Korean Job Discussion Forums

[reactionary]

I didn't choose my housing. In fact, it's a 6 pyung box and I don't like it very much - I accepted it because unlike the first hole I was put in, it didn't have broken glass all over the floor.

But my boss has decided to put my "rent" onto my paycheck this month (550,000 won) and told me to pay it directly to the budongsan. Whatever. But then i noticed my income tax, it's gone up from 50,000 won to 130,000 won. Pension, health, are the same.

I remember fighting them over this in the past and winning - said if you wanna count my housing as part of my salary, then they'd have to pay more in pension as well. Now they're trying to slip this on me again. "Income tax is calculated on all of your salary and benefits. pension is based on only your base salary!"

I don't consider it a housing allowance as I didn't REALLY pick the place - I bitched about my last garbage dump, then SETTLED for what they presented to me. I dont see why my income tax needs to more than double.

I mean my income tax is now well over 5% of my base salary and i really just think they are pocketing some on me. It's not a lot of money but as I don't do privates, it's significant to me.

[boyne11]

You're right in that when housing allowance is considered as your added income and is taxed at a highter bracket, your pension and medical should increase too.

Go to the NTS website and check your tax.

Tell your sly boss "No can do."

[the eye]

No.
According to the tax office, housing allowance is separate from base salary. It is classed as a taxable benefit, and subject to a different tax rate.

It does not affect you pension, or health insurance.

In Daegu, the taxable amount is listed at 400,000 per month. If memory serves, the tax rate was 4.5%, but i'm not positive on that because my school pays it anyway.

I'd be worried about the amount that your deductions have increased. Sounds like someone made an error, or you are being charged too much.

[Roch]

[yingwenlaoshi]

[reactionary]

well, that's the thing. if you punch it into the tax website, it is correct. 2.9 mill is taxed at a higher % than is 2.3. it pushes me into a higher tax bracket.

the thing is...I DIDN'T ASK FOR A HOUSING ALLOWANCE. This is housing they chose and gave to me. I didn't have to pay taxes on this last year, and I didn't until recently (once I forced them to pay my pension). It's a goddam claw-back technique and I'm tired of dealing with it. My only response is just to be a complete lazy sod at the work place and be completely unhelpful

[reactionary]

By the way, a nyone have the tax office number? The website (as seen in the sticky - http://nts.go.kr/) is a bunch of chicken scratches.

[georgewallas]

[reactionary]

what tax sticky - tax refund procedures? does this question apply to that topic? i think not, cheeky.

i did check the sticky that listed all the websites of various agencies and got the wrong website, so, "GO STICKIES!"

[the eye]

[reactionary]

^

Thanks, will do.

[georgewallas]

[reactionary]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=105423



The tax sticky with contact info for NTS in the title, among others - had the incorrect website, thus I asked. Perhaps, O Sticky Warrior, thou shouldst amendst it?

I'm not interested in Tax refund procedures, didn't look there. I wouldn't ask an apple vendor for an orange, even if they're both fruit.

[georgewallas]

DavesEslCafe is a great site for many things, but information for every day problems can be lacking or partial or badly named.

You did ask about the NTS phone number at one point,