A forum on the topic of “A Look into the Future of the Tax System: New Management Model and Data-Driven Decisions” was held at the State Tax Service (STS) under the Ministry of Economy.

The event featured a speech by Samir Sharifov, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Deputy Prime Minister provided information on strengthening the economic sovereignty, forming an effective macroeconomic policy framework that drives sustainable development, and the increasing role of the tax authorities in this direction. He noted that the tax system, as one of the main pillars of the state's economic management mechanisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining macroeconomic stability, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and regulating economic processes in a balanced manner. The Deputy Prime Minister also discussed systematic and consistent approaches aimed at improving the business environment. He stated that the institutional coordination of fiscal, tax, social, and financial policies plays a decisive role in this process. This synergy ensures the effectiveness of economic policy, the sustainability of reforms, and the long-term nature of the achieved results.

Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov provided information on the existing macroeconomic stability and favorable business environment in our country. He noted that the private sector plays a major role in the diversification of the economy, and the active state support for this sector continues. In recent years, a significant portion of the state support to the private sector has been related to tax and customs incentives. This strategic approach has led to significant qualitative and structural changes in the economy. Additionally, the reforms and digitalization carried out in the tax sector in recent years have contributed to supporting entrepreneurship, increasing transparency, and forming a more competitive business environment.

The Minister stated that important decisions have been made this year to accelerate digital transformation in our country. At a meeting chaired by President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it was particularly emphasized that the digital economy and innovation are among the main priorities in our future activities. Within this framework, the full digitalization of administrative processes in the tax system, the further increase in transparency and efficiency in decision-making through the application of artificial intelligence solutions have been identified as primary goals. At the same time, accelerating the development of the non-oil sector and expanding tax mechanisms that encourage capital investments are among the priority directions.

At the forum, Orkhan Nazarli, the Head of the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy, delivered a speech. Discussing the results achieved in 2025, the reforms implemented to improve the tax administration, and strategic perspectives, the STS Head emphasized the active position of the tax policy in ensuring economic development. He stated that ensuring fiscal sustainability and the continuous provision of state revenues are among the main priorities in conditions of economic stability. Last year, the tax and social contributions collected through the State Tax Service amounted to nearly 24.2 billion manats, accounting for 79.1 percent of total fiscal collections. This dynamic was made possible not only by strengthening administrative control but also by legalizing economic activity and increasing mutual trust with taxpayers. According to the 2025 results, the voluntary compliance indicator reached 92.6 percent.

Orkhan Nazarli noted that the measures implemented within the framework of the “State Tax Service Strategy for 2025-2028” have given impetus to elevating the tax system to a qualitatively new stage. He emphasized that transitioning to a data-based decision-making standard and forming a digital ecosystem based on information that supports continuous development are among the main objectives.

During the forum, a video was shown regarding the results and prospects of gender policy in the tax system.

At the event, Fariz Jafarov, the Executive Director of 4SIM, Roman Bandurin, Head of the Data Analytics Department of the STS, and Gunay Mahmudova, Head of the Department at the Digital Tax Administration Main Department, made presentations on the topic of “Development of the Digital Economy and Digital Solutions in Tax Administration.” In addition, presentations by Nijat Imanov, Head of the Tax Policy Main Department of the STS, and Gulnar Aghazade, Head of the Department at the same Main Department, on the topic of “Changes in Tax Legislation and Formed Stereotypes” were delivered.

Within the framework of the forum, awards were presented to distinguished taxpayers in various nominations.