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Tengrinews.kz - The project for VAT refund for foreign tourists (Tax Free) in Kazakhstan is planned to be extended until the end of 2025.
A draft document on the operation of the Tax Free in Kazakhstan has been posted on the "Open NPA" website. It provides for the VAT refund to foreign citizens when exporting goods outside the EAEU (except when goods are exported via EAEU member states). In other words, if goods are exported through countries that are part of the union, VAT refund is not applicable.
The public discussion of the draft will continue until December 18.
From August 15, 2019, to December 31, 2024, the "Tax Free" project has been operating in Kazakhstan. This program helps foreign tourists receive a VAT refund when exporting goods worth at least 74,000 tenge (or 20 MIC) outside the EAEU. Such opportunities are available to tourists in many countries, making purchases more advantageous for foreign visitors.
According to the data from the Committee for State Revenues of the Ministry of Finance, the Tax Free program is set to end at the end of 2024. However, a new order will extend its implementation if adopted. The draft order provides for the extension of the pilot project's duration until December 31, 2025.
It is clarified that the extension of the pilot project is necessary to fully test its impact on the development of tourism and the growth of trade turnover.
As is known, Tax Free is a system for refunding value-added tax (VAT) to foreign citizens who make purchases.
The VAT is already included in the price of each item. When purchasing in another country, foreigners can avoid paying this tax since they do not use social services funded by taxes. However, stores do not reduce the price by the amount of VAT, and it can be refunded when leaving the country.
By the way, it was previously announced that from December 1, 2024, holidays in the Maldives will become significantly more expensive for tourists due to increased taxes and additional financial requirements. Details - here.
