Model Taxpayer IU Misses 'Taxpayer's Day' Event Due to Self-Quarantine

(Data provided by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Singer IU (real name Lee Ji-eun), who was selected as a model taxpayer, will be unable to attend the 'Taxpayer's Day' award ceremony held on the 4th due to self-quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the National Tax Service on the 3rd, the government will significantly scale down the Taxpayer's Day event scheduled for the 4th to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Only about 10 government officials and some of the 23 awardees will attend, and the event will be held in a simplified manner at 2 p.m. at the Seoul Banking Hall.

The National Tax Service planned to appoint IU and actor Lee Seo-jin as model taxpayers and name them as promotional ambassadors for this year, presenting them with awards.

Despite being a celebrity who has enjoyed top popularity for several years and generates hundreds of millions of won in annual revenue, IU, along with her agency, has meticulously managed her tax records, becoming a role model for others. Recently, she also participated in COVID-19 donation efforts, contributing a total of 200 million won, including 3,000 medical protective suits worth about 100 million won.

However, IU was confirmed to be in self-quarantine after returning from Milan Fashion Week held in Italy, a country considered high-risk for COVID-19, and thus can only watch the award ceremony from home.

Meanwhile, the National Tax Service will reduce the scale of this year's event due to the impact of COVID-19 but will expand preferential benefits for model taxpayers.

In addition to existing tax and social preferential benefits, new benefits have been added in the areas of tax audits and convenience in using airport and railway services.

For recipients of the Commissioner of the National Tax Service Award or higher, in addition to the existing benefits of tax audit deferral and exemption from tax payment guarantees for three years (two years for recipients of regional commissioner awards or lower) from the date of the award, those subject to cyclical audits can now consult with the National Tax Service in advance regarding the timing of regular audits.

Furthermore, beyond the existing social preferential benefits such as airport immigration priority, free use of public parking lots, financial benefits, and discounts on medical expenses and condo fees, the use of priority airport immigration lanes and dedicated security screening lanes has been expanded from recipients of the Commissioner of the National Tax Service Award or higher to those who have received regional commissioner awards or higher. The 'Model Taxpayer Exclusive Business Center' within the Incheon Airport Taxpayer Support Center will also be operated, providing office and rest spaces.

Additionally, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea Railroad Corporation on the 18th of last month to provide railway fare discounts for model taxpayers, an MOU was also signed with SR Corporation to offer train fare discounts ranging from a minimum of 10% to a maximum of 30%.

A National Tax Service official stated, "We will strengthen communication with the public and actively promote fair taxation together with the people, striving to spread a mature tax culture where sincere taxpayers are respected."