If you cannot personally attend Uzbekistan's tax authorities — whether you are based abroad or simply wish to delegate — a notarially certified power of attorney allows a trusted representative to act on your behalf. This article explains what a tax representation power of attorney is, what documents are required, and what to watch out for when having one certified.
A preliminary sale agreement locks in the terms between buyer and seller before the main transaction is signed. As a practising notary in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent, I explain when notarisation is legally required — and when it is simply the prudent choice.
A power of attorney (POA) for tax representation is a notarially certified document by which an individual or legal entity (the principal) authorises another person (the representative) to act on their behalf before Uzbekistan's tax authorities. Once in place, the representative may file tax returns, obtain official certificates, participate in audits, sign documents, and carry out other legally significant actions — all without the principal's physical presence.
In my practice I frequently see clients overlook key details when having these documents prepared, which later results in the representative being turned away at the tax inspectorate. The sections below walk through everything you need to know.
There are many situations where this document is indispensable:
I recommend determining the full list of actions your representative will need to perform before visiting the notary — this ensures the POA is drafted as precisely as possible.
| Representative's Action | Nature of Authority | Points to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Filing tax returns and applications | General or specific | Specify particular return types if needed |
| Obtaining certificates and reconciliation statements | Specific | Clarify the relevant taxes and periods |
| Participating in tax audits | Specific | Include the right to provide explanations and sign audit reports |
| Filing complaints and objections | Specific | State the right to appeal before higher-level authorities |
| Receiving and submitting documents | General | Record the right to sign documents on the principal's behalf |
If the powers granted are too broad — or conversely do not cover a required action — the representative will be refused. This is precisely why the wording of the POA matters so much.
For an individual (principal):
For a legal entity (company as principal):
Please verify the exact document list with the notary in advance — additional information may be required depending on the circumstances.
The validity period is set at the principal's discretion. If no period is specified, the POA is generally valid for one year from the date of certification. I recommend always stating a specific term that reflects your actual needs: this keeps both parties accountable and reduces the risk of misuse.
If you anticipate that your representative may need to delegate their authority to a third party, the right of sub-delegation must be expressly included in the POA text. Any sub-delegation must itself be certified by a notary.
Notarial fees for certifying a POA are set in accordance with current legislation and are revised periodically. Please confirm the applicable fees directly with the notary on the day of your visit. The cost depends on the type of POA, the scope of authority, and the status of the principal (individual or legal entity).
Can a tax POA be issued without a notary?
For individuals, generally no: tax authorities require a notarially certified document. For companies, a simple written POA bearing the director's signature and company seal may be accepted in certain situations — however, it is best to confirm the specific requirements with your tax inspectorate.
Can anyone act as a representative?
Yes — the principal may appoint any legally capable individual. This could be a family member, accountant, lawyer, or tax consultant.
What happens if the POA expires during an ongoing audit?
The representative loses their authority, and further actions on the principal's behalf become impossible. Monitor the expiry date carefully and arrange a new POA well in advance if needed.
Can a POA be revoked before it expires?
Yes. The principal may revoke a POA at any time by contacting a notary. It is advisable to notify both the tax authority and the representative of the revocation.
Is a separate POA required for each tax office?
A single POA can cover representation before several tax authorities, provided this is explicitly stated in the document. Clarify this point when having the POA prepared.
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*This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual notarial advice. Every situation has its own specifics that must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please verify current requirements and fees with the notary at the time of your appointment.*
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If you need to have a power of attorney for tax representation certified, I invite you to schedule a consultation at my notarial office in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. We will help you prepare the document correctly with your specific circumstances in mind — so that your representative can act without unnecessary obstacles.
Practising private notary of the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. Certifies transactions, powers of attorney, inheritance and family documents under the law of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Yes, gifting or selling property through a power of attorney is entirely legal in Uzbekistan — provided certain mandatory conditions are met. The POA must be notarially certified and must spell out specific authorities. Here is how it works in practice and what you should watch out for.