While millions of pensioners anxiously await news from Ankara, a new bill submitted to the Parliament has generated considerable excitement in the automotive market and among retired tradespeople. The proposed law aims to make it easier for tradespeople and artisans, who have contributed to the economy for many years, to own vehicles during their retirement.
Only for 'New' Retirees and a One-Time Benefit
The most striking clause of the proposal, which has begun to be debated in the corridors of Parliament, regulates who can benefit from the right and how. The regulation covers tradesmen and artisans who have become entitled to receive old-age pensions under the 4/1-b (Bağ-Kur) status. However, this exemption will not remain open forever. Those who wish to benefit from the discount will need to submit their applications within the first 5 years following their retirement date. Furthermore, this tax advantage can only be used once per retired citizen.
Sale subject to a 5-year restriction and price limit.
The draft also includes strict measures to prevent this support, which the state will provide by waiving tax revenues, from turning into commercial profiteering or abuse. Accordingly, vehicles purchased using state support with the Special Consumption Tax exemption will be prohibited from being sold or transferred to third parties for 5 years from the date of registration.
The regulation also sets a clear upper limit to prevent the purchase of luxury vehicles. It is stipulated that the turnkey sales price of brand-new vehicles included in the scope, including all taxes, should not exceed 2,870,000 Turkish Lira. Within this price range, the aim is to make many domestically produced and imported passenger vehicles accessible to retirees.
All eyes are on the committees: Will the scope broaden?
The bill, which is expected to bring a new lease of life and dynamism to the automotive sector, will be discussed in the relevant parliamentary committees in the coming days and will take its final form. Although the current proposal submitted to Parliament by the CHP currently focuses only on Bağ-Kur members, whether its scope will be expanded and updated to include SSK and Pension Fund members during the committee discussions is one of the most eagerly awaited details by the public.
