Korea Withholding Tax: How to Apply for Semiannual Payment (2026)

For foreign nationals: some of these rules apply differently depending on whether you are a resident or a non-resident for Korean tax purposes. Check your residency status before relying on this article.

Withholding tax is generally paid every month. However, a business with 20 or fewer regular employees in the prior year (excluding finance and insurance) can get approval from the head of the district tax office to pay semiannually. Apply on Hometax in June or December. Payment is due July 10 and January 10 of the next year. To pay semiannually starting with payments made in January, you must apply in December of this year.

General rule for filing and paying withholding tax: the 10th of the next month

Tax withheld on salary, business income, other income, and similar payments must be filed and paid by the 10th of the month after the payment month. Local income tax (special collection), which is 10% of the income tax withheld, must also be filed and paid to the local government by the same date.

Requirement for semiannual payment: 20 or fewer regular employees

A business with 20 or fewer regular employees in the prior year (excluding finance and insurance) can get approval from the head of the district tax office to file and pay withholding tax once every half year.

Period	Payments covered	Filing and payment deadline
First half	Payments made January ~ June	July 10
Second half	Payments made July ~ December	January 10 of the next year

Application period for semiannual payment: June or December

Application period	Applies from
June 1 ~ June 30	The second half of the same year (payments made in July)
December 1 ~ December 31	The first half of the next year (payments made in January)

You can apply on Hometax. To pay semiannually starting in January of next year, you must apply in December of this year.

Points to consider before choosing semiannual payment

You file fewer times, but you must pay six months of tax at once at the end of the half year. You need a cash plan.
Even with semiannual payment, you must still meet the separate deadlines for payment statements and simplified payment statements.
In a year with a large year-end tax settlement refund, the refund timing overlaps with the semiannual payment timing. It is wise to check this in advance.

When you can do it yourself · When to hand it over

You can handle it yourself if

You have few employees, pay the same salary every month, and have filed withholding tax on Hometax before
All you need is to apply for semiannual payment (June or December)

Better to hand it over if

Employees join or leave often, or salaries change often
You pay freelancers (business income) or daily workers as well
You also need to handle payment statements and year-end tax settlement at once

Barun Tax & Accounting handles payroll ledgers, withholding tax filing, and payment statement filing for foreign residents and foreign-owned companies. We reply to emails within one business day. contact@barun-tax.com · KakaoTalk · +82-10-2701-6199

Frequently asked questions

Which businesses can pay withholding tax semiannually?

A business with 20 or fewer regular employees in the prior year (excluding finance and insurance) can do so with the approval of the head of the district tax office.

When do I apply for semiannual withholding tax payment?

If you apply from June 1 to June 30, it applies from the second half of the same year (payments made in July). If you apply from December 1 to December 31, it applies from the first half of the next year (payments made in January). You can apply on Hometax (홈택스).

What are the deadlines for semiannual withholding tax payment?

The first half (payments made from January to June) is due July 10. The second half (payments made from July to December) is due January 10 of the next year. File and pay by those dates.

If I do not pay semiannually, when is withholding tax due?

The general rule is to file and pay by the 10th of the month after the payment month. Local income tax (special collection), which is 10% of the income tax withheld, must also be filed and paid to the local government by the same date.

If I pay semiannually, do I also submit payment statements only once per half year?

No. Even with semiannual payment, you must still meet the separate deadlines for payment statements and simplified payment statements.

This article is general guidance based on Korean tax law as of the date written. It is not tax advice for your specific situation. Please consult us before acting on it.

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