Apple, Google, Valve among top contributors to KZ 171 bln digital tax
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Apple, Google and Valve have paid a combined 171 billion tenge ($370 million) in value-added tax on digital services to Kazakhstan since 2022, according to the State Revenue Committee. The tax, known as the 'Google tax,' applies to foreign internet platforms selling goods and services to Kazakh individuals. Talgat Adilov, head of digital asset administration, disclosed the figure on June 18.
Tax Collection Details
The State Revenue Committee reported that 131 foreign internet companies are officially registered in Kazakhstan as of June 2026. The 'Google tax,' a 12% VAT on digital services, has been in effect since 2022. Apple, Google, and Valve are among the top contributors, though the committee did not disclose individual payments. The tax targets sales of digital goods, streaming services, and software to Kazakh consumers.
Compliance and Registration
Foreign companies must register with Kazakh tax authorities to comply with the digital VAT regime. The committee noted that 131 firms have registered, but enforcement remains a challenge. Non-compliant platforms face potential service restrictions, though no such measures have been announced. The tax has generated 171 billion tenge since its introduction, with annual revenues growing as more companies register.
What's Next
The committee plans to expand the tax to cover additional digital services, including online advertising and cloud computing, by 2027. It remains unclear whether major non-compliant platforms like Meta or X will register or face penalties.
3 sources
Apple, Google, Valve among top contributors to KZ 171 bln digital tax
