Korean Job Discussion Forums

[0916]

I have just started working at a Public School in Korea. I know the tax rate is 3.5% here and have heard that UK citizens are exempt for 2 years.

Does this mean that we are still liable for UK tax as we are not paying tax here or does the exemption mean we still don't have to pay UK tax if we are away for the whole financial year?

Could someone give me a summary of what the tax situation is for UK citizens?

[Gusss]

Your not in the UK so you dont pay UK tax.

[RufusW]

[gazz]

Ring the Tax office in the UK via Skype!

[ekul]

You don't pay any tax, but they still want you to pay student loan contributions and you could pay NI contributions as well if you ever want a pension back home.

[0916]

I have contacted the Student Loans Company. Are there any UK citizens who are making NI contributions whilst working in Korea?

[Michael_75]

I have tried to find out information regarding this before but without much joy. Paying NI is advisable (though I don't yet) as otherwise your pension and enititlement to NHS treatment could lapse (so I'm told). you must also pay your student loan, you can fill out a form to calculate how much you pay. I pay 33 pounds a month, doesn't even cover the interest. Not paying your student loan can lead to a massive fine or the SLC can even demand instant repayment.

As for income tax, I'm pretty sure we don't pay. My sister (a solicitor) has told me this although admittedly she did fail her last tax exam. So you might want to get that verified.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[crabstix]

[Savant]

[0916]

Savant, did HMRC start sending you self-assessment forms to your UK address once you declared yourself non-resident?

Also, have you had to show them proof of your Korean earnings and tax on return to the UK? Have you filled a P86 out upon returning?

[0916]

Savant, did HMRC start sending you self-assessment forms to your UK address once you declared yourself non-resident?

Also, have you had to show them proof of your Korean earnings and tax on return to the UK? Have you filled a P86 out upon returning?

[Savant]

[slimstinator]

You only have to pay British Income tax on your earning if you are in the UK for more than 90 days in a tax year. However, it is very unlikely that the British Gov will ever find out about your earnings unless you tell them, or they have some reason to ask you.

As for NI, if you want a pension you will need to pay it. You could pay it while you are in Korea, or you could pay it all after you come back.

Also to go on the dole, it is much easier if your NI is up to date.

[RufusW]