Seoul City Offers Free Tax Consultation for Platform and Freelancer Workers Facing Difficulties with Comprehensive Income Tax Filing

Customized Tax Consultation Ahead of May Comprehensive Income Tax Filing
Visits, Phone, and Online Consultations and Education Conducted at Four Seoul Laborer Support Centers

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] To prevent platform and freelance workers who are filing tax returns for the first time from paying fines due to improper filing or missing out on benefits because they are unaware of possible refunds, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 24th that it will conduct 'Comprehensive Income Tax Filing Support and Tax Consultation' from April 25 to May 31.

The consultation involves tax accountants directly informing platform and freelance workers about whether they are subject to comprehensive income tax filing, the necessary documents for filing, how to file, tax payment procedures, tax-saving methods, and deduction criteria in detail.

In particular, this year, the number of tax accountants providing consultations has increased from one last year to three, and the frequency of consultations has expanded from once a week to twice a week, enabling more workers to conveniently receive consultations and benefits.

For workers who find it difficult to visit the center on designated days, 'visiting consultations' will also be provided. A total of 15 visiting consultations will be held at three 'Mobile Worker Shelters' frequently visited by platform workers such as delivery and quick service drivers, as well as near the subway station (Line 5 Janghanpyeong Station).

Platform and freelance workers who wish to receive consultations can visit one of the four nearby Seoul Labor Comprehensive Support Centers for detailed consultations. If visiting is difficult, consultations are also available via phone, the website, or KakaoTalk open chat.

Additionally, the city plans to release a video titled ‘Online Tax Education with Tax Accountants,’ which includes essential information for comprehensive income tax filing and demonstrations of tax filing procedures, on the center’s website and YouTube channel during the first week of May.

Currently, Seoul operates a total of 23 'Labor Comprehensive Support Centers' (2 metropolitan, 4 regional hubs, and 17 district centers) to protect the rights of workers who have experienced unfair treatment or difficulties while working and to provide relief for damages. These centers offer customized consultations and labor law education tailored to each worker.

Jang Young-min, Seoul’s Labor Policy Officer, stated, “We plan to provide meticulous and thorough tax filing support and tax consultations to ensure that platform and freelance workers do not suffer losses or damages due to lack of knowledge.” He added, “We will continue to listen closely to the voices of platform and freelance workers who are in legal and institutional blind spots and provide comprehensive support as needed.”