Kyrgyzstan Media May Qualify for Tax Exemptions Under New Decree

Media organizations in Kyrgyzstan could soon benefit from tax exemptions, following a presidential decree that offers tax relief to the creative sector. Almambet Shykmamatov, Chairman of the State Tax Service, confirmed that the decree extends to services involved in producing, placing, and distributing publicly available information online, including text, graphics, audio, and video. "Journalists, editorial offices, and cameramen are also related to this, so the decree applies to them as well; they can take advantage of the benefits," Shykmamatov stated. He addressed comparisons suggesting tax breaks should prioritize teachers and medical workers, calling such arguments manipulative. Shykmamatov cited budget allocations, noting that 37.8 billion soms were designated for education in 2025 and 71.9 billion soms in 2026, while healthcare received 20.2 billion soms in 2025 and 49.9 billion soms in 2026. He emphasized that the state continues to prioritize funding for education and healthcare but also recognizes the need to support emerging economic areas. "The state is a mother who cares for her children. One daughter is named Education, the other Healthcare. But there is also a mischievous little son, in whom we also need to invest and give him some benefits so that he grows up and helps support his sisters in the future. Creative people are precisely that mischievous little one who needs support now," the tax chief explained. Shykmamatov asserted that the tax benefits are unrelated to the upcoming presidential elections. Previously, reports indicated that the exemptions might apply to a single tax and require residency in the Creative Industries Park.

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Journalists, editorial offices, and cameramen are also related to this, so the decree applies to them as well; they can take advantage of the benefits.