Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sarahxcore]

I've been trying to find out about this all day, and since I can never get the search function to work on this forum I thought I'd just make a post!

So, my understanding of the whole double taxation treaty is this:

Option A: get a certificate of residency and I will not have to pay tax in Korea, but I will have to pay it in the UK.

Option B: don't bother with a certificate and pay tax in Korea.

Obviously, better to pay in Korea at 3/4% than in the UK at whatever ridiculous percentage it is we're on now!

But, where does this 2 year tax exemption for school teachers come into it? Would I just choose to pay tax in Korea and automatically become exempt? Or do I need to show them this residency certificate to get this? In which case, do I then become liable to pay in the UK???

I really don't understand! Thank you in advance to anyone who can help with this!

[English Matt]

Not sure that I understand it either Sarah. I thought along the same lines as you.....pay tax in Korea and save a load of money. My coteacher couldn't wrap her head around that one, demanded that I get a certificate of residence and then proceeded to go batshit crazy when I told her that it would take a month to get it.

From what I understand.....yes you should be liable on tax somewhere. However. If you do not relocate this money to the UK then you are not liable to pay tax on it. But. In reality, they are not going to notice that you brought the money back with you. So don't pay tax anywhere, try to be discrete about sending it back home......send it to a parent's account maybe.....and you'll be fine.

[TheBebbins]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=182718

here is an old discussion on this. I am a UK citizen and as far as I can tell it is far better to pay your tax here, make sure you have some proof of it, get the statements in your bank book (which I haven't done and need to do!)

[Darkeru]

Basically I've heard if you stay 1 year, it's best to pay tax here. If you stay 2 years, it's best to get a certificate of residence, since you'll be classified as non-resident in the UK if you're away from April - April and not pay tax there.