SGK administrative fines: the 7 most common causes and how to prevent them
Hiring notifications, the monthly withholding and premium return, occupation codes, missing-day documents; fine amounts, the 25% reduction, objection and a checklist to avoid repeats.
Almost all SGK administrative fines come from deadlines and accuracy of information. In 2026 the fine base is the gross minimum wage (TRY 33,030), so amounts are significant even for a single employee.
The 7 most common causes
| # | Cause | 2026 fine | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Late hiring notification | TRY 33,030 per employee (TRY 66,060 if found by inspection) | Notify a day before the employee starts; there is no "trial day" exception |
| 2 | Late withholding and premium service return | TRY 6,606 per employee, up to TRY 66,060 | Approval and accrual by the 26th |
| 3 | Missing-day documents (reports, unpaid leave) not provided | TRY 16,515 per employee | Document the reason; timesheet before month end |
| 4 | Wrong occupation code | TRY 3,303 per employee | Code based on the job actually done. Occupation codes |
| 5 | Late termination notification | Per employee (similar to the hiring fine) | Within 10 days with the right code. Exit codes |
| 6 | Unregistered or under-reported employment | Separate fine for each month not reported + lost incentives | Real wages on payroll |
| 7 | Books and documents not produced | TRY 396,360 for balance sheet basis | Reply to inspection letters on time |
SGK fine calculator · All fines · Check before filing: Payroll check
If you receive a fine
- Note the notification date. All periods run from it.
- Paying within 15 days gives a 25% reduction. Paying the reduced amount does not remove the right to object.
- Objection: written objection to SGK within the same 15 days; if rejected, the labour court within 30 days. Check the document and dates the fine is based on: notification date, document type, number of employees and caps are often wrong.
- Debt affects incentives. An unpaid administrative fine stops the Treasury incentive and minimum wage support. Lost incentives can cost more than the fine itself.
Checklist
- New employees' start dates are given to us at least a day ahead
- Timesheets arrive before the last business day of the month
- Reports and unpaid leave are documented
- Occupation codes are updated when duties change
- Termination letters and reasons are ready for exits
- The SGK e-Notification box is checked weekly