Seoul City Selects and Honors Exemplary Taxpayers for Diligent Local Tax Payment

Selected 282,744 Exemplary Taxpayers

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 1st that it has selected 282,744 exemplary taxpayers in celebration of the '57th Taxpayer's Day' to express gratitude to citizens who have faithfully fulfilled their tax obligations despite difficult economic conditions and to raise awareness of the importance of sincere tax payment. Among them, 270,209 are individuals and 12,535 are corporations, accounting for 3.8% of Seoul's taxpayers in 2022.

Since 2007, the city has been the first in the nation to enact an ordinance for exemplary taxpayers to promote pride among taxpayers who faithfully pay local taxes and to foster a sound tax culture.

Additionally, considering factors such as revenue contribution and community involvement among exemplary taxpayers, 143 meritorious taxpayers are selected based on recommendations from the heads of 25 district offices and awarded certificates of commendation.

Those selected as exemplary taxpayers receive benefits such as up to a 0.5% interest rate reduction on loans from the city treasury (Shinhan Bank), exemption from about 20 types of various fees, and a one-grade upgrade in credit rating by the Seoul Credit Guarantee Foundation. Those selected as meritorious taxpayers receive, in addition to the benefits given to exemplary taxpayers, exemptions from parking fees at Seoul public parking lots for one year, exemption from tax audits for three years, and exemption from tax guarantee during collection deferral (once for two years).

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will improve notification methods, such as automatic pop-up alerts, to make it easier to check the results of exemplary taxpayer selection and enjoy benefits starting this year, and will also promote these through online media such as the Seoul city blog.

According to the city, the number of exemplary taxpayers selected this year increased by 7.4% (19,605 people) compared to 263,139 last year, indicating a steady rise in citizens' tax awareness.

Han Young-hee, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Finance Bureau, said, “We deeply thank taxpayers who faithfully fulfill their tax obligations despite difficult economic conditions,” and added, “We will continue to make efforts to enhance the pride of Seoul's exemplary taxpayers and to raise awareness of the importance of sincere tax payment.”