Finance Minister Simsek to publish names of Türkiye’s major tax debtors
Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek (C) arrives to attend G-20's third Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Gandhinagar, India, July 18, 2023. (AP Photo)
Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek stated that steps are being taken to enhance fairness in taxation, including the public release of the names of taxpayers with overdue tax debts and fines exceeding ₺5 million.
“We are giving taxpayers who do not want their names published until the end of September,” Simsek said.
In an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), Simsek highlighted that combating the informal economy, ensuring fairness in taxation and increasing efficiency are crucial components of their economic program. The government is implementing various regulations to address these issues.
Simsek explained that the names of taxpayers with outstanding tax debts or fines over ₺5 million ($146.751) will be made public.
All tax offices across Türkiye will release the lists from Oct. 15-31, 2024, and the Revenue Administration’s website will host them from November 1-15, 2024.
2 separate lists to be released
Simsek noted that a General Communique on Tax Procedure Law detailing the procedures and principles will soon be published.
He mentioned the upcoming release of two separate lists.
- As of September 30, 2024, a list of taxpayers with overdue taxes and fines from December 31, 2023, remained unpaid.
- Regardless of their debt status, a list of taxpayers has had their taxes and fines assessed because of tax audits or valuation commission decisions, with assessments finalized between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024.
Exclusions for earthquake-affected areas
Simsek emphasized taxpayers from areas affected by the recent earthquakes in Kahramanmaras will not be included in the lists, as long as their tax obligations were recorded as of the earthquake date.
He emphasized that taxpayers still have one month to settle their debts if they want to stay off the list.
“We are giving taxpayers until the end of September to avoid being included in the ‘tax evader’ lists we will publish,” Simsek added.
