It has been confirmed that there are differences among ruling party lawmakers over the top tax rate for the separate taxation of dividend income. The Strategy and Finance Committee tax subcommittee plans to hold a small subcommittee meeting on the 27th and finalize the plan for separate taxation of dividend income.
Park Soo-young of the People Power Party, who serves as Chairperson of the tax subcommittee, met with reporters at the National Assembly on the 26th and said, "(Separate taxation of dividend income) is of course aimed to pass within this week," adding, "We are trying to reach an agreement at the small subcommittee tomorrow, and the full committee meeting set for the day after tomorrow is also intended to pass it."
The top tax rate for the separate taxation of dividend income was initially reported to be likely at 25%, proposed by Lee So-young of the Democratic Party of Korea. However, with other ruling party lawmakers voicing opposition within the tax subcommittee, the decision is being delayed. In addition to the previously likely 25%, various options such as 30% and 35% are being discussed. Park said, "The 30% idea is something claimed by a single lawmaker and does not have a consensus."
Park revealed frustration. Park said, "The government indicated through party-government discussions that it is willing to ease the 35% government plan, and with Representative Lee So-young's bill, we began in a mood quite close to 25%," adding, "But about two Democratic Party lawmakers are saying it is a tax cut for the rich and that 35% should be maintained, so I am confused."
Park said, "The party leadership set a line, but seeing individual remarks like this makes me think coordination is not working," adding, "We are having a hard time because coordination between the party and the government is not going well."