Job Discussion Forums

[parnett]

I was asked by several posters here at Dave's to keep them updated on my progress with the job search. I have decided to take the job (if everything goes all right) as academic director at one of the branches of Disney English (hopefully in Hangzhou). I have read all the derogatory comments made about the Disney company on the net; however, most of the criticism was made by disgruntled employees who didn't like the long hours, weekends working etc. I am a workaholic, so that part of the job won't be a problem.
The salary is good (18,000 rmb/month + 4000 rmb/month housing allowance). There is also a 7000 rmb signing bonus. Complete health and dental insurance is also part of the package.
My question is: how much tax will I have to pay here in China on a monthly salary of 22,000 rmb? I have tried to find an answer on the net, but have been unable to do so.
Another thing I was wondering- since Disney is an American company, will my earnings be reported to the evil IRS (I am an American citizen)?
I asked a representative from the company and he had no idea.
If any of you readers are interested in working for Disney, feel free to PM me. They need academic managers at many of their branches. But be forewarned- you will work a lot of hours, be asked to dress up like Disney characters and will prepare lesson plans according to the Disney system.
You will also have to wear the Disney outfits provided for you ( polo shirts, pants/ skirts etc.). One other item that might frighten potential teachers away- they don't provide accommodation, but will put you up in a hotel for three weeks while you look for a suitable place to live. This means you need to bring at least $3000 as any reputable agent is going to ask for three months rent, one month deposit and 1/2 month's rent for his/ her fee.

[johntpartee]

3065 tax on 22000.

[kev7161]

I wouldn't mind wearing a provided company uniform of slacks and a polo shirt (beats a shirt and tie any day!), but would worry they would have trouble finding clothes in my size here in China. Also, if I worked five days a week, would I have five sets of uniforms? I would take exception, however, as a professional teacher being asked to don a Mickey costume from time to time as part of my job description, but maybe that's just me.

In my opinion, weekends in China are overrated. I would actually prefer having, say, Tuesday and Wednesday off as grocery stores, banks, etc. are less busy on those days and I could get my personal business done in a less chaotic manner. If I wanted to hang out with my friends, we could still meet for dinner or something on a weeknight. Also, if weekends mattered more to me, I'd try to negotiate maybe one weekend off per month written into my contract.

I too work a lot of hours (compared to some here that brag about their 16 or 18 hours per week), but I'm still usually out of the school by 3PM so I can't cry too much about that. I don't think hanging around in an office all afternoon waiting for an evening class would sit well with me though.

To answer your question about taxes, I do believe that you can earn upwards to the equivalent of around $90,000 (amount not exact) per year and not have to worry about paying the IRS. Surely their website would answer that question more accurately though.

[johntpartee]

I wanna be Goofy!

I've never heard of the IRS actually chasing anyone down for taxes on foreign income. Whenever I'm going to return to the US for an extended period I immediately contact Internal Revenue. That way you are in essence "turning yourself in" rather than being "caught". No penalties, no muss, no fuss. But, yeah, most foreigners don't make enough for the tax people to really bother with; they've got bigger fish to fry.

[ecubyrd]

[kev7161]

Not that I would even remotely consider working for Disney English, but thanks for the clarifications ecubyrd!

[ecubyrd]

[mambawamba]

If you want to figure out tax there's a great website called Sinocast.

Remeber about the 'tax holiday' as well, allowance differs for different countries.