Path to reopening for gas stations: Collateral increased

A legal regulation is on the agenda for 361 gas stations whose operations were suspended due to accusations of tax evasion and the issuance of fraudulent documents. With an article added to the omnibus bill accepted by the TBMM Planning and Budget Committee, these suspected fuel retailers will be able to resume fuel sales if they deposit collateral.

The bill in question permits the operation of a total of 361 gas stations, 37 of which are licensed and 324 of which are unlicensed. However, the collateral amount, which was previously twice the requested amount, is being increased up to 5 times under the new regulation. In this way, the Ministry of Finance aims to reduce collection risks and strengthen the security of tax assets.

Under current laws, when an investigation was launched into stations where tax irregularities were detected, the businesses were immediately shut down and were not allowed to reopen until the investigation was completed. Furthermore, there were serious restrictions regarding changes in ownership or obtaining new licenses. The Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) was also suspending the licenses of these businesses during the investigation phase.

However, the Constitutional Court found this practice of closing businesses before the investigation was completed to be unlawful. In the new draft prepared following this decision, stations are allowed to operate while the investigation process is ongoing, but they are prohibited from being transferred, and new licenses cannot be obtained.

In the impact analysis report of the regulation, it was assessed that, "Thanks to the increased collateral application, it is expected that the collection security of tax receivables and administrative fines will be protected, and a more effective and deterrent financial security mechanism will be established for high-risk taxpayers."

If the law is enacted, gas stations that apply will be able to return to operations during the investigation process by depositing their collateral. Thus, the goal is to both ensure revenue security for the state and prevent grievances for the businesses.

News Source: 12punto