South Korea Launches Tax Delinquency Management Teams to Address 130 Trillion Won in Arrears

The National Tax Service (NTS) in South Korea has officially launched a large-scale tax delinquency management initiative, deploying a team of 5,500 personnel across 133 local tax offices. This coordinated effort aims to systematically address a staggering 130 trillion won (approximately $95 billion USD) in outstanding taxes and other national revenues, including fines and levies.

NTS Commissioner Lim Gwang-hyun emphasized the importance of the field agents' work, stating, "The achievements accumulated by the delinquency management team in the field will serve as foundational data for future tax delinquency management." He urged the team to carry out their responsibilities with pride and accountability.

The 5,500-strong team will focus on investigating the circumstances of tax arrears for 1.34 million individuals and 4.24 million entities that owe taxes or other national revenues. Their work, scheduled to run for approximately six months until December 23, will involve contacting delinquents via phone and visiting their residences or businesses to assess their living and business environments.

For individuals facing financial hardship, the NTS will provide information on tax debt forgiveness programs and connect them with relevant welfare services. Conversely, those who intentionally evade payment will face rigorous pursuit by dedicated NTS officials. This initiative builds on a pilot program launched in March, which involved 500 personnel and successfully collected 10 billion won in arrears over 80 days, yielding a return more than double the invested budget.

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The achievements accumulated by the delinquency management team in the field will serve as foundational data for future tax delinquency management. Carry out your roles faithfully with pride and responsibility.