Kwanghyun Lim Visits Export SMEs: "Extended Corporate Tax Deadlines for Companies with Declining Sales"

First Corporate Meeting of the Year
Deferral of Regular Tax Audits and Minimization of Tax Verification

Kwanghyun Lim, Commissioner of the National Tax Service, announced on January 21 that "export-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be granted benefits such as automatic extensions of corporate tax deadlines, expedited tax refunds, and deferrals of regular tax audits."

On this day, Commissioner Lim visited the Gimhae Chamber of Commerce and Industry and held a meeting with export SMEs in the Gimhae area, where he made these remarks.

Kwanghyun Lim, Commissioner of the National Tax Service (sixth from the right), is holding a meeting with export small and medium-sized enterprises in the Gimhae area and taking a commemorative photo with the attendees. National Tax Service

An official from the National Tax Service explained, "Export companies in Gimhae have played a key role in supporting the regional economy, with 28 companies receiving the Export Tower Award in 2024. However, due to changes in external conditions, such as the recent strengthening of protectionist policies in the United States, many companies are facing management difficulties. Taking these circumstances into account, Commissioner Lim visited the Gimhae area for the first time as the head of the National Tax Service to directly communicate with local export SMEs."

The companies attending the meeting suggested that the most necessary support measures for export SMEs are: ▲ proactive measures to reduce financial burdens and ▲ alleviation of the burden of tax audits.

In response, Commissioner Lim said, "Given the external environment surrounding export companies, the suggestions raised by the companies today are issues that the National Tax Service also recognizes as necessary," adding, "We will grant benefits to export SMEs such as automatic extensions of corporate tax deadlines, expedited tax refunds, and deferrals of regular tax audits."

Specifically, the National Tax Service will provide liquidity support for export SMEs whose sales have decreased compared to the previous year-namely, those whose export volume accounts for 30% or more of total sales, or those recognized as outstanding companies by relevant agencies such as the Korea Customs Service. For these companies, the payment deadline will be extended by three months (until June 30) without a separate application, and tax payment guarantees will be exempted.

When corporate tax refunds are due, the National Tax Service plans to significantly shorten the statutory refund period (within 30 days of the filing deadline) and pay refunds within 10 days (by April 10).

The National Tax Service will also work to reduce tax-related uncertainties for export SMEs. These companies will be notified in advance of tax audits and informed about the possibility of audit deferrals. If an audit deferral is requested, regular tax audits will be postponed for one year from the scheduled start date. In principle, export SMEs will also be excluded from corporate tax filing reviews, thereby minimizing tax verification and allowing them to focus on management.

Commissioner Lim stated, "I will continue to work hard to provide tax support that companies can truly feel," and added, "The National Tax Service will continue to use the voices of our companies as a starting point and strive to ensure that tax administration becomes a driving force for the recovery and growth of our economy through tangible tax support for export companies."