Job Discussion Forums

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

I think I'm right in saying that if I go to Taiwan after the first 180 days of the financial year, I'll be able to avoid the 20% tax. Does this mean that after this time, competition for jobs also increases?

I finish my current contract next August. I'm thinking of working a short stint somewhere (like a few months on a cruise ship) and then going to Taiwan.

scarab1169 · Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 42

No you won't. Tax laws have changed and everyone now pays 20% tax the first 183 days of every year - whether you're new or not. And if you come after that 183 days as a newbie, you're still going to get taxed 20 % because new people are bound to do that and then it's like a double whammy - 20 % until end of year, and 20 % for another 6 months. You do however get a large portion back when filling for tax return the next year.

123Loto · Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Posts: 160

You have to work for 183 days in the calendar year to qualify for the tax refund - so actually, if you arrive in the second half of the year you're going to be stuck with that 20% tax - no refund. You'd then continue to be taxed for 20% for the first half of next year as well, but you'd be able to get the tax refund on that portion.

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

Oh well that sucks Shocked

Thanks for the answers.

LKJ · Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 57

Change every mention of 20% to 18%

I hope this helps
LKJ

Solar Strength · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 557 Location: Bangkok, Thailand

markholmes · Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 661 Location: Wengehua

YEs, it's about days in the country, not how many days you work.

zipper · Joined: 14 Dec 2009 Posts: 237

Now, I have learned something. Thanks to the above poster... Smile

kotoko · Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 109

Thank you everyone for your kind answers Cool

123Loto · Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Posts: 160

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

dangerousapple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 292

In reality, even with a contract, the schools are going to hesitate about lowering the witholding rate during the 1st 183 days, as the tax bureau will charge the school for any witholding shortfall if a foreigner leaves early. Unless you have a very good trust relationship with your boss, don't expect a lower rate.

yamahuh · Joined: 23 Apr 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Karaoke Hell

True, but there are many instance of schools not declaring your full earnings - the old 'one contract for the government and one for us' 'he's working 14 hours for $300 NT an hour' b*s*'
My last school I was making $68K and paying only $1600 per month in tax.
It was awesome....

Dr_Zoidberg · Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 7:52 am Post subject: