Recently, tax officials in the city of Pohang, South Korea, have taken action to seize cryptoassets from over 5,000 residents who have failed to pay local taxes. This move is part of a national crackdown on tax evasion, with the goal of collecting millions of dollars in unpaid taxes. The individuals targeted in this operation have evaded local tax bills amounting to $370 or more, prompting the authorities to take swift action to recover the funds.
In order to identify residents who own cryptoassets but have not paid their taxes, tax officials have turned to data from the country’s largest crypto exchanges, including Bithumb, Upbit, Korbit, and Coinone. By analyzing this data, which is linked to “real-name” bank accounts verified by social security numbers, officials have been able to pinpoint over 5,000 taxpayers who are in arrears. This targeted approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to cracking down on tax evasion, particularly in the digital asset space.
The city of Pohang has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take action against tax evaders who own cryptoassets. Upon identifying individuals who have failed to pay their taxes, officials will immediately seize and freeze their assets, preventing them from engaging in any further transactions such as sales or withdrawals. This aggressive approach aims to compel delinquent taxpayers to settle their obligations promptly, or risk facing further consequences.
Tax delinquents who do not comply with the seizure of their assets will be given an ultimatum by the authorities. If they do not voluntarily settle their tax bills, even after having their virtual assets seized, the city will proceed to sell their assets on the exchange market. This serves as a warning to individuals who attempt to evade taxes using cryptoassets, signaling that the government is prepared to take decisive action to enforce tax compliance.
The head of the tax department at the Nam Gu Office, Won Ki-ho, emphasized the government’s determination to raise awareness of tax obligations among delinquent taxpayers. By employing tailored collection techniques suited to the digital age, officials are sending a clear message that tax evasion will not be tolerated. As South Korea approaches its parliamentary election campaign, the issue of crypto taxation has become a significant battleground, highlighting the country’s position as a major player in the digital asset market.
The recent actions taken by South Korean tax officials to seize cryptoassets from tax evaders demonstrate the government’s proactive approach to enforcing tax compliance in the digital age. With a targeted crackdown on individuals who own cryptoassets but have neglected to pay their taxes, the authorities are sending a strong message that tax evasion will not be tolerated. By leveraging data from crypto exchanges and implementing asset seizure and liquidation measures, the government is taking definitive steps to ensure that all taxpayers fulfill their obligations and contribute to the country’s revenue stream.
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