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South Korean tax authorities have collected 23.6 billion won (approximately $17.5 million USD) in back taxes from YouTubers over the past six years, averaging 350 million won (approximately $260,000 USD) per individual. This figure encompasses taxes on all business income,including that generated from YouTube activities.
Tax investigations into YouTubers have seen a notable increase, rising from 22 cases in 2019-2022 to 24 in 2023 adn 21 last year. concurrently, the total tax amount collected has also grown, from 5.6 billion won (approximately $4.2 million USD) in 2019-2022 to 9.1 billion won (approximately $6.8 million USD) in 2023 and 8.9 billion won (approximately $6.6 million USD) last year. In the most recent year, the average tax amount per person exceeded 420 million won (approximately $313,000 USD).
The National Tax Service (NTS) stated that it is taking strict action upon verifying the accuracy of youtuber income reporting and confirming tax liabilities. However, the NTS clarified that detailed breakdowns of collection numbers and amounts, such as those related to donations, are not specifically managed.
The outcomes of these tax investigations are believed to be higher than initial local tax office surveys suggest, with expectations that further individual tax office investigations will reveal additional amounts.
This year, the NTS has conducted tax investigations on 17 individuals, including 9 involved in internet broadcasting operations such as “Excel Broadcasting,” 5 associated with “Deep Fake Bad Gambling Sites,” and 3 operating “Cyber Leper” YouTube channels.
“Excel Broadcasting” is characterized by content that encourages viewer sponsorship through sensational dances, poses, and displays of viewer support rankings in a spreadsheet format. “Cyber Leper” refers to YouTubers who exploit and sensationalize the incidents and accidents of others.
Content creators, including YouTubers, BJs (broadcast jockeys), and other creators, are expected to register as businesses and report extensive income tax on their earnings, including revenue from features like Super Chat.
Concerns have been raised in the National Assembly regarding allegations that some YouTubers generate substantial profits through the dissemination of false data and provocative content while failing to report their taxes accurately.
By chae Myung-jun, reporter mijustice@segye.com
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