On April 28, 2026, a briefing on current issues of tax legislation was held at the platform of the Regional Communications Service of the East Kazakhstan Region. The briefing covered the simplified procedure for refunding excess VAT, the provision of deferrals and/or installment plans for the payment of taxes, fees and/or penalties, as well as the bankruptcy procedure for legal entities.
During the event, Askhat Zhibitayev, Acting Deputy Head of the Department of State Revenues for the East Kazakhstan Region (hereinafter referred to as the Department), informed the media about the key changes to the VAT refund mechanism introduced as part of the 2026 tax reform.
The new Tax Code has significantly expanded the application of the simplified procedure for refunding excess VAT. Under the new rules, VAT refunds are made without tax audits, based on the tax risk management system.
The right to use the simplified procedure is granted to taxpayers under tax monitoring, as well as to companies for which at least 50% of turnover comes from transactions subject to a zero VAT rate. If the established conditions are met, the VAT refund is made within 15 business days. The changes are aimed at reducing the administrative burden, supporting exporters, and stimulating business activity.
The briefing also explained the provisions on granting deferrals and/or installment plans for the payment of taxes, fees and penalties, as provided for by Articles 132–134 of the Tax Code. A deferral may be granted for up to 6 months, while an installment plan may be granted for up to 36 months. These measures apply in cases of temporary financial difficulties faced by a taxpayer when there are objective grounds, including emergencies, seasonal business activities, or other documented circumstances. In certain cases, a deferral or installment plan may be granted without collateral, provided that the established criteria are met.
Sairan Ualibekova, Head of the Department’s Insolvent Debtors Management Division, provided information on the bankruptcy procedure for legal entities.
➡️ Bankruptcy is a court-recognized state of insolvency that serves as grounds for the liquidation of a company and is aimed at satisfying creditors’ claims. The basis for bankruptcy is persistent insolvency, where the debtor’s liabilities exceed its assets.
The procedure may be initiated either by the debtor itself or by creditors and is carried out under the supervision of a bankruptcy administrator, generally taking up to 9 months. The legislation provides for liability of company officials, including subsidiary liability in cases of deliberate bankruptcy—intentional actions aimed at withdrawing assets, concealing property, or falsifying financial statements.
At the end of the briefing, representatives of the Department answered journalists’ questions and provided additional explanations regarding the practical application of the tax legislation.