Uzbekistan's Tax Committee discussed reforms with the IMF

The Tax Committee of Uzbekistan held a videoconference with representatives of the International Monetary Fund mission, which was also attended by employees of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Office of the Business Ombudsman. During the meeting, issues of supporting entrepreneurship and further improving tax administration were discussed, as reported by the Tax Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Particular attention was paid to government support measures for small businesses. Participants considered the possibility of introducing a temporary moratorium on tax audits, as well as the introduction of a preventive, or alternative, audit mechanism for medium and large taxpayers.

Representatives of Uzbekistan expressed confidence that reducing the administrative burden on entrepreneurs will facilitate business legalization, expand the tax base, and increase business activity.

IMF experts, in turn, emphasized the importance of maintaining effective tax control instruments while reducing the burden on bona fide businesses. Following the discussion, the parties concluded that a common priority is achieving a balance between supporting entrepreneurship and ensuring the stability of budget revenues.

In addition to business support measures, Uzbekistan is implementing a number of initiatives aimed at maintaining fiscal sustainability. Specifically, a register of audit firms is being established and unified preventive audit standards are being developed.

An electronic monitoring system is also being created, and efforts to prevent abuse are being strengthened. Continuous monitoring of the results of decisions is planned.

The parties assessed the dialogue as productive and confirmed their readiness for further cooperation. Future collaboration will focus, in particular, on improving the tax administration system in Uzbekistan.