Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin, stated that tax revenues had increased based on the results of the first quarter of 2026. However, Majilis Deputy Azat Peruashev questioned these assessments, citing complaints from entrepreneurs about a decline in turnover and the risk of businesses closing.
WHAT SERIK ZHUMANGARIN SAID
As Serik Zhumangarin reported on his Facebook page, based on the results of the first quarter of 2026, the tax reform began to deliver the expected outcome. In particular, he noted a growth in budget revenues.
According to him, the plan for tax revenues for 2026 amounts to 18.9 trillion tenge, which is 4.4 trillion tenge more than the previous year. For January–March, 4.1594 trillion tenge was received into the budget, which corresponds to 101.8% of the plan's execution. Growth compared to the same period last year was 26.1%.
Revenues also increased from value-added tax (VAT). They reached 1.9625 trillion tenge, showing a 48.6% increase compared to last year.
Furthermore, the number of VAT payers rose by nearly 12,000, to 146,000.
Zhumangarin emphasised that the revenue growth is linked to economic activity and tax administration measures. He also noted that the additional effect from fiscal measures amounted to around 130 billion tenge.
HOW AZAT PERUASHEV RESPONDED
Azat Peruashev expressed doubt that the growth in budget revenues reflects the real state of business.
According to him, during meetings with entrepreneurs in Karaganda and Shymkent, representatives of small businesses reported a decline in turnover of 30-40% due to restrictions in the B2B segment.
The deputy noted that, according to the entrepreneurs, some companies are considering closure, and the increase in tax revenues could be because businesses are forced to settle their tax obligations before liquidation.
Peruashev also raised the issue of employment. He pointed out that the reduction in business could lead to job losses, and questioned who would provide income for employees and their families.
Furthermore, the deputy stated that he has doubts that a "significant social cost" does not lie behind the increase in indicators.