SOURCE: 차은우, 수익만 '1000억↑'…前 국세청 조사관 "전과자 될 가능성 有" [RE:뷰]
On January 31, a video titled '20 billion KRW is not the end: Former investigator of the National Tax Service explains the true nature of Cha Eunwoo's tax evasion case' was posted on the Youtube channel 'CIRCLE 21.'
In the video, Jung Haein, a former investigator of National Tax Service and a current executive at a tax accounting firm, explained, "The main issue is whether the income that should've been reported as personal income was instead processed as company income."
He added, "The highest personal tax rate is about 50%, while the corporate tax is around 20%. From the National Tax Service's perspective, they have to ask, 'Why was an income that should've been taxed at 50% only taxed at 20%?'"
He further noted that while celebrity cases are normally handled by Investigation Bureau 2, Investigation Bureau 4 may become involved when the amounts are exceptionally large.
Jung Haein stated, "We don't know the exact income, but if it's over 100 billion KRW, it falls into a range that requires a strict investigation." He guessed, "While it's not certain, but Cha Eunwoo's income might be over 100 billion KRW."
He continued, "A real company must have clear evidence of employees, an office, and actual business activity. If it's a 'paper company' with no substance, it could be seen as a tool to reduce personal income tax." He emphasized, "In this case, it may be judged as tax evasion rather than tax saving."
He also addressed the possibility of penalties and the chance of being reported to the police. Jung Haein stated, "A simple underreporting carries a fine of 10%, but if you lie on purpose, the fine goes up to 40%." He added, "If Investigation Bureau 4 is involved, the investigation may be conducted with criminal referral in mind. If the case is referred, the possibility of a criminal record can't be ruled out."
He stressed, "The response strategy is very important. Admitting the mistakes early and apologizing might be the best way to save his image. If he only focuses on defending himself with a law firm, the public might think he is 'denying the tax evasion.'"
It is reported that Cha Eunwoo underwent an investigation by Investigation Bureau 4 of the Seoul Regional Tax Office last spring and was notified of an additional tax assessment exceeding 20 billion KRW. This is considered an exceptionally large amount even among tax penalties imposed on celebrities.
Similar controversy is spreading to another actor as well. Recently, Kim Seonho also faces allegations of tax evasion related to the payments he received through his one-person company. His agency stated that he 'followed legal and tax procedures,' but the controversy continues after it was revealed that he received payments through the one-person company during his time with his former agency. As both actors have new projects coming up, attention is now focused on how these tax issues surrounding the two actors may change the way celebrities use companies.
