A 75% increase: More parents choosing private schools for their children

In 2018, nearly 14,000 children attended private schools in Uzbekistan. By 2024, this number has surpassed 112,000, marking a 75% increase compared to the previous academic year. Parents whose children attend private schools are eligible for income tax benefits.

Photo: KUN.UZ

As of the beginning of the 2024/25 academic year, the number of students enrolled in private schools in Uzbekistan has reached 112,093.

According to the National Statistics Committee, this figure is nearly twice as high as the previous academic year and 8.1 times higher than at the start of the 2018/19 academic year.

Growth in student enrollment in private schools over the years:

2018/19 – 13,769 students
2019/20 – 21,042 students
2020/21 – 26,970 students
2021/22 – 30,553 students
2022/23 – 45,927 students
2023/24 – 64,010 students
2024/25 – 112,093 students

The highest increase has been recorded in the 2024/25 academic year, with student enrollment in private schools rising by 75% compared to the previous year.

During the pandemic years, the growth rate was slower. However, in the last six years, the average annual growth rate of private school enrollment has been a significant 43.1%.

Tax benefits for parents enrolling children in private schools

Since April 1, 2022, parents who pay tuition fees for private schools and preschools are exempt from income tax on amounts up to 3 million UZS per month.

This tax benefit can be applied immediately if the tuition payment is made directly through salary deductions. If not, parents can claim a tax refund by submitting a tax declaration.

To claim a refund, parents must provide a contract with the private school and proof of payments made.

If the exemption was not used when making tuition payments, parents can file a declaration with the tax authorities at the end of the year to reclaim the overpaid tax. This process can be completed on the my3.soliq.uz portal.

Steps to apply for a tax refund:

Log in to my3.soliq.uz and go to the "All Services" section.
Select "Individuals" and complete the declaration using an electronic digital signature (EDS).
The system will automatically generate salary and tax deduction data.
Under "Tax Exempt Income", select the relevant tax exemption type.
Enter the individual taxpayer number (TIN) of the school and your identification number.
Provide the contract number, tuition fee amount, and upload the contract and payment receipts.
Submit the declaration, and the tax refund amount will be calculated automatically.

Parents can claim an income tax refund within five years of making the payment.

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