The 8 Best Accountants and Tax Advisers in Seoul

Tax in Korea suits foreigners who earn in Korea and still have ties abroad, since it files Korean and US returns side by side. Christie Lee, a certified public accountant, runs the Gangnam office, which works in English. The firm handles annual income tax, VAT, payroll and company setup, and covers FBAR, FATCA and the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures for Americans. Freelancers, English teachers and startups sit alongside foreign-owned companies on its client list, so one office can stay with you as your income changes.

Americans whose main obligation is a US return rather than a Korean one are the natural clients here. The Seoul office of TMAX Group, a US tax firm founded in New Jersey in 2009, prepares returns for US citizens, green card holders and dual nationals living in Korea. It also files FBAR and FATCA reports, handles Streamlined disclosure for unfiled years and deals with IRS audits. Consultations run by phone, email, KakaoTalk or in person at its office on Yeongdong-daero in Gangnam.

ARA TAX suits foreign-owned companies that want a Korean tax office able to work in English from bookkeeping through to closure. Certified tax accountant Ara Jung founded the Seocho practice in 2021 after working in international tax at another Seoul firm. The team keeps books, runs monthly and annual payroll withholding, files VAT and corporate tax returns and prepares the filings needed to close a branch. Individual income tax is offered to foreigners and Koreans alike, which lets founders keep company and personal returns with one accountant.

This Magok office suits owners of small companies in western Seoul who want a local certified tax accountant for routine bookkeeping and planning. Its blog explains one-person corporations in detail, from the director's salary and spouse payroll to company cards and money taken out of the business. Sector guides cover hair salons, photo studios, skincare shops, cleaning firms and software developers. Inheritance and gift tax form a second strand of its work, and first consultations can be arranged by phone.

Foreign subsidiaries and branches that want one English-speaking team for setup, payroll and reporting are the natural fit here. The CPA-led firm in Trade Tower on Yeongdong-daero handles foreign investment registration, incorporation, tax registration and bank account setup, then takes on statutory bookkeeping and reports to headquarters. Payroll covers social insurance, withholding tax and expatriate staff, and VAT and corporate tax returns are filed in-house. The firm aims to reply to clients within one Korean business day.

HereTax suits small business owners who want a Gangnam tax office that can work in English or Japanese as well as Korean. Led by Oh Sungeun, the office on Teheran-ro keeps books for startups, manufacturers, online sellers, service businesses and professional practices. It also files amended returns to reclaim overpaid tax, plans inheritance and gift transfers, and advises on turning a sole proprietorship into a company. A market entry service helps foreign individuals and companies set up their tax affairs before they start trading in Korea.

G-tax Korea suits foreign residents and foreign-owned companies that want to sort out Korean tax in English through a quick message. Its English-language site covers personal income tax filing, corporate tax for foreign corporations operating in Korea, payroll and business setup. The setup guidance explains business licences and the choice between a sole proprietorship and a company. A monthly tax calendar and Hometax guides help clients prepare before a filing, and first contact runs through WhatsApp.

This Itaewon office suits Americans in Seoul who would rather have their US federal return prepared face to face than file alone online. It is a branch of H&R Block, the US tax preparation company, and sits on Itaewon-ro in Yongsan-gu. Its work follows IRS rules rather than Korean ones, so it complements a local accountant instead of replacing one. Residents who also have Korean freelance or business income will need a Korean tax office for the May return.