Treasury and Finance Ministry prepares to tax fortune-telling and astrology income: Mehmet Şimşek announces

Şimşek announced that an investigation has been launched into individuals and organizations providing services such as fortune-telling, astrology, mediumship, numerology, reiki, and similar services. It was stated that income from these activities, particularly those conducted via social media and digital platforms, has not been officially declared. The Ministry stated that it is conducting a detailed examination of websites, social media interactions, and online payment systems using artificial intelligence-supported systems. Şimşek announced that individuals who have not declared their income have until April 2 to do so.

The investigations determined that astrological predictions, tarot readings, and the sharing of spiritualist information were carried out via applications such as phone, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Furthermore, it was revealed that income was generated by hosting live broadcasts on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. It was determined that these individuals charged fees per session and earned income by organizing meditation and therapy events.

The Ministry analyzed the social media activity and financial data of individuals operating in these fields between 2021 and 2023. As a result of the comparisons, 1,034 people were classified as "risky," and a total of 1.8 billion liras in unregistered income was identified. Additionally, it was determined that 295 people were operating without any tax registration, and tax registration procedures have been initiated for these individuals.

THEY EARNED MILLIONS, PAID NO TAXES

During the analyses, it was determined that one individual provided astrological predictions, prepared personalized birth charts and tarot reports, and hosted live broadcasts on social media. It was revealed that this person, who earned 15 million liras as a result of these activities, had not declared any taxes. The individual in question was invited to provide an explanation following the findings.

In his statement, Şimşek emphasized that earnings obtained through personal services should be taxed within the scope of self-employment activities, and used the following expressions:

'Our goal is to ensure justice in taxation. As part of our fight against the informal economy, work will also be carried out regarding income earned in 2024. Taxpayers who comply with the invitation to explain will not face heavy penalties.'

ŞİMŞEK POINTED TO APRIL 2

In a post on his social media account, Minister Şimşek stated that efforts to tax service income that remains unregistered within the scope of self-employment activities have intensified. Şimşek stated, ''We invite our taxpayers to declare their earnings by April 2.''

The Ministry announced that it will continue its investigations into individuals who do not fulfill their tax obligations and will apply the necessary sanctions.

News Source: AA