Tax Obligations for Businesses in Türkiye in 2025
Türkiye offers various business opportunities for international entrepreneurs, but understanding the country’s tax system is essential for compliance and financial planning. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tax obligations for limited companies and individual enterprises in Türkiye in 2025.
Limited Companies (Limited Şirketler)
Limited companies in Türkiye are subject to multiple tax liabilities, including corporate tax, VAT, and withholding tax.
Corporate Tax (Kurumlar Vergisi)
- Limited companies must pay a corporate tax of 25% on their annual net profits. This tax is calculated based on the company’s taxable income.
Value-Added Tax (Katma Değer Vergisi – KDV)
- Companies are required to charge and remit VAT on goods and services sold.
- The general VAT rate is 20%, but some sectors, including food, healthcare, and education, benefit from reduced VAT rates ranging between 1% and 10%.
Withholding Tax (Stopaj Vergisi)
- When paying employees’ salaries, companies must withhold income tax at rates ranging from 15% to 40%.
- For rental payments, a 20% withholding tax applies.
Stamp Duty (Damga Vergisi)
- Stamp duty is applicable on various official documents and is generally levied at a rate of 0.189%.
Advance Tax (Geçici Vergi)
- Limited companies are required to pay advance corporate tax at a rate of 25% during the year, aligning with the corporate tax rate.
Dividend Withholding Tax (Kâr Dağıtım Stopajı)
- When distributing profits to shareholders, companies must withhold a tax of 10%.
Motor Vehicle Tax (Motorlu Taşıtlar Vergisi – MTV)
- If a company owns registered vehicles, they must pay Motor Vehicle Tax, which is calculated based on the vehicle’s age, engine capacity, and type.
Local and Global Minimum Taxation for Multinational Companies
Türkiye follows global tax policies for multinational enterprises (MNEs).
- Groups headquartered in Türkiye may be required to pay local and global supplementary corporate taxes.
- If a country’s effective tax burden falls below 15%, additional tax payments may be required in the relevant jurisdictions.
- Multinational groups headquartered in Türkiye must submit their Global Minimum Tax Declarations by the end of June 2026.
Individual Enterprises (Şahıs Şirketleri)
Sole proprietors operating in Türkiye must also comply with various tax obligations.
Income Tax (Gelir Vergisi)
- Individual enterprises must file an annual income tax return based on their previous year’s profit or loss.
- Income tax increases progressively based on earnings, with rates at 15%, 20%, 27%, 35%, and 40%.
Value-Added Tax (KDV)
- Like limited companies, individual enterprises must pay VAT.
- VAT rates vary depending on the service type, ranging from 1% to 20%.
Withholding Tax and Other Obligations
- Individual enterprises must withhold income tax on employee salaries.
- They must also pay stamp duty and file a withholding tax return.
Tax Payment Deadlines
- Annual income tax is paid in two installments: by the end of March and the end of July.
- Other taxes, such as stamp duty and withholding tax, may be paid monthly or periodically.
General Notes
- Tax rates and obligations are subject to legislative changes throughout the year.
- Entrepreneurs should stay updated on tax regulations and seek advice from a certified financial consultant when necessary.
By understanding these tax responsibilities, international entrepreneurs can properly manage their businesses in Türkiye and ensure compliance with local tax laws.
