On 21–23 October 2026, the XXXIII session of the Council for Coordination of Heads of Tax Authorities of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) convened in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The meeting brought together nearly 50 senior officials from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the Russian Federation, alongside representatives of the CIS Executive Committee and the Russian Ministry of Finance University. The session aimed to deepen interstate cooperation, exchange best practices, and elevate the efficiency of tax administrations across the region. In his opening remarks, Tajikistan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Hikmatullo Kholikzoda emphasized that amid changing global economic conditions, expanding cross-border trade and developing effective technologies make stronger interstate cooperation and improved tax administration systems increasingly vital. The Council’s work falls within the second phase of the CIS Economic Development Strategy 2026–2030, focusing on strengthening the contractual and legal framework, expanding tax information exchange, sharing experience, and building the professional capacity of tax officials.
Key Takeaways
- Digital Transformation and Electronic Document Exchange: The Council approved a draft Protocol amending the 1999 Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Tax Law Enforcement, introducing electronic exchange of customs documents. A separate draft Intergovernmental Protocol on expanding the scope of information exchange was also endorsed, marking a major step toward paperless cross-border tax administration. Pilot projects for electronic document flow between customs authorities are slated for testing in the coming year.
- Artificial Intelligence and Risk Management: Delegates discussed the deployment of AI-driven risk management systems to classify taxpayers into high, medium, and low-risk categories. Tajikistan showcased its “Risk Analysis Management” module, which enables pre-emptive detection of non-compliance and offers taxpayers a chance to self-correct before enforcement actions. The system uses big data analytics to identify anomalies and has already reduced unnecessary audits by focusing resources on high-risk segments.
- Capacity Building and Future Work Plan: The Council adopted its work plan for 2026–2027, prioritizing taxpayer-centric services, digital literacy programs, and a “Digital Simulator” training tool for young specialists. Uzbekistan will assume the Council chairmanship for the next term, with the next session set to focus on crypto-asset taxation, tax literacy, and automated taxpayer cooperation. The Protocol of the XXXIII session was signed, formalizing these commitments.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement