Turkey’s cigarette maker has been issued a record fine of 6 billion lire
Turkey’s cigarette maker has been issued a record fine of 6 billion lire
August 9, 2024
The Turkish tax inspectorate is strengthening its control over large taxpayers. The Ministry of Finance and Treasury, under the leadership of Mehmet Shimshek, continues to actively fight tax evasion by directing its efforts at companies with unaccounted revenues. As part of these measures, a record fine of 6 billion lire (almost $180 million) was imposed on one of the largest cigarette producers.
Intensive vetting and combating informal economy The ministry has increased its scrutiny of large taxpayers across the country, focusing on companies that hide revenues. This move is part of a campaign to ensure fair taxation, where the burden falls on those who earn more. The verification revealed that a large part of the tobacco producer’s revenue was not declared.
The method of «yield analysis» and new approaches to testing To identify unreported income, tax inspectors use the "yield analysis" method. It involves a thorough analysis of all production resources, from raw materials to the final product. This approach has already produced tangible results, particularly in the tobacco company audit, which found that part of the proceeds were not accounted for.
Jewelers and other sectors under close supervision Shymshek also reported the beginning of large-scale inspections in the jewelry industry. At the same time, inspectors began to inspect 707 jewelry companies in nine major cities of Turkey. These measures aim to identify discrepancies between actual and declared stocks, which is part of a broader strategy to combat the informal economy.
Tax Compliance Policy The Ministry of Finance and Treasury intends to continue strengthening its control over tax compliance. The increase in tax revenues will be directed to improve the welfare of citizens and maintain stability in the country. Shimshek also noted that the fight against tax evasion and unfair competition remains one of the top priorities of the government.
Turkey s state-owned energy company Botas has signed a new long-term contract with France s TotalEnergies for the supply of 16 cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year. The agreement will come into force in 2027 and is designed for 10 years, providing Turkey with an additional 1.6 billion cubic meters of gas annually.
Amid the global shift to renewable energy, countries around the world are rapidly expanding their wind power industries. According to the latest data, China holds a solid lead with an installed wind turbine capacity of 441,895 megawatts.
Finance and Treasury Minister Mehmet Simsek said the names of taxpayers with tax arrears and fines of 5 million lira or more will be made public. Those who do not want to be on the list of "tax debtors" will have to pay off their debts by the end of September 2024. Taxpayers from earthquake-hit areas will be excluded from the measure.
Turkey's Federal Statistical Office reported that the country's economy grew by 2.5% in the second quarter of 2024. Significant growth was recorded in the services sector (7.4%) and construction (6.5%).