Maintaining accurate and compliant financial records is a core obligation for every business operating in Turkey. The Turkish Commercial Code (TCC) and Tax Procedure Law (VUK) impose strict bookkeeping requirements, including the use of the Uniform Chart of Accounts and mandatory digital ledger submissions. Celikel CPA provides structured bookkeeping services designed to help foreign-owned companies meet these obligations while maintaining full visibility over their financial position.
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Bookkeeping in Turkey is governed by a detailed regulatory framework that defines how financial transactions must be recorded, classified, and reported. Unlike jurisdictions where businesses can choose their own chart of accounts, Turkey mandates a standardized structure through the Uniform Chart of Accounts (Tekduzen Hesap Plani), which supports consistency across all commercial entities.
Under Articles 64 through 88 of the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC No. 6102), every merchant is required to maintain a set of statutory books. For companies operating under the balance sheet method, this includes the journal book (yevmiye defteri), the general ledger (defteri kebir), and the inventory book (envanter defteri). These records must be kept in Turkish and denominated in Turkish Lira, regardless of the nationality of the business owners.
The Tax Procedure Law (VUK No. 213) further specifies documentation standards. Each entry must be supported by source documents such as invoices, receipts, and bank statements. Failure to maintain proper books or to record transactions accurately may result in penalties, including tax assessments and administrative fines imposed by the Revenue Administration (GIB).
All companies subject to the balance sheet method must maintain the following: the journal book for chronological transaction recording, the general ledger for account-level classification, and the inventory book for periodic asset and liability valuations. These books are now maintained electronically through the e-Defter system for most taxpayers.
Professional bookkeeping support is relevant for a wide range of entities operating in Turkey, particularly those with foreign ownership structures or cross-border operations.
LLCs and JSCs established by foreign investors must comply with the same bookkeeping standards as domestic companies. A local CPA firm provides the necessary regulatory knowledge and GIB portal access to manage these obligations.
Small and medium-sized enterprises benefit from outsourced bookkeeping to maintain compliance without building an in-house finance department. Startups in particular can reduce overhead during their initial growth phase.
Foreign companies with branch or liaison offices in Turkey must maintain local books and submit periodic reports to the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Industry and Technology.
Individuals conducting commercial activity in Turkey, including those operating under the simple or balance sheet bookkeeping method, are required to maintain financial records and file periodic tax returns.
If you are forming a new entity, our company formation services include coordination with the bookkeeping setup from the first day of registration.
Celikel CPA delivers a comprehensive bookkeeping service that covers the full cycle of financial record management, from daily transaction entry to periodic financial reporting.
Our bookkeeping services are designed to integrate with tax filing, payroll processing, and financial reporting. This aims to reduce duplication and support data consistency across all compliance deliverables. For a broader view, see our accounting services page.
Turkey has progressively digitized its invoicing and bookkeeping infrastructure. As of 2026, the majority of commercial entities are required to issue electronic invoices and maintain electronic ledgers through the Revenue Administration's (GIB) digital platforms.
Mandatory for companies exceeding the annual revenue threshold set by GIB. e-Fatura is used for B2B transactions and must be transmitted through the GIB portal or an authorized intermediary platform.
Used for B2C transactions and for invoices issued to recipients not registered on the e-Fatura system. e-Arsiv invoices are stored digitally and reported to GIB on a monthly basis.
The e-Defter system requires companies to submit their journal and general ledger in XBRL-GL format. Submissions are made monthly through the GIB portal, signed with a qualified electronic certificate or financial seal.
Celikel CPA manages all GIB portal submissions on behalf of clients, including e-Fatura, e-Arsiv, and e-Defter uploads, as well as data validation and error resolution prior to submission deadlines.
The e-Defter system uses XBRL-GL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language, Global Ledger) as its standard data format. This structure supports automated validation by GIB and facilitates interoperability across reporting systems. All ledger data must conform to this format before submission.
Accurate bookkeeping forms the foundation for all tax compliance obligations in Turkey. Celikel CPA coordinates bookkeeping and tax filing as a unified process, which aims to minimize discrepancies and support timely submissions.
| Tax Obligation | Frequency | Relevant Authority |
|---|---|---|
| VAT Return (KDV Beyannamesi) | Monthly | GIB (Revenue Administration) |
| Withholding Tax (Muhtasar Beyanname) | Monthly | GIB |
| Stamp Duty (Damga Vergisi) | Monthly | GIB |
| Provisional Corporate Tax | Quarterly | GIB |
| Annual Corporate Tax Return | Annually | GIB |
For detailed information on each filing requirement, visit our tax services in Turkey page.
Payroll transactions require careful integration into the general ledger. Employee-related costs, including gross wages, employer social security contributions, income tax withholdings, and severance provisions, must be recorded accurately each month.
Our bookkeeping team works alongside our payroll specialists to maintain consistency between payroll outputs and ledger entries. For additional detail, see our payroll services in Turkey page.
Turkey maintains two parallel financial reporting frameworks. The applicable standard depends on the size, structure, and public interest classification of the entity.
The Muhasebe Sistemi Uygulama Genel Tebligi (MSUGT) applies to most small and medium-sized companies. It governs the Uniform Chart of Accounts, recognition principles, and the preparation of statutory financial statements for tax and commercial purposes.
Turkish Financial Reporting Standards (TFRS), which are aligned with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), are mandatory for public interest entities as defined by the Public Oversight Authority (KGK). This includes publicly traded companies, banks, insurance companies, and entities above certain asset or revenue thresholds.
The Public Oversight, Accounting and Auditing Standards Authority (KGK) determines which entities are classified as public interest entities and therefore subject to TFRS. KGK also publishes Turkish accounting standards, auditing standards, and ethical guidelines for the profession. Companies that are unsure of their classification should consult with a licensed CPA to determine which framework applies.
Foreign-owned entities face a distinct set of challenges when managing bookkeeping obligations in Turkey. The regulatory environment is predominantly Turkish-language, and compliance requirements are updated frequently through communiques and circulars issued by GIB, KGK, and other authorities.
All statutory books, tax returns, and official filings must be in Turkish. A local CPA firm acts as the interface between the foreign business owner and the Turkish regulatory system, providing bilingual communication and documentation.
Turkey's tax and bookkeeping regulations are subject to frequent updates through GIB communiques, presidential decrees, and changes to secondary legislation. A local CPA monitors these developments and applies them to client records in a timely manner.
The e-Fatura, e-Arsiv, and e-Defter systems require specialized software, electronic certificates, and ongoing familiarity with GIB's technical specifications. Managing these systems without local expertise introduces significant compliance risk.
Tax inspections by GIB can request access to books and records with limited notice. A local CPA maintains organized records and can respond to information requests, audit queries, and document production obligations on the company's behalf.
Celikel CPA is a licensed accounting firm authorized by TURMOB (Union of Chambers of Certified Public Accountants of Turkey). The firm provides bookkeeping, tax, payroll, and advisory services to foreign-owned businesses and domestic companies operating in Turkey.
By centralizing bookkeeping, tax compliance, payroll processing, and audit support within a single firm, clients benefit from consistent data handling and reduced coordination overhead. This integrated model supports accuracy and aims to simplify the compliance process for foreign business owners.
Companies subject to the balance sheet method in Turkey are required to maintain three statutory books: the journal book (yevmiye defteri), the general ledger (defteri kebir), and the inventory book (envanter defteri). These must be kept in Turkish and denominated in Turkish Lira. For most taxpayers, these books are now maintained electronically through the e-Defter system administered by GIB.
Yes. All commercial entities operating in Turkey, regardless of ownership nationality, are required to use the Tekduzen Hesap Plani (Uniform Chart of Accounts). This standardized framework applies to account classification, transaction coding, and financial statement preparation under Turkish GAAP (MSUGT).
e-Fatura is used for invoices exchanged between two parties that are both registered on the GIB e-Invoice platform (B2B). e-Arsiv Fatura is used when the recipient is not registered on the e-Fatura system, which covers most B2C transactions and certain B2B cases. Both formats are transmitted or stored digitally and reported to GIB.
e-Defter submissions are generally required on a monthly basis. The journal book and general ledger for each month must be prepared in XBRL-GL format, signed with a qualified electronic certificate or financial seal, and uploaded to the GIB portal by the deadline specified in the relevant communique. Late submissions may result in administrative penalties.
Yes. Because all statutory filings, including e-Defter, e-Fatura, VAT returns, and withholding tax declarations, are submitted electronically through the GIB portal, Celikel CPA is able to serve companies registered in any province of Turkey. Communication and document exchange are managed through secure digital channels.
As of 2026, monthly bookkeeping fees for a Turkish company typically range from 5,000 to 15,000 TRY (approximately USD 140 to 420), depending on the volume of transactions, the number of employees, and the complexity of operations. Pricing varies based on entity type and reporting requirements. Contact Celikel CPA for a detailed proposal tailored to your company's profile.