When a citizen pays 70-220% in ÖTV when buying a car in Turkey, they are understandably surprised to learn that when a million-dollar yacht is purchased in the same country, only 0% ÖTV is paid, (. So why?

Yachts are not subject to special consumption tax. Because the law is like that. According to the Special Consumption Tax Law, the VAT rate for "yachts, motorboats, boats, and pleasure boats" is 0%. This practice has been in effect since 2017 and is still valid. While a car is subject to 220% VAT, it is zero for a yacht worth 20 million.

But are there other taxes? Yes. VAT: 20%, MTV: an annual tax based on engine power and age. Customs duty: 0% on boats imported from abroad, that is, none.

So there is no Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV), but there is Value Added Tax (KDV) and Motor Vehicle Tax (MTV). However, the absence of the highest item, ÖTV, is a significant advantage.

Why is there no Special Consumption Tax? The justification is not clearly stated, but there are two possibilities: Turkey wants to promote the maritime sector or aims to increase domestic production in the luxury yacht market.

However, this situation fuels the discussion of "tax justice" on social media among the public.