If you live or work in Korea, there is one phrase you will almost certainly hear in May: comprehensive income tax filing.
If you are wondering whether you need to file taxes in Korea in May, you are not alone. This guide will help you understand the basics and see if it applies to your situation.
⚡ What You Need to Know
In Korea, May (May 1–31) is the main tax filing season. If you are self-employed, a freelancer, or have additional income, you may need to file taxes. If you are a regular employee, your taxes are usually handled through year-end tax adjustment. Still, some employees may need to file in May if they have multiple sources of income or missed the year-end tax settlement process. Foreigners may also need to file depending on their income and situation, so it is important to check carefully.
A simple example of preparing tax documents during Korea’s tax filing season.
Why Is May Important for Taxes in Korea?
In Korea, May is often called Family Month because it includes several family-related celebrations. At the same time, however, it is also one of the most important months for taxes. People who are self-employed, work as freelancers, run small businesses, or have additional income may need to report their earnings during this period. This entire process is what is known as comprehensive income tax filing.
In our case, both my husband and I need to file comprehensive income tax every May. Some people file taxes themselves through Hometax, but we usually consult a certified tax accountant, called a seomusa in Korea, because preparing documents and handling everything ourselves can feel overwhelming.
Since May is already an expensive month in Korea due to Children’s Day, Parents’ Day, and Teachers’ Day, adding tax-related expenses on top of that can make the month feel even heavier. Of course, getting a tax refund later does make it feel slightly better.
What Types of Income May Be Included?
Comprehensive income tax combines several types of income into a single filing. While the exact details depend on each individual, common examples include interest income, dividends, business income such as freelance work, employment income that was not fully settled through the year-end tax adjustment system, pension income, and other miscellaneous income. Because everyone’s situation is slightly different, the final requirement may vary from person to person.
Do Foreigners Need to File Taxes in Korea?
This is one of the most common questions among foreigners living in Korea. Tax obligations here are not determined simply by nationality. In many cases, foreigners may also need to file taxes if they live in Korea or earn certain types of income from Korean sources.
One important concept is whether a person is considered a resident or a non-resident for tax purposes. In general, staying in Korea for 183 days or more is one of the key factors in determining this classification. For example, you may need to review your situation if you work for a Korean company, earn freelance income, run a business, or have income that was not fully handled through year-end tax settlement. However, the exact rules can differ depending on factors such as visa status, income type, and tax treaties between countries.
How Do People File Taxes in Korea?
Tax matters in Korea are handled by the National Tax Service (NTS). Most people use online systems to manage the process. The two most common options are Hometax, which is the main web-based system, and Sontax, the mobile app version. Through these platforms, users can check income records, submit tax returns, and make payments. While some English support is available, the process may still feel unfamiliar if it is your first time.
Where Can Foreigners Get Help?
If the process feels confusing, it is always better to rely on official support rather than informal advice. The National Tax Service provides a helpline specifically for foreigners:
📌 NTS Helpline for Foreigners
☎ 1588-0560
※ Service hours and language support may vary.
This can be one of the most reliable starting points if you need guidance related to taxes in Korea. You can also check the official English website of the National Tax Service for additional guidance and multilingual resources.
👉 National Tax Service English Website
One Important Thing to Remember
Tax rules can vary significantly depending on personal circumstances. For foreigners in particular, factors such as length of stay, type of income, employment conditions, and tax agreements between countries can all play a role. Because of this, it is always important to confirm your situation through the National Tax Service or a qualified tax professional rather than relying on general information alone.
Final Thoughts
May in Korea is not only a month filled with family events and social activities, but also a time when many people take care of important financial responsibilities. For foreigners, the system may feel unfamiliar at first, but understanding the basic structure can make daily life in Korea much smoother and less stressful.
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