What is an e-Declaration? How is it prepared?
Today, tax processes have largely shifted to digital platforms. Taxpayers can now file their tax returns quickly and securely online, without having to visit tax offices with physical documents. One of the most important elements of this transformation is the e-Tax Return application. Due to its time-saving features and reduced error rates, the e-Tax Return has become an indispensable system for businesses and accounting professionals.
What is e-Tax Return?
e-Tax Return is an application that enables tax returns to be prepared and submitted electronically through the Turkish Revenue Administration systems. Tax returns, traditionally filled out on paper, are transmitted digitally and automatically recorded thanks to the e-Tax Return system.
Purpose of the e-Declaration System
The main purposes of the e-Declaration application are:
To speed up tax processes
To reduce paper usage
To minimize the risk of erroneous declarations
To facilitate tax audits
To simplify the declaration processes for taxpayers
In these respects, e-Declaration is one of the most important steps in digital transformation in the field of taxation.
Who is Required to Submit an e-Tax Return?
The obligation to submit an e-Tax Return may vary depending on the type of taxpayer. Generally, the following individuals and organizations are obligated to use e-Tax Returns:
Income tax payers
Corporate tax payers
Value Added Tax payers
Withholding Tax (Summary) payers
Self-employed professionals
Limited and joint-stock companies
Accountants and financial advisors (by proxy)
While there may be exceptions for some taxpayers subject to the simplified procedure, the vast majority are currently included in the electronic declaration system.
Types of Tax Returns That Can Be Submitted via e-Declaration
Many different types of tax returns can be submitted through the e-Declaration system. The most commonly used are:
Value Added Tax (VAT) Return
This is a declaration submitted regularly every month to report the VAT arising from the sale of goods or services.
Summary and Social Security Contribution Declaration
This declaration contains information on income tax withholdings and social security contributions for employees.
Income Tax Return
This is a declaration submitted by individuals to declare their earnings obtained within a year.
Corporate Tax Return
This is a declaration submitted to report the taxes calculated on the annual earnings of companies.
Provisional Tax Return
This is a provisional tax return submitted in three-month periods and offset at the end of the year.
Stamp Duty Return
This is used to declare the stamp duty levied on official documents.
How Does the e-Declaration System Work?
The e-Declaration system operates through the Declaration Preparation Program (BDP) provided by the Revenue Administration. Thanks to this program, declarations are prepared electronically and sent to the Revenue Administration system.
The process generally consists of the following steps:
The declaration is prepared.
Checks are performed.
It is approved with an electronic signature or financial seal.
It is sent to the Revenue Administration system.
A receipt is obtained.
Requirements for Preparing an e-Declaration
There are certain technical and official requirements for preparing an e-declaration.
GIB User Code and Password
To submit an e-declaration, a user account obtained from the Revenue Administration is required.
Declaration Preparation Program
This program, provided by the GIB, is used for preparing declarations.
Electronic Signature or Financial Seal
For the declaration to be considered valid, it must be electronically signed.
Individuals: Electronic signature
Legal entities: Financial seal
Up-to-date Accounting Records
For an accurate and complete declaration, it is essential that accounting records are up-to-date.
How to Prepare an e-Tax Return?
Determining the Tax Return Type
First, it must be determined which tax type the return will be submitted for.
Accessing the Tax Return Preparation Program
The Tax Return Preparation Program is opened and the relevant tax return type is selected.
Entering Taxpayer Information
Information such as tax identification number, title, and address is checked or entered.
Filling in Financial Data
Income, expenses, tax base, exemptions, and deductions are written completely in the relevant fields.
Performing Automatic Checks
The program automatically checks for mathematical and logical errors.
Saving the Tax Return
The completed tax return is saved to the computer.
Approval with Electronic Signature / Financial Seal
The tax return is electronically signed by the authorized person.
Submission to the GIB System
The approved tax return is sent to the GIB system.
Checking the Receipt
If the submission is successful, a receipt is generated by the system.
Things to Consider When Submitting an e-Declaration
The declaration should be submitted without waiting until the last day.
The figures must be consistent with the accounting records.
Incorrect declarations may result in penalties.
The receipt must be kept.
Corrections, if necessary, should be made in a timely manner.
How to Correct an e-Declaration?
Correction declarations can be submitted for incorrect or incomplete declarations. The correction process is done by selecting the relevant declaration type and choosing the "correction" option. The correction declaration is also sent with an electronic signature, and a new receipt is obtained.
Advantages of the e-Declaration System
Saves time
Eliminates the need to visit the tax office
Reduces error rate
Offers ease of archiving
Speeds up business processes
Is environmentally friendly
Digital Transformation Brought About by e-Declaration
When considered together with applications such as e-Declaration, e-Ledger, e-Invoice, and e-Archive, it plays an important role in the digitalization process of businesses. It reduces the operational burden, especially for SMEs, and enables more controlled management of financial processes.
Conclusion
e-Tax Return is one of the cornerstones of the modern tax system. By enabling the preparation and submission of tax returns electronically, it offers great convenience for both taxpayers and the state. When prepared correctly, it reduces penalty risks and makes tax processes more reliable.
Subscribe to Bayiloji
Don't miss updates, tips and special deals in the world of dealership.
