Uzbekistan studying global models for blogger taxation; no final decision yet

A delegation from the Tax Committee travelled to Moscow in February this year to study Russia’s experience, meeting counterparts from the country’s Federal Tax Service to discuss mechanisms for monitoring bloggers’ earnings.

 Jahongir Abdiyev told Kun.uz the work is still at an initial phase.

“There is no reason for concern. A new system cannot be introduced based solely on the experience of a single country. We are still at an early stage – you could say we are only just preparing to take the first step. We will also study other countries, including how the system works in Russia and how effective it is. But that alone is not enough,” he said.

Abdiyev said Russia’s experience is being examined but is not viewed as a ready-made model. The Tax Committee is also analyzing practices in other countries, particularly in Europe, where such systems have in some cases been successfully implemented.

“In the Netherlands and some other European countries, the system is well established and functioning, and society accepted it relatively easily. However, not all experiences have been positive. In some countries, such rules were later scrapped due to negative consequences and public backlash,” he noted. 

Abdiyev highlighted that Uzbekistan intends to compare different approaches, adopt best practices and take into account lessons learned from other countries. Asked whether a clear plan is in place, the official said there is none so far, noting that the work remains at the research stage and no concrete program has been developed.

In 2022, media attention was drawn to notices issued by tax authorities to Uzbek YouTube bloggers.

In Russia, oversight of bloggers’ income has increased in recent years, with authorities paying closer attention to the sector. In 2023, criminal cases were opened involving several high-profile bloggers over alleged tax violations.