-chain.com
WhatsApp: +7 771 214 1820