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How is cryptocurrency taxed in Turkey? Complete guide to 2026 crypto tax regulations, declaration requirements, tax rates and obligations.
Turkey's cryptocurrency market continues to grow rapidly, with millions of Turkish citizens actively trading crypto assets as of 2026. The regulatory process that started with Law No. 7518 has brought significant developments in the taxation framework. This comprehensive guide covers how crypto taxation works in Turkey in 2026, including tax rates, declaration processes, compliance obligations, and practical advice for both individual and corporate investors.
Turkey brought crypto assets into a legal framework with Law No. 7518, which came into effect on July 2, 2024. The Capital Markets Board (SPK) now oversees crypto asset service providers, and the tax infrastructure has been established in coordination with the Revenue Administration (GİB).
Key tax regulations effective in 2026:
The SPK ensures tracking of all transactions made through approved crypto exchanges. In 2026, SPK-licensed platforms automatically report annual transaction summaries to the tax authority. This has greatly facilitated tax compliance for crypto investors operating within the Turkish market.
Capital gains from buying and selling crypto assets are taxable. The tax is calculated on the difference between the purchase price and the sale price.
Example:
The gain must be converted to Turkish Lira at the CBRT (Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey) exchange rate on the transaction date.
When you swap one crypto asset for another, a tax liability arises. For example, converting your Bitcoin to Ethereum triggers a taxable event. The gain or loss is calculated based on the TL equivalent of the disposed asset at the time of the swap.
If you earn rewards through staking your crypto assets, these are subject to income tax. Staking income is calculated in Turkish Lira based on the market value at the date the rewards are received.
Key points for staking taxation:
Crypto assets earned through mining are classified as commercial income. Revenue from mining activities is calculated based on the market value of the produced crypto asset. Electricity costs, hardware depreciation, and other operational expenses can be deducted as business expenses.
Gains from buying and selling NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are also taxable. The tax treatment may vary depending on the nature of the NFT:
Income earned through DeFi protocols is within the scope of taxation:
In Turkey, crypto asset gains are taxed according to the income tax schedule. The brackets applicable for 2026 are as follows:
| Income Bracket (TL) | Tax Rate | |---|---| | 0 – 150,000 | 15% | | 150,001 – 400,000 | 20% | | 400,001 – 900,000 | 27% | | 900,001 – 2,000,000 | 35% | | 2,000,001 and above | 40% |
Note: Crypto asset gains are aggregated with other income sources and declared together. The brackets above apply to total income.
Gains from crypto asset transactions by companies are subject to corporate tax. The corporate tax rate in 2026 is 25%. Entrepreneurs looking to establish a crypto exchange should plan for these tax obligations in advance.
Crypto asset gains must be declared in the annual income tax return filed every March. Gains earned in 2026 will be declared in March 2027.
Steps in the declaration process:
The following cost basis methods can be used for tax calculation:
Important: The chosen method must be applied consistently throughout the tax year. Switching methods mid-year is not permitted.
Individual crypto investors must maintain the following records:
Warning: Records must be retained for at least 5 years.
MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) plays a critical role in monitoring crypto asset transactions. MASAK obligations effective in 2026 include:
Failure to comply with crypto tax obligations results in severe penalties:
| Violation Type | Penalty | |---|---| | Failure to file declaration | Late interest of 1.5% – 3% of principal tax + irregularity fine | | Incomplete declaration | 50% tax loss penalty on undeclared amount | | Deliberate tax evasion | 3x tax loss penalty + imprisonment | | Failure to keep records | Special irregularity fine | | Failure to file MASAK reports | Administrative fine |
| Country | Tax Approach | Rate | |---|---|---| | 🇹🇷 Turkey | Income tax schedule | 15% – 40% | | 🇩🇪 Germany | Tax-free after 1 year holding | 0% – 45% | | 🇺🇸 USA | Capital gains tax | 0% – 37% | | 🇬🇧 UK | Capital gains tax | 10% – 20% | | 🇦🇪 UAE | Tax-free | 0% | | 🇵🇹 Portugal | Short-term capital gains | 28% | | 🇯🇵 Japan | Miscellaneous income | Up to 55% | | 🇸🇬 Singapore | Tax-free for individuals | 0% |
Turkey's crypto tax regime, being integrated into the income tax schedule, creates significant tax liability for high earners. However, it offers reasonable rates for lower income brackets, and the structured framework provides legal certainty for investors.
Yes, anyone who earns gains from crypto asset trading in Turkey is a taxpayer. Annual income tax declarations are mandatory for gains exceeding a certain exemption threshold. SPK-licensed exchanges share user information with the tax administration, meaning all transactions are traceable. If you are not already a registered taxpayer, you should register before filing your declaration.
Yes, losses from crypto asset transactions can be offset against other crypto gains within the same tax year. However, whether crypto losses can be deducted from other types of income (salary, rental income, etc.) depends on the specific regulatory provisions. It is essential to properly document your losses and reflect them accurately in your declaration. Carrying losses forward to subsequent years may be permitted under certain conditions.
Absolutely. Residents of Turkey are taxed on their worldwide income. You must declare assets held on foreign crypto exchanges and gains earned from these platforms. Additionally, there may be separate reporting obligations for foreign assets under the foreign asset declaration regime. Failure to declare foreign-held crypto assets may result in additional penalties.
Staking income is subject to income tax based on the market value at the date the rewards are received. Airdrops are similarly taxed based on their TL equivalent at the date of receipt. In both cases, a subsequent sale of the received asset may trigger additional capital gains tax. The cost basis for future sale calculations is the market value at the time of initial receipt.
You can declare your crypto asset gains through the annual income tax return filed every March. The declaration can be submitted electronically via e-Government (e-Devlet) or the Revenue Administration's online tax office. You can download your transaction history from your SPK-licensed exchange and prepare your declaration with the assistance of a tax advisor. Tax payment can be made in installments after the declaration is filed.
Crypto taxation in Turkey has been established within a clear legal framework as of 2026. Thanks to the crypto law and SPK regulations, a transparent taxation environment has been created for both individual investors and institutional players. By fulfilling your tax obligations on time and in full, you can avoid potential penalties and enjoy a secure investment experience by using SPK-approved exchanges.
For professional support on crypto asset taxation, contact Cesa Software.