About 20,000 taxpayers with arrears of 100,000 won or more targeted
Gwangju city announced Monday that it will formally launch a "delinquent-taxpayer accountability" program from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, building a coordinated framework between its revenue collection division and local administrative offices.
The program targets about 20,000 taxpayers with outstanding arrears of 100,000 won ($72) or more, assigning dedicated civil servants to each case to carry out systematic delinquency management and phased, tailored collection efforts.
The city plans to first encourage voluntary payment through phone calls and text messages, and will offer installment plans to those unable to pay in a lump sum. For taxpayers whose assets can be confirmed, the city will move swiftly to seize property and refer cases for public auction.
For high-value and repeat delinquents suspected of deliberately evading taxes, the city said it will pursue aggressive collection measures, including home searches. However, households deemed genuinely unable to pay — such as those in financial hardship — will be considered for a deferred-collection designation on grounds of no assets, ensuring both effectiveness and flexibility in enforcement.
"We will raise the sense of responsibility among dedicated civil servants to achieve real results in clearing tax arrears," said Seo Tae-sik, head of the revenue collection division. "Through strict action against willful tax evaders, we will realize fair tax justice where honest taxpayers are properly recognized."
pjh@heraldcorp.com
