How to Check and Claim Your Korean Tax Refund (Foreigner's Guide 2025)

💰 How to Check and Claim Your Korean Tax Refund (2025 Foreigner’s Guide)

If you’ve filed your annual income tax return in Korea and expect a refund, this post will show you how to check your refund status, when it’s paid, and what to do if it’s delayed or expires.

✅ What Is a Tax Refund?

If you overpaid taxes through withholding or prepayments, the National Tax Service (NTS) issues a refund. This usually applies to freelancers, sole proprietors, or employees with extra deductions.

🔍 How to Check Your Refund (via HomeTax)

1. Go to www.hometax.go.kr
2. Log in (ARC + password or simple authentication)
3. Menu: 조회/발급 → 국세환급금 찾기 (Check Refund Status)
4. You’ll see the refund amount, date, and bank status

💻 Check Your Refund on HomeTax

📆 When Will I Get My Refund?

• Filed in May → refund paid in June or early July
• Late filers or verified earners → refund in July or August

⚠️ Delayed Refund? Here’s What to Do

• Check if your bank account is registered on HomeTax
• Ensure the account is under your name
• Call NTS at ☎ 126 (press 1 → 2) for help

📞 Call NTS Customer Service (126)

🕓 What If I Never Received the Refund?

Korean tax refunds expire after 5 years if unclaimed. This is called the refund’s “statute of limitations.”

Common Reasons for Expiry:

• You moved and missed the refund notice
• No bank account registered
• Account was under someone else’s name

💡 How to Reclaim or Prevent Expiry

1. Log into HomeTax → My Page → Register refund account
2. Check status under “Unclaimed Refunds”
3. Contact NTS (☎ 126) to request payout or correction

📌 Summary

• Always register your bank account in your name
• Track your refund using HomeTax at least once every June
• Unclaimed refunds expire in 5 years — don’t miss them!

A Korean tax refund is your money. Check it, claim it, and secure it. If you’re a foreigner in Korea, HomeTax + NTS 126 is your best friend during tax season.