A free tax consultation for market merchants and residents was held at Gyeongan Market in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, on September 17.
Michuhol-gu, Incheon, also provided consultations on national and local taxes at the district office’s civil affairs room on September 18.
When visiting a tax accountant directly feels burdensome, it is worth considering what role the Village Tax Accountant program can serve as a point of contact.
3-Line Summary
1. Village tax accountants are a free tax consultation program.
2. Cumulative consultations over 10 years have reached 40만 cases.
3. Check the scope and limitations of consultations first.
Tax Consultation and Shopping at Gyeongan Market
The Korean Institute of Certified Public Tax Accountants, Gyeonggi Gwangju District Tax Office, and others held the “Visiting Village Tax Accountant” event on September 17 at Gyeongan Market in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province. At the on-site consultation center, tax accountants from the Gyeonggi Gwangju Regional Tax Accountants Association provided free consultations on tax-related questions from market merchants and residents.
The event was not solely a venue for tax consultation. Participants visited shops in the market to buy goods, while tax office employees explained the sincere tax payment and tax point systems. It combined a traditional market revitalization event with tax consultations at the same site.
The Korean Institute of Certified Public Tax Accountants said it plans to visit approximately 38 traditional markets nationwide around Chuseok and continue consultation and shopping events. However, the actual operating dates and consultation methods may differ by market and event, so it is advisable to check local guidance before visiting.
40만 Cases Over 10 Years: Why It Became a Consultation Channel
The Village Tax Accountant program is a system under which tax accountants appointed by local governments provide support in consulting on tax issues for vulnerable groups and residents. According to reporting by The Economist, cumulative consultations exceeded 40만 cases during the 10 years since the program was introduced, and approximately 1,400 (1400) tax accountants currently participate.
The key point conveyed by these figures is that tax inquiries are not limited to particular business operators. In addition to tax categories closely connected to business, such as income tax and value-added tax, people may suddenly encounter inheritance, gift, or property-related issues in everyday life. Rather than viewing the program as a place that immediately handles complicated calculations on one’s behalf, it is appropriate to see it as a first point of contact for asking which tax category and procedure applies to one’s situation.
At an on-site consultation in Yongsan-gu on September 16, tax matters including capital gains tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, and comprehensive real estate tax were explained one-on-one. At an event at Gumi Saemaeul Jungang Market, consultations covered both national taxes such as comprehensive income tax and value-added tax and local taxes such as acquisition tax and property tax. It is also important that the subjects covered differed depending on the region and event.
Michuhol-gu Also Provided Information on Telephone Consultations
Michuhol-gu, Incheon, operated the “Tax Consultation Day with Village Tax Accountants” on September 18 in Tax Division 1 of the district office’s General Civil Affairs Office. Michuhol-gu said that 6 village tax accountants provide free consultations through talent donation and that residents can receive consultations related to national and local taxes.
Residents who have difficulty visiting in person can check the village tax accountant in charge through the Michuhol Call Center or the Incheon Metropolitan City Electronic Notification and Payment System and then receive a telephone consultation. If additional consultation is needed, an in-person consultation can also be arranged by coordinating a schedule.
However, this does not mean that everyone can receive every type of consultation. Michuhol-gu said consultations may be restricted for residents who own property above a certain amount, among others. When looking into free consultations, first check the eligibility criteria and contact method of the relevant local government—not merely whether it is nearby—to avoid a wasted trip.
References
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