Korea tax guide
Job Change and Year-End Settlement in Korea for Foreigners
Year-End Settlement
Who this guide is for
- Foreign workers who changed jobs in Korea
- E-2 or E-7 workers changing employers
- Employees checking refund results after a job change
- People preparing income proof after changing jobs
Quick Answer
If you changed jobs in Korea, your year-end settlement may depend on whether the new employer received previous-employer salary and withholding records. Foreign workers should collect withholding receipts, confirm employment periods, and check whether separate filing is needed if records were not combined.
Key points
- A job change can split salary records across employers.
- Previous-employer documents may be needed for settlement.
- Refund results can change when all income is combined.
- Income certificates depend on reported records.
Detailed explanation
Before you leave a job
Ask payroll what tax documents you should keep. A withholding receipt and final payslip can save time later when your new employer or a tax professional reviews your annual records.
During year-end settlement
Tell your current employer that you changed jobs during the year. Ask whether previous salary and tax withheld were included. If not, check whether separate filing review is needed.
After settlement
Compare the result with Hometax and your own payslips. If something is missing, contact the employer or payer before relying on a refund estimate or income certificate.
Documents you may need
- Previous employer withholding receipt
- Current employer settlement documents
- Payslips
- Employment certificates
- Hometax income records
- Final salary statement
Common mistakes
- Leaving a job without requesting records
- Assuming the new employer can see everything automatically
- Ignoring salary from a short work period
- Checking refund status before all records are processed
When should you ask a tax professional?
Ask a qualified tax professional if you have income from several countries, business income, unclear tax residency, treaty questions, missing documents, late filing concerns, or a visa situation that depends on tax records. This site explains general patterns only and cannot review your personal facts.
FAQ
What should I get from my old employer?
Ask for withholding records, final payslip information, and any year-end settlement documents relevant to the tax year.
Can my new employer finish settlement without old records?
It depends on the process and records available. Ask payroll early so missing documents can be fixed.
Does changing jobs mean I must file in May?
Not always, but you should review whether employer settlement included all salary and whether other income exists.
Can a job change affect my refund?
Yes. Refund or balance due can change when salary and withholding from both jobs are combined.
Official Sources to Verify
Check the tax year, eligibility conditions, and publication date in the official material before applying a rule. A link marked “Service portal” helps you find a service; it does not substantiate a particular rate or entitlement.