Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Murph]

I have had three paydays with my new job, and each time I haven't been taxed. Every month I remind my boss that I need to be taxed, but it never happens. Here is another bit of info that might be relevant. My school is also a sort of Christian mission although it seems to be more school than anything. I was told in a round about way that my school is part of a church (in some way) and that taxes aren't the same. This doesn't seem relevant since I am here on an E-2 visa. So should I insisit on having my taxes paid, or just ride it out and see what happens? After all in the case of E-2 visa holding ESL teachers it is the employers responsibility to take taxes, so I am betting that my worst case scenario is that I would have to pay my taxes. I can't see any tax evasion issues, or fines coming my way. All thoughts are welcome.

[air76]

Taxes are so low you might be getting taxed and not know it....I wouldn't stress about it. Even if you aren't paying taxes, then you won't get your pension money....so it all works out even in the end.

[8 years down]

Well actually, you'd get more back for a pension if they tax'd you, then you will save not being taxed, since the school has to match your contribution.

[sojusucks]

Have you visited the tax office?

[Murph]

I haven't visited the tax office, and I don't intend to. Being on a Korean revenue agents radar screen is the last place I want to be. A few of the responses mentioned pension fund. It's kind of a long story but I am not part of the pension program so that's not really a factor in my decision. For reasons unknown to me ( I was given ten different answers by ten different people) I was given an extra tax bill of 2 ooo ooo won last December so I can see that the government does monitor these things, however there might be something to my schools status. So what I am really wondering is if I should nip this in the bud and make sure I get my taxes paid, or if I should just ride it out and see if anything happens at all. I am wondering about the potential long range issue involved. For example I don't pay, and after I leave Korea I get contacted and told that I owe the government money etc... I know it's out there, but just thinking of all the scenarios. Thanks again.

[Troglodyte]

At first glance, it might seem a benefit to have avoided paying tax, BUT you're also not paying into the pension fund. So...... when you leave you can't receive that pension back. If you were paying into the pension then you boss also pays into it. That's a $$$ plus for you. At the end of a year, when you leave, you receive not only YOUR contribution but his also. it's like getting about a months salary bonus. It definitely adds up. And pension is more than tax.

Pay your taxes and make sure that your boss is paying into your pension - unless you come from a country that can't claim it back or have it transferred to your home country. In that case, maybe you did luck out. Just keep your fingers crossed that the tax man doesn't notice.

[peppermint]