Korean Job Discussion Forums

[legalquestions]

Sorry, but I still don't have a conclusive answer: I've just returned to South Korea, and my uni is witholding both Korean national and local city income taxes from my monthly salary (about 200,000 per month).

I worked several years ago at a uni in Seoul, and they never withheld any income taxes. I understand there is a Korean/American tax reciprocity treaty which is responsible for this. No taxes to be withheld the first two years, according to the treaty, but that after two years has elapsed, taxes should be withheld, per the treaty.

A colleague, also American, isn't being withheld any of the aforementioned taxes (same contract as me), even though he has been teaching in South Korea for several years now (ie, more than the 2 year limit mentioned above). WTF?

Any advice/wisdom/experiences would be greatly appreciated.

[kprrok]

I'm pretty sure that if you don't get your taxes withheld here, you have to pay them back home. Why are you complaining about a maximum of 3% in taxes versus the 30% or so you'd have to pay back home?

I'd gladly pay the taxes, not like it's that much anyway, and not complain too much.

Also, I remember reading that it's only the first 2 years in Korea, not 2 years at a job, that you can get the waiver. But, I may remember that one wrong.

Either way, suck it up and pay your taxes here instead of the US.

KPRROK

[passport220]

Sorry, I don't know the anwser to the two year rule question. If you remember you do need to file a Residence Certificate to avoid withholding.
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