How to Check National and Local Tax Delinquents and the Disadvantages of Non-Payment
Everyone has probably experienced this at least once: “I clearly paid all my taxes, but I’m still in arrears?”
You might find an unfamiliar bill in your mailbox, or you might be surprised to discover a delinquent tax payment while applying for government subsidies.
In fact, tax delinquency can occur without you even realizing it. It can be due to missing the payment deadline, not receiving a bill due to moving, or simply a simple mistake.
However, delinquent national or local taxes can lead to various legal and economic consequences, such as surcharges, seizures, and a lowered credit rating, so it’s crucial to check in advance.
In this article, we’ll cover everything from how to check for national and local tax delinquencies to the penalties for non-payment, and how to prevent and resolve them.
1. What’s the Difference Between National and Local Taxes?
First, national and local taxes are taxed differently. National taxes are taxes levied by the government, including income tax, value-added tax, corporate tax, and inheritance tax.
Local taxes are taxes levied by local governments, such as cities, counties, and districts, and include property tax, automobile tax, acquisition tax, and resident tax.
Therefore, to check for unpaid taxes, remember to check them through “Hometax” for national taxes and “Wetax” for local taxes. 지방세 체납조회
It’s easy to get confused, so it’s important to first identify which taxes are unpaid.
2. How to Check National Tax Arrears (Hometax)
Hometax (www.hometax.go.kr), operated by the National Tax Service, is available 24 hours a day. 좋은뉴스
✔ How to Check
Log in to Hometax (joint certificate or simple authentication)
Select [Check/Issue] → [Tax Payment] → [Check Unpaid Tax]
View a detailed list of your unpaid national taxes.
You can also issue a certificate by selecting [Civil Complaint Certificate] → [Proof of Tax Delinquency]
✔ Information Available
Tax Type and Amount
Payment Deadline
Any Surcharges
Payment Period
Hometax allows you to check your status and make payments immediately, making it very convenient.
3. How to Check Local Tax Delinquency (Wetax)
Local taxes can be checked through Wetax (www.wetax.go.kr).
✔ How to Check
Log in to WeTax (joint certificate or simple authentication)
Select [Pay] → [Local Tax] → [Unpaid Tax History]
Check your unpaid local taxes.
Issue a payment certificate from [Inquiry/Issue] → [Payment Confirmation]
✔ Items Available for Checking
Automobile tax, property tax, resident tax, etc.
Unpaid amount and surcharges
Seizure status, etc.
WeTax can also be easily accessed through the mobile app (Smart WeTax).
4. Disadvantages of Unpaid Taxes
Unpaid taxes can lead to various legal penalties.
Above all, surcharges accumulate over time, so prompt action is crucial.
✅ Common Disadvantages
Surcharge: Up to 1.2% accumulated monthly.
Property Seizure: Cars, real estate, deposits, and even wages can be seized.
Credit Rating Downgrade: Negatively impacts financial institutions’ credit ratings.
Exit Ban: Large delinquent taxpayers may be restricted from leaving the country.
Criminal Punishment: Deliberate non-payment or false reporting may result in punishment.
5. Tax Delinquency Prevention and Resolution Methods
✅ Prevention Methods
Set up automatic transfers: Automatic transfers are available through Hometax and Wetax.
Register for notification services: Receive text and email notifications before the payment deadline. Make monthly checks a habit: Regularly check your delinquent payments through Hometax and Wetax.
✅ Solutions for Tax Delinquency
Apply for Installment Payments: If you’re financially strapped, you can apply for installment payments.
Request a Surcharge Reduction: For local taxes, contact your city hall or district office for a reduction, depending on the circumstances.
Pay urgent delinquent taxes first: Resolve potential seizures first. For local taxes, contact the tax office of your nearest district office for helpful advice.
6. Is it possible to check my landlord’s delinquent taxes?
Those who live on a jeonse (lump-sum deposit) or monthly rent may be concerned about their landlord’s delinquent taxes.
This is especially true if the property is auctioned, which could lead to the loss of their deposit.
In this case, tenants can check their delinquent taxes by visiting the tax office in person and filing a “Request to View Unpaid National Taxes.”
The landlord’s consent is not required; simply bring your lease agreement and ID.
✔ How to Check
Visit the tax office in person and submit a “Request to View Unpaid National Taxes.”
Identification documents such as a lease agreement and resident registration card are required.
Viewing is possible without the landlord’s consent.
Make it a habit to always check your delinquent national and local taxes before signing a jeonse (lump-sum deposit) contract.
7. Conclusion
While paying taxes is a citizen’s responsibility, mistakes or oversight can lead to delinquent taxes.
However, using Hometax and Wetax, you can easily check your delinquent taxes from home, and mobile apps also allow for quick access.
Use this article as an opportunity to check your national and local taxes once a month. One small habit can prevent big problems like taxes, foreclosures, and bad credit.