Treasury Targets 161 Private Jets in Luxury Tax Evasion Probe

Following its recent campaign against luxury tax evasion, Türkiye’s Ministry of Treasury and Finance has turned its attention from yachts to private jets, investigating whether corporate-registered aircraft are being used for personal purposes to evade taxes. The investigation aims to prevent public revenue losses caused by luxury spending disguised as company expenses.

161 Private Jets Under Investigation

According to information obtained by Ekonomim, authorities are now scrutinizing 161 private jets registered under air transport and corporate entities. These jets, officially classified as commercial assets, are suspected of being used for non-business travel — including personal and family trips by company executives or shareholders.

The ministry is assessing whether the costs of operating these aircraft — such as fuel, maintenance, and crew expenses — have been illegally written off as corporate tax deductions, constituting unlawful expense claims and potential tax fraud.

Corporate Expenses Under the Microscope

The Treasury’s primary concern is that private assets are being masked as business tools, creating unfair tax advantages for wealthy individuals and companies.
Officials are working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority to track flight logs, destinations, and usage patterns of the aircraft in question. The goal is to determine whether flights genuinely serve commercial purposes or are in fact personal leisure trips paid for by corporations.

According to Turkey’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, as of September 2025, the country has a total of 1,637 registered aircraft — meaning nearly one in ten is now being reviewed for potential misuse.

Part of a Wider Crackdown on Hidden Wealth

The move comes as part of a broader strategy by the Treasury to combat unreported wealth, tax evasion, and luxury consumption abuses among high-net-worth individuals. Earlier this year, the ministry increased the special consumption tax (ÖTV) on yachts and luxury marine vehicles, following evidence of widespread underreporting and misuse.

The new probe reflects the government’s intent to close loopholes that allow corporate ownership to shield private luxury spending. If proven, such practices could lead to retroactive tax penalties, hefty fines, and even criminal charges for corporate tax evasion.

Accountability in the Age of Luxury

Financial experts note that Türkiye’s crackdown mirrors similar global initiatives, where authorities are targeting high-end assets often used to conceal personal wealth or evade taxation.
Economists argue that enforcing tighter oversight on luxury jets, yachts, and villas could strengthen fiscal transparency and restore public trust amid widespread concern over economic inequality.

By taking aim at corporate-registered jets, the Treasury is signaling that “no luxury is beyond audit.” The campaign marks a decisive step toward ensuring that the ultra-wealthy contribute their fair share, as the government seeks to balance its books in a high-inflation, high-deficit environment.