Korean Job Discussion Forums

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

I'm about to begin my third year with the same hagwon. Prior to this place I worked at a CDI where the manager was dodgy as hell, they managed to cheat me out of several things in my contract. I even took it to the Labor Board where they falsified a contract and were caught in the act... yet somehow the Labor Board still decided in their favor. I digress...

Anyway, my current manager has asked me to dig out my old tax paperwork from that dodgy place and go to the tax office. It seems a bit off. I appreciate his concern, if concern it be... it's just got me suspicious as I've heard of people here getting nailed for back taxes from previous employment with dodgy hagwons.

I was an 'hourly worker' and not a 'salary worker'. So, my contract was as a specialist on consignment, which meant to health insurance, etc. Supposedly it also meant lower taxes as well.

It's quite plausible that I conveniently *lost* this paperwork if you get my meaning.

Question

nate1983 · Joined: 30 Mar 2008

Is there a question in there? You're an adult, it's your responsibility to ensure you pay your taxes.

Stan Rogers · Joined: 20 Aug 2010

Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar or Caesar will put your ass in jail.

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

You guys are exceedingly helpful.

Feebie · Joined: 16 Nov 2013

If you were an independent contractor you are responsible for filing tax info in May each year. Tax is higher than for regular employees as far as I know.

tardisrider · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Location: Seoul

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

Unposter · Joined: 04 Jun 2006

Chaz47,

To be honest, I didn't reply to this thread earlier because I don't really know how to help you. I have never been in or know anyone who has been in such a situation.

So, please take whatever I say with a grain of salt: First, I think you need to clarify what your current boss wants you to do. He may want you to fill out tax forms but I would think that would have already been done. But, if that is what you have to do, and you don't already have the information, you are going to have to go back to your old boss and ask him for his end of the year tax information (W-2 if you are an American). Then, you will have to fill out the appropriate forms, file and pay if you have to. If he never filed anything with the Korean government, maybe, you won't have to fill anything out. On the other hand, if he did, you definitely need to fill something out.

Yes, most salaried employees can have their employer directly file in Korea but if you are an independent contractor, I guess, you have to file yourself.

Good luck and let us know what this was all about as I bet it will be/would be useful for someone else at some time.

Feebie · Joined: 16 Nov 2013

If you do have to file and face a bill make the most of everything you can use to offset against the total. (Car insurance, school fees, sizeable medical bills, credit card spending if over a certain % of your income etc.) If you register at yeskorea you can print your info, though it may not all be recorded there.

Good luck.

Weigookin74 · Joined: 26 Oct 2009

As an idependant contractor you are respeonsible for paying your own taxes and fees by yourself. This means pension, medical insurance, etc. If not and you stay in Korea, you will get caught later on and have to pay. Either that or get out of Korea quickly never to return.

It never ceases to amaze me the folks here who work as an independant contractor and seem to think they are immune to life while others are not. If I got to pay my fees, so do you.

The trick here is if you work for CDI or any other school that pulls this independant contractor is to accept a minimum of no less than 30,000 an hour. But, should demand higher if you have more experience. This way, you pay your tax and the double fees (yours and your employers) pension and medical insurance premiums.

What working as an independant contractor does not mean is extra money in your pocket unless you're here for a year or two and then get out of Korea never to return. But, if you are going to work here for years and move onto other jobs, it'll catch up to you sooner or later if you don't pay these things.

Don't do theindependant contractor unless you negotiate hard for a decent hourly wage and enough hours to make it worth it.