Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Godhasbeengoodtome]

I've been reading up on this and can't get a definitive answer. Do public schools really need the 6166 letter from the IRS or not? Seems last time in Korea I did not need one; they just exempted me automatically without this? Now do we have to have one? Why do they need this?

[redhed]

I am also curious. It seems a lengthy and bullshit process on the IRS end, and mostly geared towards corporations and trusts. I was told that a phone call to the state where you pay taxes can get you an acceptable sheet for free and much quicker. I however, don't pay state taxes so I'm stuck. Any advice anyone???

[Tobias]

Well, guys, let me tell you about MY situation, if that helps.

I started here a few months into 2007. I didn't have taxes withheld from my salary in 2007. In 2008, I was fine too, at least for the first four months. In May 2008, my old HR person took a hike and a new HR person replaced her. This new person is a 'by the book' type who started taking taxes out of my salary. Not only did the deductions begin, but the anal new HR person did a 'retro' on my ass--she took a scoop out of my May salary that covered the deductions for January-April of 2008 as well. And some of this covered months from my first year here.

Yes, albeit I'm presently working in my first two years here, I am having taxes withheld. I never saw any deductions in 2007, but this is because the old HR person either chose not to make those deductions or didn't know the law well enough. The law says the deductions MUST be made. If you are exempt, you have to prove it at the end of the year. I know people who aren't having taxes withheld, and at least one is in his FOURTH year here, so it depends on your school's HR person.

I have been told by my boss that I can get my 2008 deductions refunded, but there is a caveat. I must be able to prove I'm a resident of the US. Yeah, it's ridiculous. I can get the job here, but I still have to jump through this hoop. I have a valid driver's license, a voter registration card, bank accounts, et al from the US. Is this enough? Hell no. I have to provide this 6166 form or I won't get my refund, which will be around 1,500,000 won by the end of this month. I sent off the 8802 for my 6166 last week. I should get it in about 6 weeks.

My advice to you is get the 6166. You never know when you'll need it. I was fine in 2007. Not so fine in 2008, and all I did was stay put.

PS--Although I sent for my 6166, I may not get it. It depends on the IRS's definition of 'resident'. If I can't get it because I lived here the past tax year, that will mean the 'two years tax exempt carrot' is false. I doubt this is the case, as I still must file tax returns with the IRS. Stay tuned. I'll report back when I either get the 6166 and my refund, or the IRS contacts me to tell me I don't qualify. I've never done this before, so I don't know which it'll be.

[Godhasbeengoodtome]

Tobias,
I have similar concerns. I plan on getting a 6166 for the 2006 tax year to avoid problems with the irs.

It is strange that Gepik doesnt require this form 6166 and other hr people are so rigid.

[Godhasbeengoodtome]

Tobias,
I have similar concerns. I plan on getting a 6166 for the 2006 tax year to avoid problems with the irs.

It is strange that Gepik doesnt require this form 6166 and other hr people are so rigid.

[Tobias]