As of January 1, 2026, a total of 701 artistes in Tajikistan have accumulated a tax debt of 665,100 somoni, according to the country's Tax Committee. These debts, some of which date back several years, represent a significant financial burden on the country's creative sector.
Compared to the previous year, the number of debtors has decreased by 32, and the total amount of debt has dropped by 65,500 somoni. In January 2026 alone, 148,200 somoni were recovered from 32 artists, and efforts to clear the remaining debt continue.
Who’s in the debt list?
The list of debtors includes a range of artists from different sectors:
· 330 dancers, musicians, and event hosts, with a total debt of 236,200 somoni
· 71 singers, owing 227,200 somoni
· 185 photographers and videographers, with a debt of 87,400 somoni
· 115 entrepreneurs who provide cars and event decor, with a total debt of 114,300 somoni
The Tax Committee has not disclosed the names of specific individuals on the list. However, in previous reports, notable names such as Sanggali Mirzoyev and Gholibjon Yusupov have been mentioned.
Highest debts in Dushanbe
Regionally, the largest tax debts are concentrated in the capital:
· Dushanbe: 296,500 somoni
· Sughd Province: 188,700 somoni
· Khatlon Province: 105,100 somoni
· Districts Subordinate to the Center: 59,200 somoni
· Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO): 3,000 somoni
One of the reasons for the delayed payments, according to the Tax Committee, is the frequent touring and participation of artists in cultural events. As reported in the department's newspaper "Boju Khiroj," some performers "forget their obligations" during travel, leading to the accumulation of debt.
How many artistes are officially registered?
As of January 1, 2026, there are 1,618 registered artists in Tajikistan. Of these, 1,586 work under special conditions, and 32 are registered under the simplified tax system. The registered artistes include:
· 176 singers
· 750 performers, musicians, and dancers
· 449 photographers and videographers
· 214 entrepreneurs who provide cars and event services
In 2025, 397 new artists registered, including 79 in Dushanbe, 211 in Sughd, 61 in Khatlon, 11 in GBAO, and 35 in the Districts Subordinate to the Center.
For the year 2025, a total of 4.97 million somoni in taxes were levied on artists, of which 4.8997 million somoni have already been paid into the state budget.
This data highlights the significant role that the creative sector plays in the country’s economy, while also underscoring the challenges artists face in keeping up with their tax obligations.
