Managing a property within the territories of Turkey incurs many obligations, out of which the payment of real estate taxes is one of the most significant. It does not matter if you are a foreign investor or a local, you should ensure that you meet your tax duty. Thankfully, one can use the Internet to pay property taxes in Turkey, making it easier and more convenient for property owners to pay their dues. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the process of paying taxes on real estate using the Internet in Turkey, explaining each detail of each step.
Reasons for Paying Property Taxes Online
Actually, it is easy and safe to pay property taxes online. There are however some reasons why selecting the mode of tax payment through the online platform is wise.
Convenience:
Wherever you may be, in Turkey or outside the country, it is possible to make payments. There is no need to physically go to government offices to make remittances.
Time-Saving:
When you pay taxes via the Internet, there is no delay in making the payment enabling you to beat the deadlines with ease.
Round-the-Clock Service:
The advent of the online portal allows you to clear taxes any time of the day or the night as per your comfort with regard to your other commitments.
Record Keeping:
Upon completing a transaction where a payment is made, you will be sent a stamped electronic receipt as confirmation of the payment made.
Property Taxes in Turkey
Before getting into where and how to make payments, it’s important to first tackle the types of property taxes you will come across as a property owner in Turkey.
Annual Property Tax:
Emlak Vergisi:
This is a charging tax that property owners are required to pay every year to the relevant local municipality where the property is located. The rates tend to differ according to the type of property, i.e. residential, commercial, or land.
Environmental Cleaning Tax:
If you process a mortgage on residential property, you’ll probably need to pay this tax, which is collected along with the regular property tax.
The property tax rates in Turkey are usually between 0.1% and 0.6% of the property value depending on property type and property location. Higher rates are charged for properties located in metropolitan municipalities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
Where to Pay Property Taxes Online in Turkey
Now that you have the concept of the basics, let’s proceed to the main question: where is it possible to pay house taxes on the Internet in Turkey? Find below the main tools and most suitable ways for performing tax payments online.
1. Municipality Websites
Arguably, one of the easiest ways to pay your property taxes online is through the official website of the municipality in which your property is situated. it is the duty of each municipality in Turkey; to collect the property taxes and several of them have embraced technology by designing websites that can handle this collection online.
To Pay via the Site the Municipality Follows These Steps:
Step 1: Go to the official web page of the council where your property is registered. For instance, if the property is in Istanbul, go to the website of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
Step 2: Find the relevant area called “Emlak Vergisi”, which means Property Tax. This is usually found under “E-services” or Online Services on the home page.
Step 3: Log into your account or if you do not have it so far, register. You will have to provide your Turkish Identification number (T.C. Kimlik No.) or property registration details.
Step 4: Provide the property tax number or any other property details. The amount due will be generated automatically by the system.
Step 5: Make the payment using either a Turkish bank card or a credit card. Most municipal websites allow payments through domestic banks and international cards.
Step 6: Post payment, please ensure that you obtain a receipt that serves as evidence that the transaction has taken place. You may either print it out or keep it in electronic format for future reference.
2. E-Devlet (Portal of Turkish Government)
E-devlet is a national website that offers an immense range of services including property tax payment, not just to the Turkish residents but also foreign inhabitants.
Guide on Property Tax Payment through E-Devlet:
Step 1: Access your E-Devlet account. To log in, you will have to use an e-government password that is free at the PTT offices throughout Turkey. Such foreigners who also have a valid residence permit can access this service.
Step 2: In the search box type either ‘Emlak Vergisi’ or ‘Property Tax’ to locate the specific service.
Step 3: Click on the link tied to your city in the given service.
Step 4: Fill in all the required information regarding the property. The system will indicate taxes and charges that are due.
Step 5: Make the payment with a bank card of your choice.
This would be helpful for someone having a lot of properties in different municipalities as all the tax information is available in one place.
3. Websites and Mobile Applications of Banks
Another widely used option to pay property tax over the Internet is the Turkish banks. Almost all major banks in Turkey have this observed trend, where all taxes including property ones can be paid through Garanti BBVA, İş Bankası, Akbank and so many more websites and mobile banking service applications.
To Pay Through a Bank:
Step 1: Open the website or mobile application of the bank and log in to your bank account online.
Step 2: Go to the “Payments” menu and click on “Property Tax” or “Emlak Vergisi” available on the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Provide the tax identification number or details of the property.
Step 4: Confirm the amount provided and proceed with the payment. In Turkey, most banks allow the use of a European credit card and even American Express or Diner’s Club cards for payment.
Conclusion:
Turkey is one of the countries that has an easy progressive system of payment of property taxes from different municipalities. Whether you choose to go through your municipality’s website, the E-Devlet portal, or a bank’s online service,they accepts payments via banks or some other means of Deposits. In any case, being proactive and making sure that your tax obligations are met, helps in avoiding penalty fees and protecting your property investments. Owing to these online channels, one can make payments and avoid unnecessary delays even without making physical visits to the offices concerned.
