MP who pays no taxes introduces tax package: Admits it in Parliament

A notable development occurred while discussions on the tax package were ongoing in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) General Assembly.

Following the emergence of allegations that companies registered under her husband's name do not pay taxes, AKP Denizli MP Nilgün Ök, the primary signatory of the tax package, stated, "If there is income, we pay taxes. Of course, we pay when we make a profit. How can a tax liability arise from a company in liquidation?"

It had been alleged that a company registered under the name of the husband of Denizli MP Nilgün Ök, the primary signatory of the tax package prepared by the AKP, had paid no taxes for the last 5 years, and a company Ök founded with her brother had paid no taxes for the last 3 years. Ök stated that the companies were operating at a loss and therefore did not pay taxes.

"WE PAY WHEN WE MAKE A PROFIT" 

Taking the floor in the General Assembly, Ök said, "What is tax? If your expenses exceed your income, you may not pay corporate tax. You do not pay taxes if you make a loss. Therefore, since the company's financing expenses were as such, no tax liability arose. Apart from this, of course, we also have companies that make a profit. It is so shameful... Look, you are being very shameful regarding the package we have introduced. If there is income, we pay taxes. Of course, we pay when we make a profit. How can a tax liability arise from a company in liquidation?"

Opposition MPs reacted to these remarks. CHP Group Deputy Chairman Gökhan Günaydın responded by saying, "Those who do not pay taxes should not introduce tax packages. And do not shout like this when you are caught." The session was adjourned for 10 minutes.