Uzbekistan’s new “Second Chance” amnesty allows small and medium-sized enterprises to have certain tax penalties and other liabilities written off if they settle eligible tax debts by 31 December 2026, alongside broader measures to reduce business compliance burdens.
Uzbekistan has issued Presidential Decree No. PF-175 of 28 August 2026, which provides tax amnesty for small and medium-sized enterprises. The Decree officially establishes a comprehensive “Second Chance” economic amnesty for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) running through 31 December 2026.
Tax penalties on arrears incurred before the amnesty will be written off if the underlying tax debt is fully paid by 31 December 2026, with related enforcement proceedings also terminated.
The key measures are:
Core provisions for debt clearance and penalty write-offs
SMEs can have penalties on tax arrears incurred before the amnesty written off if they fully pay the underlying tax debt, excluding penalties, by 31 December 2026. Related enforcement proceedings will be terminated, but businesses must have no outstanding tax arrears, excluding penalties, as of 1 January 2027 to qualify.
Relief for voluntary self-correction
Taxpayers who voluntarily correct past tax returns and fully pay any additional tax assessed by 31 December 2026 will not face financial penalties on the additional liability. Their Business Entity Sustainability Rating will also not be reduced because of these voluntary corrections.
Additional amnesty measures and liability relief
The amnesty also covers unpaid administrative fines for late tax-return filing incurred before 1 January 2026 and certain unpaid financial penalties for turnover taxpayers using fixed payments. Businesses are exempt from administrative liability for failing to submit bank payment orders for taxes and fees, while delayed registration of existing employment contracts in the Unified National Labour System will be allowed without penalties.
Connection to broader enterprise protections
The amnesty forms part of wider measures to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses. First-time violations that do not harm health or property will generally receive a warning and 10 days to rectify the issue without a fine, while a three-year moratorium applies to general inspections of small businesses.
Authorities are also tasked with reducing financial and administrative fines by an average of 50%, and disputes with public authorities are subject to a presumption that entrepreneurs acted lawfully, placing the burden of proof on the state.
