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Almaty's tax authorities are issuing a stern warning to both employers and employees regarding the significant risks associated with informal employment and undeclared wages. The Department of State Revenues (DSR) for Almaty city is highlighting the potential for substantial financial penalties and the loss of crucial social benefits.

Rising Concerns Over Shadow Economy

The issue has gained prominence with a notable increase in complaints. By the end of 2025، Almaty's tax bodies received 1،200 reports concerning informal employment and the non-payment of social contributions. This trend has continued into 2026، indicating a persistent challenge with undeclared work.

The Risks of 'Shadow' Salaries

A practice known as 'shadow' salaries، where employment relationships are not officially registered or a portion of income is paid without tax being accounted for، continues to exist. While employees might be tempted by a larger immediate paycheck، this arrangement deprives them of essential social guarantees and can lead to serious financial repercussions later in life.

Benefits of Formal Employment

Opting for formal employment ensures crucial benefits such as pension savings، sick leave and vacation pay، disability benefits، and access to loans on more favorable terms. Without official contributions، work experience is not recognized، directly impacting future pension amounts.

Furthermore، a formal employment contract guarantees payments upon termination، unemployment benefits، maternity leave payments، and access to medical services under the mandatory health insurance system (MHIF). Informal work arrangements jeopardize these rights، often reducing state-provided benefits to a minimum.

Tax Implications for Asset Purchases

The DSR emphasizes that when individuals purchase assets like apartments or vehicles، tax authorities will cross-reference these expenditures with officially declared income. This scrutiny can lead to the additional assessment of taxes، the calculation of penalties for all audited periods، and potential administrative liability.

"What may seem 'advantageous' today can turn into significant financial obligations in the future،" the DSR cautioned.

Ensuring Compliance

All employment contracts must be registered on the Enbek.kz portal. Individuals can verify their pension، social، and tax contributions through various platforms، including the eGov.kz portal، the personal cabinet of the Unified Pension Fund (EPF)، the 'e-Salyq Azamat' mobile app، or banking applications.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz information agency.