Doctors Engage in Tax Evasion: Funds Hidden in Secretary or Former Spouses

The Turkish Revenue Administration, focusing on doctors, uncovered a concealed profit of 15 billion TL. In the audits conducted, hidden funds were found in the accounts of secretaries or former spouses. Most of the doctors caught by the Treasury opted for reconciliation. The Ministry of Treasury and Finance’s audits targeting tax evasion are ongoing. Important tax evaders have been identified in efforts to ensure tax justice. Revenue Directorates and Tax Administrations recently scrutinized private practice doctors. The Revenue Administration utilized artificial intelligence to analyze its data and data obtained from banks. According to Hürriyet newspaper, the analysis of the Revenue Administration’s data revealed 33,000 risky doctor taxpayers. In the second stage, the accounts of close relatives, former spouses, and employees of doctors identified as risky were examined. These audits identified 3,500 doctors as risky taxpayers. In one audit, transactions of 5 million liras were discovered in the bank account of a secretary working for a doctor earning minimum wage. In another instance, activity was detected in the ex-spouse’s account. Authorities mentioned they request an explanation of the source of such funds in these situations. If the source is not disclosed, the money is assumed to belong to the doctor, and the taxpayer is invited to voluntary compliance. The Revenue Administration’s audits targeting doctors revealed a tax base difference of around 15 billion liras. It was reported that the identified doctors were contacted, and nearly half voluntarily complied. It was noted that taxpayers complying voluntarily declare their earnings. It was emphasized that no tax penalty is applied to taxpayers who voluntarily comply.