Filing income tax in May: a guide for freelancers
If 3.3% was taken from your freelance pay, the May income tax filing can bring a refund or a bill. Who needs to file and how.
If you were paid as a freelancer and 3.3% was taken from each payment (3% national income tax + 0.3% local income tax), that money is a prepayment of tax. Every year, from May 1 to May 31, you file comprehensive income tax (종합소득세) for the previous year’s income.
Refund or pay more?
When you file, your tax is calculated after expenses and deductions. If the tax you prepaid is more than the tax due, you get a refund. If it is less, you pay the difference. You also generally must file in May if you had a salary plus other income, such as freelance income.
Do you need to file in May?
| Your income last year | File in May? |
|---|---|
| Freelance income with 3.3% withheld | Yes, generally. You may get a refund. |
| Salary plus freelance income | Yes, generally. |
| Salary from two or more employers, not combined in year-end settlement | Yes, generally. |
| Salary from one employer only, year-end settlement done | Usually not. You can still file to claim missed deductions. |
| Other income (for example a one-time lecture fee) | It depends on the type and amount. Check with a tax accountant. |
What to prepare
- Withholding statements from each payer (you can also check them on Hometax)
- Your ID (ARC) and a way to log in to Hometax
- A Korean bank account in your name for the refund
- Expense records, such as receipts and card statements for work costs
How are expenses counted? In simple words, there are two ways. With the estimated expense rate, the tax office applies a set rate for your type of work, so you do not need every receipt. With bookkeeping, you record your real income and expenses with proof. Which one is better depends on your situation. Local income tax is filed together: after you file on Hometax, you can move to the linked local tax screen and file it right away.
How to file
You can file on the Hometax website or the Hometax mobile app. English menus are available for some services. Some people with simple income see a pre-filled return (모두채움) that they only need to check. You can also ask a tax accountant to file for you.
- 1
Collect your statements
Check that income from every payer is included, and compare it with your own records.
- 2
Log in to Hometax
Log in with your own account and authentication method.
- 3
Check income and expenses
Choose the expense method and enter your deductions.
- 4
Submit and file local income tax
Submit the return, then file local income tax through the linked screen.
- 5
Pay or wait for the refund
If you owe tax, pay by the May deadline. A refund is sent to your bank account later. Check the status on Hometax.
Before you act
Official sources
Written by KOVIA 편집팀
