Mobile Task Force Achieves Results
Targeting High-Amount and Habitual Delinquent Taxpayers
Jung-gu, Seoul (Mayor Kim Gil-seong) announced on the 23rd that it collected 12.7 billion KRW in overdue local taxes and non-tax revenues last year, achieving remarkable results. This amount corresponds to 22% of the 58.1 billion KRW overdue as of the end of 2023.
At the center of this achievement is the ‘Jung-gu Delinquent Tax Mobile Team.’ Composed of 18 employees from the Tax Management Division of Jung-gu Office, the mobile team targeted those who habitually default on large amounts despite having the ability to pay taxes, employing strong collection measures such as public disclosure of names, travel bans, provision of credit information, seizure of accounts receivable, and public auction of real estate.
In particular, they increased the collection rate by actively pressuring through on-site visits to delinquent taxpayers and follow-up collection activities. Additionally, they collected 195 million KRW by utilizing cryptocurrencies held by delinquent taxpayers and recovered 382 million KRW by pursuing seized deposit funds through courts nationwide. Last year, a delinquent tax collection case that Jung-gu succeeded in after six years of persistent effort was selected as an ‘Outstanding Case of Delinquent Tax Collection by Seoul City and Autonomous Districts.’
Jung-gu took a flexible approach toward small-amount delinquent taxpayers. They encouraged voluntary payment through postal notices and text messages, and when it was judged through field surveys that collection was impossible, they either suspended or resolved the delinquency disposition to improve administrative efficiency.
For small business owners and self-employed individuals struggling due to the economic downturn, Jung-gu did not prioritize collection alone. They suspended restrictions on licensed businesses, seizure of accounts receivable, and seizure of bank accounts caused by delinquency to support economic recovery. They also lifted seizures that had no practical benefit and eased burdens through suspension of disposition.
Mayor Kim Gil-seong said, “Collecting taxes is important, but helping residents to recover economically is also a crucial role of administration,” adding, “This year as well, we will deeply understand residents’ situations and resolve delinquency issues efficiently and reasonably.”
Jung-gu will continue strong measures against high-amount and habitual delinquent taxpayers this year. They plan to actively carry out collection activities by strengthening home searches, seizing movable properties of delinquent taxpayers, and applying psychological pressure. Currently, there are about 380 delinquent taxpayers owing more than 10 million KRW in Jung-gu, with their total overdue amount reaching 31.879 billion KRW, accounting for 60.8% of the total overdue amount.
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