You freelanced in Korea, 3.3% was withheld, and now you have no idea whether May brings a refund or a bill. Enter your income and expenses to see the whole chain — taxable base → computed tax → refund or additional payment.
Calculates automatically using the rate table for the May 2026 filing, including local income tax (10% of computed tax). This estimate excludes tax credits, social insurance and other income types. Eligibility for expense rates depends on your business type and prior-year income.
The calculation at a glance
With the defaults (₩30,000,000 income, 64.1% simplified expense rate, deduction for yourself only):
- ₩30,000,000 − 64.1% expenses = net income about ₩10,770,000
- − ₩1,500,000 basic deduction = taxable base about ₩9,270,000 → 6% bracket
- Computed tax about ₩550,000 + 10% local tax = about ₩610,000 total
- Compared with the 3.3% already withheld (₩990,000) → refund of about ₩380,000
Lower income tends to mean a refund; higher income means paying more. Think of the 3.3% not as your actual tax but as a deposit withheld in advance.
Rate table for the May 2026 filing
Computed tax = taxable base × rate − progressive deduction.
- Up to ₩14M — 6% (deduction ₩0)
- ₩14M – ₩50M — 15% (₩1.26M)
- ₩50M – ₩88M — 24% (₩5.76M)
- ₩88M – ₩150M — 35% (₩15.44M)
- ₩150M – ₩300M — 38% (₩19.94M)
- ₩300M – ₩500M — 40% (₩25.94M)
- ₩500M – ₩1B — 42% (₩35.94M)
- Over ₩1B — 45% (₩65.94M)
Which expense method applies
- Simplified rate — a fixed share of income counted as expenses without bookkeeping. For personal services (instructors, designers, developers, delivery), 64.1% is typical, available when prior-year income is under a threshold (generally ₩24M).
- Standard rate — applies once income exceeds that threshold. At around 19.4% for personal services, the tax rises sharply.
- Actual expenses (bookkeeping) — better when real spending exceeds the rate. You need documentation (tax invoices, card records).
FAQ
Can I skip filing if my income was small?
Business income with 3.3% withheld must be reported regardless of amount. Smaller incomes often produce refunds, so filing usually pays.
I have an employer plus freelance income.
They're combined for filing, which can push you into a higher bracket. This calculator handles business income alone, so a combined filing may owe more.
When and where do I file?
May 1–31 each year via Hometax or the Sontax app. If you receive a pre-filled notice, it can take just a few taps.
Is local income tax separate?
It's 10% of the computed tax and is already included in the result above.
The 3.3% isn't your tax — it's money paid in advance. May is when it's settled either way.
This is a general-information estimate, not tax advice. Actual tax varies with income types, deductions, credits and business category — confirm with Hometax or a tax professional.
