Overview of the Rule Change
Starting January 1, 2026, the rules under Kazakhstan’s new Nalogovy Kodeks (Law No. 214-VIII, adopted July 18, 2025) changed how individual income tax (ИПН) applies to profits from selling property. Prior, owners who held residential property for one year or more were exempt from tax on gains. That holding requirement has now shifted to two years, with a phased transition period. (pvl.kgd.gov.kz)
Transitional Provisions & Types of Property Covered
- If property was acquired before January 1, 2026, the old one-year rule applies;
- For property acquired on or after January 1, 2026, the owner must hold it for 2 years to qualify for the zero-tax exemption;
- As of 2028, the 2-year rule will apply uniformly to all residential properties. (pvl.kgd.gov.kz)
The rule applies to residential property (жилая недвижимость). For other property types (e.g. vehicles), different rules may apply or no exemption may be available. (pvl.kgd.gov.kz)
What You Need to Know & Tax Rates
- If you sell property after the holding period, no tax on gain under ИПН for residential real estate;
- If sold before meeting the required holding period, gain is taxed at 10% on the “прирост стоимости”（difference between sale price and purchase price) where relevant. (pvl.kgd.gov.kz)
Planning Tips
- Check acquisition date: If you acquired before 2026, plan accordingly under the old 1-year rule;
- Consider waiting to sell: Property purchased in 2026 but sold in 2027 may not qualify for the exemption until having held for two full years;
- Track purchase price & improvements carefully**: essential to calculate your gain accurately when dealing with tax before exemption period expires;
- Use transitional period: For houses bought in 2025, you still have the 1-year rule—selling in 2026 may qualify under old norms.
Example Scenario
Maria bought a residential apartment on March 15, 2026. She plans to sell in July 2027. Because the purchase is after January 1, 2026, the required holding period is 2 years, so she’ll not qualify for the exemption if she sells in 2027 without having held for 2 years. If she waits until March 15, 2028, she qualifies for the 0% ИПН using the exemption.
If instead Maria had purchased in October 2025, she could sell in November 2026 under the old 1-year rule and avoid tax on gain.
Action Steps if You’re Facing a Sale
- Determine the acquisition date and whether the property is residential;
- Estimate when you’ll meet the 2-year holding period;
- Conflict or immediate need to sell? Expect 10% tax on gain if held shorter;
- Consider legal and financial advice if property is inherited, gifted, or acquired under special programs (which may affect cost basis or acquisition date)
Category: Tax Planning Tax home: RussiaCIS