Understanding Tax Accounting in Korean

Dealing with taxes and accounting in Korea requires specific vocabulary, whether for personal finances or business operations. This guide covers the essential Korean term “세무회계” (Tax Accounting) and related expressions needed to navigate financial discussions, consult with professionals, and manage tax obligations effectively in a Korean context.

Core Expression

• Expression: 세무회계
  Pronunciation: se-mu-hoe-gye
  Meaning: Tax Accounting (This term combines 세무 ‘semu’ meaning tax affairs/taxation and 회계 ‘hoegye’ meaning accounting.)

Related Terminology

This section covers fundamental vocabulary related to tax and accounting in Korean.

• Expression: 세금
  Pronunciation: se-geum
  Meaning: Tax
• Expression: 회계
  Pronunciation: hoe-gye
  Meaning: Accounting
• Expression: 세무사
  Pronunciation: se-mu-sa
  Meaning: Tax Accountant
• Expression: 공인회계사 (CPA)
  Pronunciation: gong-in-hoe-gye-sa
  Meaning: Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Expression: 세금 신고
  Pronunciation: se-geum sin-go
  Meaning: Tax Filing / Tax Report
• Expression: 부가가치세 (부가세)
  Pronunciation: bu-ga-ga-chi-se (bu-ga-se)
  Meaning: Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Expression: 소득세
  Pronunciation: so-deuk-se
  Meaning: Income Tax
• Expression: 법인세
  Pronunciation: beo-bin-se
  Meaning: Corporate Tax
• Expression: 세금 계산서
  Pronunciation: se-geum gye-san-seo
  Meaning: Tax Invoice
• Expression: 영수증
  Pronunciation: yeong-su-jeung
  Meaning: Receipt
• Expression: 재무제표
  Pronunciation: jae-mu-je-pyo
  Meaning: Financial Statements
• Expression: 원천징수
  Pronunciation: won-cheon-jing-su
  Meaning: Withholding Tax
• Expression: 연말정산
  Pronunciation: yeon-mal-jeong-san
  Meaning: Year-end tax settlement

Asking About Tax Accounting Services

Use these phrases when seeking information or services related to tax accounting.

• Expression: 세무회계 사무소를 찾고 있어요.
  Pronunciation: se-mu-hoe-gye sa-mu-so-reul chat-go i-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: I’m looking for a tax accounting office.
• Expression: 세무 상담을 받고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: se-mu sang-dam-eul bat-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would like to receive tax consultation.
• Expression: 세금 신고는 어떻게 해야 하나요?
  Pronunciation: se-geum sin-go-neun eo-tteo-ke hae-ya ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: How should I file my taxes?
• Expression: 세무사님과 상담 예약을 할 수 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: se-mu-sa-nim-gwa sang-dam ye-yak-eul hal su i-sseul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Can I make an appointment to consult with a tax accountant?
• Expression: 세금 관련해서 질문이 있습니다.
  Pronunciation: se-geum gwal-lyeon-hae-seo jil-mun-i it-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I have a question regarding taxes.
• Expression: 부가세 신고 기간은 언제까지인가요?
  Pronunciation: bu-ga-se sin-go gi-gan-eun eon-je-kka-ji-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Until when is the VAT filing period?
• Expression: 개인 소득세 신고를 도와주실 수 있나요?
  Pronunciation: gae-in so-deuk-se sin-go-reul do-wa-ju-sil su in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Can you help me with my personal income tax filing?
• Expression: 세금 계산서 발행이 필요한가요?
  Pronunciation: se-geum gye-san-seo bal-haeng-i pil-yo-han-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is it necessary to issue a tax invoice?
• Expression: 상담 수수료는 얼마인가요?
  Pronunciation: sang-dam su-su-ryo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
  Meaning: How much is the consultation fee?
• Expression: 어떤 서류를 준비해야 하나요?
  Pronunciation: eo-tteon seo-ryu-reul jun-bi-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
  Meaning: What documents do I need to prepare?
• Expression: 세금 환급 신청 절차를 알려주세요.
  Pronunciation: se-geum hwan-geup sin-cheong jeol-cha-reul al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please tell me the procedure for applying for a tax refund.
• Expression: 연말정산 관련해서 문의드립니다.
  Pronunciation: yeon-mal-jeong-san gwal-lyeon-hae-seo mun-ui-deu-rim-ni-da.
  Meaning: I am inquiring about the year-end tax settlement.

Discussing Business Tax and Accounting

These expressions are useful for business owners discussing their company’s tax and accounting needs.

• Expression: 저희 회사 세무회계 업무를 맡아주실 수 있습니까?
  Pronunciation: jeo-hui hoe-sa se-mu-hoe-gye eom-mu-reul ma-ta-ju-sil su it-seum-ni-kka?
  Meaning: Can you handle our company’s tax accounting tasks?
• Expression: 법인세 신고 기한이 다가오고 있습니다.
  Pronunciation: beo-bin-se sin-go gi-han-i da-ga-o-go it-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: The corporate tax filing deadline is approaching.
• Expression: 월별 재무 보고서 작성을 부탁드립니다.
  Pronunciation: wol-byeol jae-mu bo-go-seo jak-seong-eul bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
  Meaning: Please prepare the monthly financial reports.
• Expression: 직원 급여에 대한 원천징수를 처리해야 합니다.
  Pronunciation: ji-gwon geu-byeo-e dae-han won-cheon-jing-su-reul cheo-ri-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: We need to process the withholding tax for employee salaries.
• Expression: 세무 조사 가능성에 대해 알고 싶습니다.
  Pronunciation: se-mu jo-sa ga-neung-seong-e dae-hae al-go sip-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I would like to know about the possibility of a tax audit.
• Expression: 경비 처리 규정은 어떻게 되나요?
  Pronunciation: gyeong-bi cheo-ri gyu-jeong-eun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: What are the regulations for expense processing?
• Expression: 회계 장부 정리가 필요합니다.
  Pronunciation: hoe-gye jang-bu jeong-ri-ga pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: We need to organize the accounting books.
• Expression: 세금 절감 방안에 대해 조언해 주십시오.
  Pronunciation: se-geum jeol-gam bang-an-e dae-hae jo-eon-hae ju-sip-si-o.
  Meaning: Please advise on ways to reduce taxes.
• Expression: 사업자 등록증 사본이 필요합니다.
  Pronunciation: sa-eop-ja deung-nok-jjeung sa-bon-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: We need a copy of the business registration certificate.
• Expression: 최근 변경된 세법 내용이 있나요?
  Pronunciation: choe-geun byeon-gyeong-doen se-beop nae-yong-i in-na-yo?
  Meaning: Are there any recently changed tax laws?
• Expression: 이 문제는 국세청에 직접 문의해야 할까요?
  Pronunciation: i mun-je-neun guk-se-cheong-e jik-jeop mun-ui-hae-ya hal-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Should we inquire directly with the National Tax Service about this issue?
• Expression: 다음 달 회계 감사에 대비해야 합니다.
  Pronunciation: da-eum dal hoe-gye gam-sa-e dae-bi-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: We need to prepare for the accounting audit next month.

Korean Culture Notes

Understanding these cultural points can help when dealing with tax accounting in Korea.

• Reliance on 세무사 (Tax Accountants): Due to the complexity of Korean tax laws, many individuals and almost all businesses utilize the services of a 세무사 (se-mu-sa) for accurate filing and advice. Building a good relationship with a tax accountant is common.
• 연말정산 (Year-End Tax Settlement): This is a crucial annual process for salaried workers, typically occurring early in the year (Jan-Feb). Employees submit documents for various deductions (medical expenses, donations, credit card usage, etc.) to finalize their income tax liability for the previous year. Companies often assist employees with this process.
• 부가세 (VAT) Filing: Businesses are typically required to file VAT returns quarterly or semi-annually. Timely and accurate filing is essential to avoid penalties. The standard VAT rate is 10%.
• 현금영수증 (Cash Receipt) System: To promote tax transparency for cash transactions, Korea has a robust cash receipt system. Individuals can request a 현금영수증 (hyeon-geum-yeong-su-jeung) using their phone number or a dedicated card, and this spending can be eligible for income tax deductions during 연말정산.
• 국세청 홈택스 (NTS Hometax): The National Tax Service (국세청 – guk-se-cheong) provides a comprehensive online portal called Hometax (홈택스). Most tax filing, payments, and information retrieval can be done through this website, though it can be challenging for non-native speakers to navigate initially.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: A foreign small business owner (Mr. Smith) visits a Korean tax accountant’s (세무사) office for the first time.
Role A: Mr. Smith (Business Owner)
Role B: 김세무사 (Kim Se-mu-sa – Tax Accountant)

• Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 처음 뵙겠습니다. 스미스라고 합니다. 세무회계 관련해서 상담받으러 왔습니다.
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. cheo-eum boep-get-seum-ni-da. seu-mi-seu-ra-go ham-ni-da. se-mu-hoe-gye gwal-lyeon-hae-seo sang-dam-ba-deu-reo wat-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Hello. Nice to meet you for the first time. I’m Smith. I came for a consultation regarding tax accounting.
• Expression: B: 네, 스미스 대표님. 반갑습니다. 김민준 세무사입니다. 어떤 도움이 필요하신가요?
  Pronunciation: ne, seu-mi-seu dae-pyo-nim. ban-gap-seum-ni-da. gim-min-jun se-mu-sa-im-ni-da. eo-tteon do-um-i pil-yo-ha-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Yes, Mr. Smith (Representative). Nice to meet you. I am Tax Accountant Kim Minjun. How may I help you?
• Expression: A: 제가 작은 무역 회사를 운영하고 있는데, 법인세 신고와 부가세 신고가 좀 복잡해서요. 전문가의 도움이 필요합니다.
  Pronunciation: je-ga ja-geun mu-yeok hoe-sa-reul un-yeong-ha-go it-neun-de, beo-bin-se sin-go-wa bu-ga-se sin-go-ga jom bok-ja-pae-seo-yo. jeon-mun-ga-ui do-um-i pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: I run a small trading company, and the corporate tax filing and VAT filing are a bit complicated. I need professional help.
• Expression: B: 네, 그렇군요. 저희 사무소에서는 법인 세무회계 서비스를 전문으로 하고 있습니다. 법인세, 부가세 신고 대행은 물론이고, 기장 대리, 재무 상담도 가능합니다.
  Pronunciation: ne, geu-reo-kun-yo. jeo-hui sa-mu-so-e-seo-neun beo-bin se-mu-hoe-gye seo-bi-seu-reul jeon-mun-eu-ro ha-go it-seum-ni-da. beo-bin-se, bu-ga-se sin-go dae-haeng-eun mul-lon-i-go, gi-jang dae-ri, jae-mu sang-dam-do ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
  Meaning: Yes, I see. Our office specializes in corporate tax accounting services. We can handle corporate tax and VAT filing代理, as well as bookkeeping and financial consulting.
• Expression: A: 다행이네요. 그럼 월별 기장 대리와 분기별 부가세 신고, 연간 법인세 신고를 맡기고 싶습니다. 수수료는 어떻게 되나요?
  Pronunciation: da-haeng-i-ne-yo. geu-reom wol-byeol gi-jang dae-ri-wa bun-gi-byeol bu-ga-se sin-go, yeon-gan beo-bin-se sin-go-reul mat-gi-go sip-seum-ni-da. su-su-ryo-neun eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
  Meaning: That’s fortunate. Then I’d like to entrust you with monthly bookkeeping, quarterly VAT filing, and annual corporate tax filing. How are the fees structured?
• Expression: B: 수수료는 회사의 매출 규모와 거래량에 따라 조금씩 다릅니다. 관련 서류를 검토한 후에 정확한 견적을 드릴 수 있습니다. 사업자 등록증과 최근 재무제표가 있으신가요?
  Pronunciation: su-su-ryo-neun hoe-sa-ui mae-chul gyu-mo-wa geo-rae-ryang-e tta-ra jo-geum-ssik da-reum-ni-da. gwal-lyeon seo-ryu-reul geom-to-han hu-e jeong-hwak-han gyeon-jeok-eul deu-ril su it-seum-ni-da. sa-eop-ja deung-nok-jjeung-gwa choe-geun jae-mu-je-pyo-ga i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: The fees vary slightly depending on the company’s sales volume and transaction volume. I can give you an accurate quote after reviewing the relevant documents. Do you have your business registration certificate and recent financial statements?
• Expression: A: 네, 여기 있습니다. 검토해 보시고 알려주세요.
  Pronunciation: ne, yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da. geom-to-hae bo-si-go al-lyeo-ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Yes, here they are. Please review them and let me know.
• Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 잠시 검토 후 다시 말씀드리겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. jam-si geom-to hu da-si mal-sseum-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Understood. I will review them briefly and get back to you.

Practice Tips

Mastering tax and accounting terms takes practice~! Try reviewing the vocabulary list daily. Pay close attention to the pronunciation guide – breaking words down syllable-by-syllable really helps! You can practice by role-playing conversations like the example above, perhaps pretending to call a tax office or discuss expenses. If you handle any finances in Korea, try to identify these terms on official documents or receipts. Consistent practice will build your confidence when dealing with 세무회계 matters in Korean! Good luck!