SOURCE: "카톡으로 일정 논의해도 기여" 차은우, '200억 탈세 의혹' 장어집 법인 실체 규명 관건[MD이슈]
Cha Eunwoo, who is facing allegations of tax evasion totaling around 20 billion KRW, has hired the major law firm Sejong to fight a legal battle against the National Tax Service. The main point of this case is whether Company A, a company registered at the address of an eel restaurant operated by his mother, actually provided any services. While the National Tax Service suspects its a 'paper company' with no real business activities, some in the legal field suggest that if the company participated in discussions that helped Cha Eunwoo, it may be considered to have made a legitimate contribution.
Previously, the National Tax Service conducted an intensive investigation on Cha Eunwoo and notified him of an additional income tax totaling over 20 billion KRW. It was found that his earnings were distributed between his agency Fantagio, a company established by his mother, and Cha Eunwoo himself. The National Tax Service determined that Cha Eunwoo and his mother, Mrs. Choi, used a scheme to avoid personal income taxes (up to 45%) by using a company with a much lower tax rate (around 20% lower). Regarding this, Fantagio was already ordered to pay additional taxes of 8.2 billion KRW last August. Meanwhile, Cha Eunwoo has filed a pre-assessment review request, appealing the National Tax Service's decision.
When the tax evasion allegations first surfaced, Fantagio stated, "The main issue is whether the company established by his mother qualifies as a real business that should be taxed. Nothing has been determined yet." They also added, "We will actively explain our position according to legal procedures regarding the interpretation and application of the law."
Meanwhile, some legal experts are demanding clearer examples to show what specific requirements a management company established for a single celebrity must meet to avoid being classified as a 'paper company.'
A lawyer with extensive experience in similar lawsuits recently said in an interview with Biz Hankook, "Even without a physical office, if the family members regularly discuss the celebrity's schedule and provide advice on their career, or if there are constant discussions in a Kakao Talk group chat room, it could be seen as a form of contribution." He pointed out, "It's illegal for family members to just take shares of the celebrity's income without providing any services. However, if they provide services, they are entitled to those shares. This is why more examples are needed regarding one-person companies."
Ultimately, attention from both the entertainment and legal industry is focused on how the intense legal battle between the National Tax Service and top law firm Sejong will end over.
TOP COMMENTS:
1. [+227][-5] What kind of entertainment service does an eel restaurant provide? Say something that actually makes senseㅋㅋ
2. [+202][-7] How is family members sharing worries or opinions on Kakao Talk considered a 'contribution' to a company? Be freaking for real. Unless they're enemies, is there any family in this world that doesn't talk or share worries? They probably share even more opinions with their friends or acquaintances. Does that mean those people are considered as 'contributors' too?
3. [+165][-0] Handsome on the outside, ugly on the inside.
4. [+17][-0] Contribution or not, tax evasion itself is a crime… Jail time.
5. [+17][-1] You might be able to lower your taxes by working with a good lawyer, but the more you reduce it, the longer your hiatus period should be.
