Taxes, Accounting and Contributions for Sole Proprietors: A Step-by-Step Guide 2026

This article is a detailed, practical guide for individual entrepreneurs (IP) in Kazakhstan who sell through Kaspi.kz and other channels. I explain which taxes an IP needs to know, how to do bookkeeping for an IP, how to calculate contributions and what accounting services cost on the market in 2026. Calculation examples are given step by step, with analysis of common mistakes made by Kaspi sellers and advice on integrating bookkeeping with sales and payments.

Brief context for Kaspi sellers

Kaspi Store remains the primary trading platform for most small and medium sellers in Kazakhstan — over 12 million active users in 2026. Commissions and terms depend on the product category: in most categories the commission ranges from 3% to 15% depending on logistics and services (installment payments, listings, logistics). To link sales with accounting, use Kaspi Pay for business and invoices: Kaspi Pay for business, and if you are just opening a store — the instruction is useful: How to open a Kaspi store.

1. Tax obligations of sole proprietors (IP)

Which taxes and contributions an IP must pay (structure)

• Income/profit taxes — depend on the chosen tax regime.
• VAT — if you register as a VAT payer or are obliged by thresholds.
• Patent/simplified regimes — available in certain activities; conditions depend on region and type of activity.
• Social and pension contributions — regular mandatory payments to the funds.
• Local fees and obligations — fees and payments for licenses if required.

Important: terminology in documents may differ from colloquial language ("taxes for IP", "taxpayer IP"). By classification you are a taxpayer IP and must keep records, file reports and make payments on time.

2. Accounting support: what’s needed and compliance requirements

For a trading IP, bookkeeping includes recording sales, purchases, commissions, returns and fee settlements with marketplaces like Kaspi. Basic requirements:

• Keep primary documents: invoices, delivery notes, acts of acceptance, and receipts.
• Match reports from Kaspi (transactions, commissions, chargebacks) with your cash and bank records.
• Maintain a register of fixed assets and inventory where relevant.
• Prepare and submit tax and statistical reports according to the selected regime.

Many IPs outsource bookkeeping: a competent accountant will tidy up records, prepare reports and advise on tax optimization within the law.

3. Calculation and payment of social/pension contributions

Social and pension contributions are mandatory. For IPs there are fixed minimum contributions and in some cases additional payments depending on declared income or salary payments to employees. Key points:

• Pay contributions on time to avoid fines and penalties.
• When you have employees, calculate employer and employee parts correctly and reflect them in payroll.
• There are benefits and exemptions in special cases — consult a specialist for one-off situations (e.g., sick leave, maternity, etc.).

4. Accounting services for IP: scope of tasks and how to check quality

Typical accounting package for a small trading IP includes:

• Keeping the book of income and expenses (or full accounting if required).
• Calculating taxes and contributions, preparing and filing tax declarations.
• Payroll calculation and reporting.
• Reconciliation of marketplace reports (Kaspi) with accounting records.
• Support during inspections and preparation of requested documents.

How to check provider quality:

• Ask for samples of reports and declarations they prepare.
• Check references and experience with marketplace sellers (Kaspi sellers have specific flows).
• Ensure they use secure data exchange and can integrate with your sales platform or accounting software.

5. Liability for violations and seller risks on the marketplace

Sellers on Kaspi face specific risks: product quality complaints, chargebacks, delayed shipments and discrepancies in declared goods. Financially, improper bookkeeping can lead to additional tax assessments, fines and problems during audits. Preventive measures:

• Keep all supporting documents for purchases, imports and expenses.
• Respond quickly to buyer complaints and keep records of refunds and compensations.
• Reconcile Kaspi statements monthly to capture commission adjustments and chargebacks.

Checklist: first 6 months for an IP seller on Kaspi (step-by-step)

1. Register IP and choose a tax regime with an accountant.
2. Open a business bank account and connect Kaspi Pay for business.
3. Set up bookkeeping: decide whether to outsource or use accounting software.
4. Integrate Kaspi transaction reports with your accounting: reconcile weekly.
5. Track inventory, receipts and delivery documents for each batch.
6. Monitor cash flow and projected tax liabilities monthly.

Practical recommendations and common mistakes to avoid

• Don’t mix personal and business accounts — keep separate banking and cash records.
• Record Kaspi commissions and fees separately so you can justify expenses to the tax authority.
• Keep evidence for returned goods and refunds (acts, correspondence, Kaspi reports).
• Regularly reconcile inventory to avoid stock discrepancies that create tax problems.

Tools and integrations that speed up operations

Helpful tools:

• Accounting software that supports import of marketplace reports and automated reconciliation.
• Payment integrations: Kaspi Pay for business and bank integrations to automatically pull transactions.
• Inventory management systems that sync with Kaspi listings and orders.

Choose tools that allow secure data export for your accountant and provide audit trails.

Case: tax and expense calculation for an electronics seller on Kaspi (realistic example)

Example assumptions:

• Annual turnover: 20,000,000 KZT.
• Gross margin: 20% after purchase and logistics.
• Kaspi commission and services: 8% average.
• Monthly fixed contributions and operating expenses: see line items below.

Step-by-step calculation (illustrative):

1. Calculate gross profit: turnover × margin.
2. Deduct marketplace commissions and variable fees.
3. Deduct allowable operating expenses (rent, advertising, courier, packaging).
4. Apply tax rate according to the chosen regime — compare general taxation vs simplified/patent.
5. Include social and pension contributions in monthly cash planning.

This example shows why many sellers with margins under ~15% prefer simplified regimes or a patent, but each case requires a precise calculation by a qualified accountant.

Conclusion: where to save and where not to

Save on routine processes by automating reconciliation, using reliable accounting services and integrating Kaspi reports. Don’t economize on compliance: mistakes in tax filings, missing primary documents or late contribution payments can lead to fines and reputational damage on marketplace platforms. Invest in a good accountant or accounting system early — it pays off within months by avoiding penalties and improving cost control.