Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mysteriousapien]

I'm a US citizen and I have to go to Korea tomorrow and I forgot to fill out the tax exemption form. I hate myself so much right now. My relatives told me that I can fill out the form and they can go send it to the IRS on Monday and then mail me the certificate. Would they let me do this before my job starts on the 1st?

[Mysteriousapien]

and this is for SMOE by the way

[Morgen]

You're exempt from Korean taxes for the first two years if you work for a public school. If you're worried about American taxes, you don't need to deal with that until tax time. When that time comes around, by the way, you'll find a wealth of information via search.

And good luck.

[bassexpander]

Not sure about SMOE documentation, but I never had to provide anything immediately about taxes.

I bet you'll be fine.

[waynehead]

Good god if you're this worried about a tax form you might not be cut out for expat-living.

[Morgen]

Yeah I was kind of thinking that too. You're too young to give yourself a stroke, OP.

[waseige1]

I had the same issue. I applied for my form before I left but good old IRS takes about 2 months to get it to you.

From what I found.... Some schools ask for the form, some don't. Even if they require it, you are talking 5% give or take for taxes until you get the form. Even inside of my public school district, some schools asked for it and some did not.

You won't know until you get there but not a deal breaker either way.

[Fox]

Don't worry about it; with or without the form, you're exempt from taxes. All the form does is prove it. Your school will do one of two things:

1) Simply not deduct your taxes from the start, on the assumption that you will eventually give them the form.

2) Deduct your taxes until you give them the form, but you can file to have them returned. Annoying, but hardly the end of the world.

I know how you feel, but this is no big deal, so don't worry.

[DingusKhan]

Form 8802, correct? I believe you can elect to have the Proof of Residency mailed to a third-party (an address other than your U.S. one). This requires a written authorization with the form.

[nyenglish]

you can do it all from Korea...pay online, fax the form and then they mail you the proof of res. over here

go the the tax.gov website and follow the directions...it can be the last thing on your "to do" list, don't worry...

[red_devil]

Yeah, not to mention you don't have to do anything until March/April or later.