Profit tax in Turkey takes a central role in a company's financial landscape, representing a challenge that requires careful analysis. Studying and understanding its impact are fundamental aspects of corporate success.

In this article, we delve into crucial information about this tax, how to handle it, its calculation, and payment deadlines. Follow along with all the following sections from Trustus Consultancy.

What is the profits tax in Turkey?

This tax is among the levies applied to businesses and enterprises operating within the Turkish economy, deriving profits from their operations.

The calculation of this tax is based on the net earnings a company achieves over a defined time frame, deducting the necessary costs and expenses related to its operations. It's important to emphasize that all types of companies in Turkey are required to adhere to this tax regulation.

Nonetheless, for limited liability and joint-stock companies, the profit tax remains constant, while for sole proprietorships, it varies. We will delve further into this in a separate article.

What is the profit tax rate in Türkiye?

The profit tax rate in Türkiye is currently 25% for companies other than those in the financial sector. For companies in the financial sector, the profit tax rate is 30%. These rates were increased from 20% and 25%, respectively, in 2023.

There are a few exceptions to the standard profit tax rates. For example, companies that offer at least 20% of their shares via their first initial public offering (IPO) on the Istanbul stock exchange are subject to a reduced profit tax rate of 23% for five years starting from the year when the IPO is made.

Profit tax is calculated on the taxable income of a company, which is determined after deducting certain allowable expenses from the company's total revenue. Taxable income includes profits from the company's core business activities, as well as from other sources such as interest and dividends.

Profit tax is payable to the Turkish Revenue Administration (TRA) on an annual basis. Companies are required to file a profit tax return with the TRA by the end of April of the following year.

When is the profit tax due in Turkey?

The profit tax is calculated on a quarterly basis, with payment due in the month following the end of each quarter.

For example, if we want to calculate the profit tax for a specific company for the first quarter of the year (months 1-2-3), this calculation would take place in the month of April, and the tax would be paid in the month of May.

How to calculate corporate profits tax in Türkiye

The profit tax is calculated based on net profit, which is the profit remaining after deducting all necessary expenses, such as employee salaries, office expenses, and the cost of goods or services sold.

To illustrate this with a simple example:

If you have a trading company with sales totaling 100,000 Turkish Lira in the first quarter of 2023, and the total cost of this activity amounts to 80,000 Turkish Lira (including employee wages, office rent, and the cost of goods sold), your net profit would be 20,000 Turkish Lira.

In this case, you would need to pay a 25% tax on this profit, which equals 5,000 Turkish Lira.

Tips for companies regarding profit tax in Türkiye

If you are planning to establish a company in Turkey or already have one and want to avoid tax-related issues, here are some guidelines:

1. Companies need to be aware of their tax obligations related to their profits, so delve into this aspect and learn more before starting your business.
2. Your company should maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records for all financial transactions.
3. It's crucial to work with a qualified and experienced legal accountant well-versed in Turkish tax laws to ensure the smooth operation of your business.
4. Ensure timely submission of tax returns to avoid penalties for your company.
5. Stay continuously updated on any changes in Turkish tax laws to ensure full compliance with regulations.

The importance of the legal accountant in the company’s commitment to paying taxes in Türkiye

We've mentioned that companies need to collaborate with an experienced legal accountant to ensure their financial management and tax compliance. Here's how a legal accountant contributes to a company's success:

1. A legal accountant provides specialized consultations to help the company identify necessary tax procedures based on its structure and activities.
2. They ensure the company complies with all tax regulations and laws, reducing the risk of legal issues and penalties.
3. Additionally, they keep track of changes in tax laws and regulations, providing important updates to the company.
4. The legal accountant calculates the amount the company needs to pay to the tax authority, and determines the proper timing for payment, thereby helping the company avoid any violations.

In nutshell

If you're looking to tackle tax challenges and achieve financial sustainability, Trustus Consultancy is here to support you. We provide guidance and solutions that positively impact your financial performance and business success.

We're also pleased to offer you the opportunity to join our workshops, where we provide a detailed yet straightforward explanation of the complexities of taxation in Turkey. Our goal is to ensure the smooth operation of your business and assist you in legally managing taxes, both when establishing your company in Turkey and during its operation.

Simply get in touch with us! Let us be your trusted partner on the path to financial success.

Edited by: Trustus Consultancy©

Source: Turkish Tax Administration