16.06.2026 15:40
The Ministry of Treasury and Finance has launched a broad investigation by sending letters to citizens who purchased zero-kilometer cars between 2021 and 2024. The Tax Inspection Board is requesting explanations within 15 days, along with documents, regarding practices demanded by dealerships during the vehicle shortage period, such as 'cash payment', 'mandatory accessories', and 'extended warranty'. Those who fail to report or provide false information will face penalties for irregularities.
The scarcity of new vehicles in Turkey, caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the global chip crisis, led to serious irregularities in the automobile market between 2021 and 2024. Citizens who queued up to find vehicles were forced by dealerships to buy overpriced additional accessories or had to pay extra unregistered cash to move up the line. The Ministry of Treasury and Finance has taken action to settle the accounts for that period, during which nearly 4 million vehicles were sold.
BUTTON PRESSED FOR CASH PAYMENTS
According to a report by Burak Taşçı from NTV; the Tax Inspection Board has started sending official letters to citizens who purchased new cars during the said period. The letters request a detailed explanation of unregistered cash payments made to dealerships and mandatory additional accessory transactions.
QUERY: "HOW AND AT WHAT PRICE WAS THE VEHICLE PURCHASED?"
In the letters sent by ministry inspectors, first of all, the actual price at which the vehicle was purchased and how the payment was made (bank, PTT, wire transfer/EFT, cash, credit card, etc.) are asked. Buyers are required to submit documents such as bank receipts, invoices, EFT/wire transfer amounts, and card slips related to all payments made. It is particularly stipulated that if cash payment was made, this must be clearly stated.
MANDATORY ACCESSORIES AND INVOICE GAMES BEING INVESTIGATED
One of the most critical aspects of the investigation involves the accessories that dealerships made mandatory. It is questioned whether transactions such as side steps, parking sensors, fog lights, navigation, paint protection, or ceramic coating were purchased with the vehicle. Additionally, details are asked about which company performed these transactions, to whom the payment was made, and whether an invoice was issued in return.
WERE ACCESSORIES PRESENT AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY?
Another striking question posed by the Board concerns timing. It investigates whether the accessories indicated on the invoice were actually present on the vehicle at the time it first left the dealership. Explanations are requested regarding whether the accessories were later brought to the service center for installation, and when and how the payment was made.
INSURANCE AND EXTENDED WARRANTY FEES ALSO ON THE LIST
The inquiry is not limited to accessories. Whether any additional payment was made to the dealership for transactions such as extended warranty, comprehensive insurance, or other insurance beyond the vehicle price is also on the inspectors' radar.
REQUIRED TO RESPOND WITH DOCUMENTS WITHIN 15 DAYS
Vehicle owners who receive the letter must respond to the requested information sequentially, in detail, and clearly. The signed response letter, along with contact information and a copy of the identity card, must be sent to the relevant inspectorate address within 15 days.
DOUBLE PENALTY FOR THOSE WHO FAIL TO PROVIDE INFORMATION
The seriousness of the process is emphasized by the penal sanctions to be applied. Individuals who do not respond to the Board's information request within 15 days, or provide incomplete or misleading information, will be subject to a "special irregularity penalty" and given a new deadline to provide information. In case of a second failure to provide information or providing incorrect information, the penalty will be doubled.