Kang Min-su, the Commissioner of the National Tax Service, noted on the 2nd, “I feel a heavy sense of responsibility as large-scale tax revenue shortfalls have occurred for two consecutive years,” adding, “We will strictly enforce tax audits and ensure compliance verification regarding improper deductions and exemptions.”
Commissioner Kang, in the New Year's address at the National Tax Service inauguration ceremony, stated, “We must firmly respond to any actions that delay documentation submissions and intentionally obstruct investigations,” emphasizing, “Please execute the collection of taxes owed, based on an acquired budget for high-value real estate appraisals, in accordance with their actual value.” Analysts interpret this as a forecast of strict tax enforcement, alongside Kang's sense of responsibility for the tax revenue shortfall as the head of a tax enforcement agency.
Commissioner Kang emphasized taxpayers’ voluntary reporting and tax support. He said, “The revamped year-end tax settlement service, which has been designed to prevent approximately 20 million workers from facing disadvantages due to unintended errors, must be executed without any disruptions from the outset of the year,” and added, “We should introduce AI telephone consultation systems at local tax offices nationwide to promptly address tax-related inquiries and establish an intelligent Hometax system to provide tailored information based on the taxpayer's type and timing.”
Tax administration innovation was also emphasized. Last year, the National Tax Service achieved “remarkable results in implementing fair tax administration and securing organizational capabilities, such as strictly cracking down on unfair tax evasion, expanding the budget for high-value real estate appraisals, and making great efforts to impose compulsory fines and pay reward incentives for winning cases,” he said. “We will continue to promote innovations that the public can perceive, like providing refund services more convenient, accurate, and devoid of service fees compared to private tax platforms.”
Commissioner Kang specifically noted the sluggish domestic market due to the recent consumption downturn, stating, “Now is a crucial time for considerate tax administration to embrace citizens and taxpayers experiencing hardships.” He continued, “For small businesses, SMEs, and taxpayers facing difficulties due to disasters, we will offer maximum support within the legal framework, such as extensions of payment deadlines and deferments of seizures and sales,” urging, “Please ensure that incentives are paid promptly to households in financial distress without fail.”
He further added, “Challenges for export and overseas expansion corporations will intensify this year,” indicating intentions to “actively participate in various international conferences, dispatch additional tax officers to major countries, and strengthen networks between tax authorities to provide a stable tax administration environment that substantively aids corporate activities.”