At the 26th meeting of the Project Office for the Implementation of the Tax Code, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, the main focus was on the development of cashless payments and the updating of subordinate legislation for the application of a zero rate of mineral extraction tax (MET).
In particular, the participants discussed the development of modern cashless payment methods, including QR payments, transfers by telephone number, electronic money, and the digital tenge. Financial regulators propose extending the value-added tax (VAT) exemption, which currently applies to payment card transactions, to services related to other forms of cashless payments.
It was noted that the payments market is developing rapidly and that digital payment methods are becoming increasingly widespread. Financial regulators emphasized the importance of establishing a level playing field to promote cashless payments and digital payment solutions.
The participants of the Project Office noted that the VAT exemption had previously been introduced as a separate measure for the payment instrument that was the most widely used at that time. However, with the development of new payment methods, including QR payments, mobile transfers, and the digital tenge, the payments market has changed significantly. Accordingly, the automatic extension of the tax exemption to new instruments had not previously been considered, as this required an assessment of the economic impact and a clear definition of the range of transactions to which the exemption should apply. In addition, the applicable payments legislation was updated in 2026 and broadened the concept of payment card transactions, which requires further clarification of tax regulation.
Serik Zhumangarin noted that the development of modern payment instruments, including QR payments and the digital tenge, is a positive trend. At the same time, he emphasized the need to substantiate the economic impact of the proposed measure.
Following the discussion, it was decided to further examine the matter jointly with the Ministry of Finance, the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, and the National Bank, clarify the relevant legislative provisions, and submit the corresponding calculations.
As the second item on the agenda, the participants discussed updating subordinate legislation for the application of a zero rate of mineral extraction tax (MET) in accordance with the Tax Code. In this regard, the Ministry of Industry and Construction was instructed to clarify Resolution No. 1102 of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 18 December 2025, which regulates the criteria for low-profitability deposits of solid minerals and the rules for determining their profitability.
