The new Tax Code

Tajikistan's Majlisi Namoyandagon (lower chamber of parliament) passed a new Tax Code and Customs Code on 3 November. The new Tax Code introduces a two-tier income tax with rates of 8 percent for those who earn less than 100 somonis a month ($36), and 13 percent for those who earn more, Avesta reported. Tax Minister Ghulom Boboev told the news agency that the tax code has been simplified and improved. "Agricultural producers will pay a single land tax instead of six-seven taxes," he said. "Rates have been reduced for income taxes and tax on profit. There are incentives for foreign and domestic investors." But economist Hojimuhammad Umarov told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that high rates in the new code will force businesses to conceal revenues, leading to increased corruption.