Culture Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov expressed his views on the draft new tax order during an open meeting with artists on April 21. The minister emphasized that the current tax form is "unhealthy" and that the new order is being discussed solely to improve the existing system, not as a question of whether artists pay taxes.

"First of all, this is still a draft, it has not been approved yet. When it was published, many artists showed their true colors — they displayed their illiteracy, a complete lack of knowledge about taxes. Artists pay taxes. In society, there started to be talk that they don't pay, even statements like 'we won't pay' appeared. But in reality, they do pay, they just don't know it themselves. They pay everywhere — from weddings, from concerts," said Nazarbekov.

The minister also highlighted the importance of taxes for the country's development: "You sleep peacefully today thanks to taxes, your children go to school, you calmly engage in business. It is shameful to refuse to pay taxes."

According to the draft, starting from September 1, 2026, all performers' services must be registered in the "Soliq" mobile application, and personal income tax is to be paid on a "one service — one payment" basis at a fixed rate depending on the performer's rating. The amount ranges from 0.25 BRV (103,000 soums) to 3 BRV (1,236,000 soums). Non-compliance risks a fine of at least 20 BRV (8,240,000 soums).

The draft has faced objections from some artists, including People's Artist of Uzbekistan Yulduz Usmonova, who stated, "Sing yourselves." According to the Tax Committee, in 2025, 728 singers submitted tax declarations for concert and entertainment services, with total taxable income amounting to 3,728.7 million soums and personal income tax assessed at 437.1 million soums.

Source: kun.uz