Claiming Tax Refunds
If year-end settlement (Feb) or your May comprehensive income tax filing shows you overpaid, you get the difference back. You may also have an ‘unclaimed refund’ from the past (e.g. no account was registered). Whether you get a refund and how much varies by person; you can check, register an account, and request it yourself on Hometax (web) or Sontax (app). If you’re leaving Korea, it’s safer to handle it before departure.
How to proceed
- 1Log in to Hometax (web) or install and log in to Sontax (app) (joint/financial certificate, simple auth, etc.)
- 2In ‘refund inquiry/request,’ check whether any amount is due to you
- 3Register a bank account in your own name as the refund account and submit
- 4The NTS pays the refund to your registered account (timing varies by season and case)
- 5If you plan to leave Korea, finish the refund account/settlement before departure
Tips
- ⚠️ Watch for refund-impersonation texts/calls/links — the NTS never asks for your account number, password, or a transfer via a text link. If unsure, verify directly at ☎126.
- The refund account must be in your own name to be safe — avoid registering someone else’s account.
- Whether/how much/when you get a refund can’t be promised (it depends on your situation and filing) — follow the actual result on the inquiry screen.
- If you’re leaving Korea, check refunds, year-end settlement, and the National Pension lump-sum together in advance (see the ‘Pension Lump-Sum Refund’ guide).
- Unclaimed refunds may expire after a time limit — check once whether you have any old refund (verify the limit/conditions officially).
Key contacts
- NTS Semirae call center ☎126
- Foreigner English help line ☎1588-0560
- Hometax hometax.go.kr · Sontax (mobile app)
Related guides
This is general information and has no legal force. Taxes change every year and depend on your situation — always verify with official sources (NTS ☎126, Hometax, a tax accountant).
Last updated: 2026-06-09