Job Discussion Forums

nateliu99 · Joined: 22 May 2009 Posts: 72

thanks for the help JZer,

it's sounding like online work is the only way i could get one and stay in Asia

zipper · Joined: 14 Dec 2009 Posts: 237

nateliu99 · Joined: 22 May 2009 Posts: 72

I don't doubt that, but i am wondering if a program like that will hurt my chances of a job in the state, the stigma exists and i don't want to spend time and money on a program like that just to discover i can't find a job with it

zipper · Joined: 14 Dec 2009 Posts: 237

nateliu99 · Joined: 22 May 2009 Posts: 72

just read this on asianconsultants

5. How does the tax system in Taiwan work?

The tax year in Taiwan runs from January to December. For the first six months (183 days) that you are in Taiwan, you will need to pay 20% tax on your earnings. This period of time is determined by the entry/exit stamps in your passport, and not your employment contract. You then file for tax returns before May 31st of the following year. However, if you arrive after July 31st, you will not be in this bracket. You will therefore still need to pay the 20% tax, but will not be able to file for tax return on it. If you arrive before the July 31st cutoff date and are present in Taiwan for longer than 183 days in that tax year (for example, if your arrival date was in March), then you can claim a partial refund on the taxes paid in the following year. Be careful as any time spent out of the country (visa runs, holidays, etc.) will not count toward this 183-day period.

Is this true? 20% is a lot!!!

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Yes, you can get the money back as long as you start your job before July 1 of the year that you will plan to begin working in Taiwan. If you come July 2, then the government will keep all of your money. I arrived in September and had to pay 20 percent and was not refunded the money. If you arrive before July 1, you should be elligible to only pay 6 percent tax. The 14 percent difference will be returned June of the following year.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

zipper · Joined: 14 Dec 2009 Posts: 237

creztor · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 476

Nate, I mentioned the tax rate on the first page of this thread. It is 18% now.

Rooster_2006 · Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 984

The tax laws changed recently.

It's now 18% for the six months of EVERY calendar year, even if you've been in Taiwan a while.

You can file a return and get some of that back, but I agree, it's pretty harsh. I guess that's what you end up paying when there's socialized medical care (whether you consider that a good thing or a bad thing).