16.03.2025 14:20
The Ministry of Treasury and Finance has scrutinized those who provide services in various fields such as fortune-telling, astrology, spiritualism, mediumship, and astrology charts but do not declare their income. According to the initial results of the analysis, 1,034 taxpayers were identified as "risky," and approximately 1.8 billion lira in unreported revenue was detected.
The Ministry of Treasury and Finance has turned its radar towards the increasing number of individuals providing services in various fields such as fortune-telling, astrology, spiritualism, mediumship, cupping-hirudotherapy, astrological charts, magic, meditation, numerology, talismans, and reiki. The ministry analyzed the business models in the sector using artificial intelligence to investigate the income sources of those offering fortune-telling and astrology consultations, as well as spiritualists. Digital footprints, websites, social media interactions, online payment systems, and other data were examined to understand these income sources.
FEES PER SESSION HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED
It was observed that face-to-face sessions, along with services provided through phone and messaging, as well as WhatsApp and Telegram groups, included astrological predictions, special spiritualist information sharing, personalized birth charts, and tarot reports. It was determined that follower counts were increased through interactive live broadcasts on YouTube and TikTok, and shares made on Facebook and Instagram. It was found that these individuals charged fees per session and generated income by offering services such as purification, meditation, and therapy during three-day or one-week retreats through live broadcasts and shares on social media platforms.
ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITIES AND FINANCIAL DATA
In this context, the social media activities and financial data of individuals providing services in various fields such as fortune-telling, astrology, spiritualism, mediumship, cupping-hirudotherapy, astrological charts, magic, meditation, numerology, talismans, and reiki in the years 2021, 2022, and 2023 were checked. The reported incomes of those identified as tax subjects were compared with their declarations and notifications.
Taxpayers who earned income by operating in these fields but did not fulfill their tax obligations were identified. According to the initial results of the analysis, 1,034 taxpayers were classified as "risky," and approximately 1.8 billion lira of unregistered revenue was detected. The analysis revealed that 295 individuals were working without being registered as taxpayers, and procedures for establishing tax liability have begun.
EARNED 15 MILLION LIRA FROM FORTUNE-TELLING, PAID NOT A SINGLE CENT IN TAX
The analysis found that an unregistered taxpayer was involved in astrological predictions and spiritualist information sharing, prepared personalized birth charts and tarot reports, and organized interactive live broadcasts on social media, earning a total of 15 million lira from these activities to date. Nevertheless, it was understood that this individual was not a tax subject and had not submitted any declaration regarding this income. Following these findings, taxpayers have been invited to provide explanations. Taxpayers who do not submit declarations or correct their previous declarations will be referred for tax audits.
"REAL INCOMES MUST BE DECLARED"
Mehmet Şimşek, the Minister of Treasury and Finance, stated that services such as fortune-telling and astrology provided by individuals based on personal effort should be taxed as freelance activities, and he noted:
"Our goal is to ensure fairness in taxation, and our fight against unregistered income will continue without exception in all earnings. The work will also be conducted regarding the incomes obtained in 2024. Taxpayers who comply with the invitation to explain will not face severe penalties. Taxpayers should declare their real incomes before the declaration period expires."