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Early this year Korea's National Tax Service began offering English assistance to guide foreign taxpayers through the filing procedures. The move is part of a broader government plan aimed at better accommodating foreign residents in the country. The NTS began the project with 10 pilot centers in February and added 20 more this month due to rising demand.
The number of foreign residents who have finalized their taxes through the year-end tax settlement increased almost 170 percent from 2001 to 287,000 last year. Those who have also had to declare foreign income on their returns increased nearly 330 percent over the same period to more than 13,000.
In addition to the new booths, the NTS published a guide that answers frequently-asked questions. The guide's entire content is also up on its English-language website. Those who don't want to go to the office or visit the website also have the option of calling the NTS English Assistance Hotline.
Although it's a little soon to conclude the additions are successful, the responses so far have been positive. The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea sent a letter to the NTS, saying they welcome and fully support the initiative. But others still wonder whether the demand will be high enough as many foreign entrepreneurs often hire accountants.
Once the English service has been tested over time and shown to be stable, the agency plans to broaden the services to other languages like Chinese and Vietnamese.
Arirang News
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