Turkish Tax Effects On Imported Cars

Street scene in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo taken by AIRINC Surveyor Eugene Kobiako.

Özel Tüketim Vergisi (ÖTV), special consumption tax, increased

In late August, Turkey increased a special consumption tax known as Özel Tüketim Vergisi (ÖTV). The tax primarily relates to imported luxury goods, which includes imported cars. The tax was first introduced in 2002. However, it increased in recent years due in part to Turkey’s economic downturn. Value Added Tax (VAT) is also levied on vehicle sales in Turkey, which, combined with the new ÖTV rates, can make the tax burden among the highest in the world for the purchase of certain new vehicles. AIRINC’s November 2020 research showed a large increase in automobile prices due to these taxes.

The updated ÖTV rates depend on multiple factors such as engine displacement, engine type, and the price of the vehicle. At the low end of the spectrum, the rates remained unchanged for cars with an engine size less than 1.6 liters and a price less than 130,000 TRY. The taxes start to change for cars with a purchase price greater than 130,000 TRY and an engine size less than 1.6 liters, increasing from 60% to 80%. At the high end of the spectrum, the rates went up 60% for cars with an engine size greater than 2.0 liters and a price greater than 170,000 TRY, increasing from 160% to 220%.

Data Points Q4 2020: Expatriate Trends & Survey Data Highlights

The above excerpt is taken from AIRINC's quarterly newsletter, Data Points, bringing you the latest updates from our Housing, Goods & Services, and Tax departments. January 2021's edition also featured:

24 Currencies showing 3-month exchange rate fluctuations of more than 5%
Goods & Services inflation higher than 5% for 6 months in Argentina, Turkey, and India
Tax updates along with global COVID-19 individual income tax responses
Rents dropping in London, Kiev, and Chengdu
...and more

The New Reality of Adjusting pay for Geographic Differences

About AIRINC

Listen | Partner | Deliver. For over 60 years, AIRINC has helped clients with the right data, cutting-edge technology, and thought-leading advice needed to effectively deploy talent worldwide. Our industry expertise, solutions, and service enable us to effectively partner with clients to navigate the complexity of today’s global mobility programs. As the market continues to evolve, AIRINC seeks innovative ways to help clients address new workforce globalization challenges, including mobility program assessment metrics and cross-border talent mobility strategy. Our approach is designed with your success in mind. With an understanding of your goals and objectives, we ensure you achieve them. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, USA, AIRINC has full-service offices in Brussels, London, and Hong Kong. Learn more by clicking here.