Steam Company Tax Turkey: A Comprehensive Guide for Game Developers
For game developers earning revenue through Steam, understanding tax obligations and choosing the right company structure is crucial. In this blog post, we break down the taxation process for Steam revenues, discuss which company structure is best for you, and explain key aspects of invoicing, VAT, and special tax advantages in Turkey.
When you release your game on Steam, the platform handles all sales processes, including the domestic and international revenue split. However, regardless of how Steam manages payments, you must establish a company to meet your tax obligations in Turkey. Unlike rental income—where an annual tax declaration might suffice—gaming revenue requires formal company registration to ensure proper taxation.
The table below summarizes the key questions and answers regarding Steam revenue taxation:
| Question | Answer |
| How will Steam revenue taxes be paid? Is it necessary to form a company? | Yes. Taxation on revenues generated via Steam must be carried out through a registered company. |
| Which type of company is more advisable? | The ideal company structure depends on various factors such as your revenue level, age, future plans for selling the company, and whether you plan to operate within a technopark. |
| Are there tax advantages when forming a company? | Yes, there are tax benefits available, but careful attention must be paid to the company’s articles of association and NACE codes to ensure eligibility for these advantages. |
2. Evaluating the Right Company Structure: Which Option Is Best for You?
Your choice of company structure should consider your overall income, applicable tax rates, and long-term business goals. Here are the main options:
The following table provides a quick comparison:
| Criteria | Sole Proprietorship | Limited/Joint-Stock Company |
| Tax Rate | 15% – 40% | Around 25% (fixed) |
| Young Entrepreneur Benefits | Significant advantages for those under 29, including invoice exemptions up to 330,000 TL (in 2025) | Fewer advantages in this area |
| Future Sale Plans | Suitable if there are no plans to sell | More advantageous if a future sale is planned |
| Technopark Operations | Often less favorable | More likely to meet technopark requirements |
3. Invoicing, VAT, and Revenue Distribution
Correct invoicing is essential when dealing with Steam revenues, especially since you can separate domestic and international income. Here’s an example based on a monthly revenue of 100,000 TL:
Revenue Distribution:
20% domestic (Turkey)
80% international
Invoicing:
- A domestic invoice must include VAT at a rate of 20%. For example, if your domestic invoice totals 20,000 TL (VAT included), you need to issue an invoice of 80,000 TL for the international portion, with VAT applied only to domestic sales.
The table below clarifies this invoicing scenario:
| Revenue Category | Amount (TL) | Notes |
| Domestic Revenue (20%) | 20,000 | Invoice includes 20% VAT applicable for Turkey-based transactions |
| International Revenue (80%) | 80,000 | VAT is not applied to these sales |
| Total Revenue | 100,000 | Combined revenue figure |
4. Special Tax Advantages and Regulatory Considerations
A noteworthy benefit under a March 2023 directive is available for developers providing services to international markets. For instance, game design services and similar activities can benefit from an 80% deduction in taxable income under specific conditions as per Turkish tax regulations.
| Service Area | Tax Benefit |
| Game Design Services | 80% of the revenue can be deducted from taxable income based on the applicable article of the Income Tax Law. |
| Other International Services (Software, Design, Data Analysis) | Similar tax benefits are available if the services are provided to international clients and meet the necessary criteria. |
5. Handling Deductions and Accounting for Steam Fees
It is important to account correctly for the fees deducted by Steam (such as commission and withholding tax). When issuing invoices, you should base them on the net amount received. Be cautious not to record the same fee as both an expense and a reduction in revenue, as this would result in duplicate accounting entries.
| Deduction Type | Accounting Note |
| Steam Commissions | Must be factored into the net revenue; ensure that the expense is not recorded twice. |
| Withholding Tax | Automatically deducted from payments; must be recorded only once in your net revenue calculations. |
Conclusion: Key Steps for Managing Steam Revenues and Taxes in Turkey
If you are earning or planning to earn revenue through Steam, it is essential to address tax issues carefully. Here are the key takeaways:
Mandatory Company Formation:
Establish a company to comply with tax obligations for Steam revenues.
Choosing the Right Company Structure:
Evaluate your income, age, future sale plans, and potential technopark benefits to choose the best structure.
Accurate Invoicing and VAT Handling:
Ensure correct invoicing based on domestic and international revenue splits while applying the correct VAT rate.
Leveraging Tax Benefits:
Utilize available tax deductions (such as the 80% deduction for international services) by meeting all regulatory requirements.
Proper Accounting for Fees:
Record Steam commission and withholding fees correctly to avoid duplicate entries in your accounts.
For more detailed information you can reach us for consultancy services info@ozmconsultancy.com.
