Historical businesses may lose tax privileges

Nuray Babacan ANKARA

Businesses in historical places, including Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, may will lose tax exemptions.

The government plans to lift tax exemptions on businesses in historical places as part of a vast omnibus bill despite the Culture Ministry’s objections.

A number of companies operating businesses inside the historical buildings in Istanbul will be affected by the legislation change if the amendment proposal is included in the draft omnibus bill that covers a series of amnesties and changes to the sub-contractor system.

According to the plan, businesses in palaces, historical mansions or public spaces, such as Çırağan Palace and Grand Bazaar, will be obliged to pay real state and municipal taxes, which they were exempted from because of their contribution to the preservation of those assets. Operators of cafés, stores or hotels under the roof of historical places currently benefit from reductions in withholding income tax, employee insurance premiums, as well as receiving energy and water subsidies.

However, the negotiations are ongoing over whether it will be included in the draft as the Culture Ministry officials are reportedly working to block the amendment.