Türkiye investigates 1,900 athletes for unreported income
Turkish athlete with a gold medal in Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. (AA Photo)
The Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance has launched a comprehensive investigation into 1,900 professional athletes from various sports, revealing ₺5 billion ($145 million) in undeclared income over the past three years.
Among the athletes under scrutiny are high-profile stars with million-dollar contracts, many of whom failed to report their earnings.
The Revenue Administration (GIB) has been working to combat the informal economy across various sectors, and this recent investigation is part of that broader effort.
According to information obtained from the ministry, 400 athletes did not declare approximately ₺5 billion in income from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, 100 athletes were found to have failed to report their earnings despite submitting tax returns.
Government tightens oversight on athlete earnings
The Revenue Administration is investigating whether athletes, particularly in football, basketball, and volleyball, have been accurately declaring their high incomes. They have found that some athletes did not report the full amount of their salaries earned between 2021 and 2023.
Legal requirements for income reporting
Under Türkiye’s Income Tax Law, clubs are required to deduct taxes from the salaries paid to athletes. However, if an athlete’s income exceeds the highest tax bracket, they are obligated to file a tax return and pay additional income taxes based on progressive rates.
The investigation analyzed earnings from 1,900 athletes, using data from club contracts, media reports, and public disclosures on transfer fees, all cross-checked with the Revenue Administration’s records. This extensive review revealed significant tax losses for the government.
Athletes to be summoned for explanations
Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek confirmed that the athletes involved will be summoned to provide explanations. “Athletes who fail to fulfill their tax obligations will be subject to penalties, and unpaid taxes will be collected with additional fines,” Simsek stated.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring tax fairness and will continue its efforts to address tax evasion.
“We will continue to knock on the doors of those who earn high incomes but declare little. Our audits targeting individuals who conceal their earnings will persist,” he added.
