South Korea Compliance Guide

Filing requirements, deadlines, and fees for South Korea business entities.

Registrar: Supreme Court Registry Office / Korea Fair Trade Commission ·Entity types: Chusik Hoesa (주식회사) — Stock Corporation, Yuhan Hoesa (유한회사) — Limited Company, Yuhan Chaegim Hoesa (유한책임회사) — Limited Liability Company, Branch Office of Foreign Corporation

Filing Obligations

Corporate Tax Return

Annual

Korean corporations must file a corporate tax return with the National Tax Service. Tax rates are progressive: 9% on the first KRW 200 million, 19% on KRW 200m–20 billion, 21% on KRW 20bn–300 billion, and 24% on amounts exceeding KRW 300 billion (rates effective from 2023).

Deadline

Within 3 months of the end of the fiscal year (most companies: 31 March for December FYE)

Fee

No filing fee

Late Penalty

20% additional tax on the understated tax amount for non-filing. Late payment interest of approximately 0.022% per day.

Filing Method

Electronic filing via HomeTax (국세청 홈택스) or paper filing

Applies to:Chusik Hoesa (주식회사) — Stock CorporationYuhan Hoesa (유한회사) — Limited CompanyYuhan Chaegim Hoesa (유한책임회사) — Limited Liability CompanyBranch Office of Foreign CorporationOfficial source

VAT Return

Quarterly (preliminary in April/October; final in January/July)

Korea levies VAT at 10% on most goods and services. Returns are filed quarterly with preliminary returns due for Q1 (April 25) and Q3 (October 25), and final returns due for Q2 (July 25) and Q4 (January 25).

Deadline

25th day of the month following each quarter (preliminary and final returns)

Fee

No filing fee

Late Penalty

Additional tax of 20% of the unpaid VAT. Late payment interest applies.

Filing Method

Electronic filing via HomeTax

Applies to:Chusik Hoesa (주식회사) — Stock CorporationYuhan Hoesa (유한회사) — Limited CompanyOfficial source

External Audit Report (for qualifying companies)

Annual

Companies meeting certain thresholds (total assets ≥ KRW 50 billion, or satisfying other criteria under the Act on External Audit of Stock Companies) must be subject to an external audit and file the audit report.

Deadline

Within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year

Fee

Varies (audit engagement fee)

Late Penalty

Fines and potential criminal liability for directors. The company may face trading suspension if listed.

Filing Method

Filed with the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) via DART (Data Analysis, Retrieval and Transfer System)

Applies to:Chusik Hoesa (주식회사) — Stock CorporationOfficial source

Commercial Registration Changes

As needed

Changes to registered matters (directors, capital, trade name, purpose, registered address) must be registered with the court registry within the prescribed timeframe.

Deadline

Within 2 weeks of the change (head office); within 3 weeks (branch office)

Fee

Registration tax and education tax apply (varies by change type)

Late Penalty

Fine of up to KRW 5,000,000 for late registration.

Filing Method

At the competent registry office or via Internet Registry Office (iros.go.kr)

Applies to:Chusik Hoesa (주식회사) — Stock CorporationYuhan Hoesa (유한회사) — Limited CompanyOfficial source

Key Dates

31 March (for December FYE)Corporate tax return filing deadline

25 January / 25 April / 25 July / 25 OctoberVAT return deadlines (quarterly)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Korea's corporate tax rate?

Korea has progressive corporate tax rates: 9% on the first KRW 200 million, 19% on KRW 200m–20 billion, 21% on KRW 20bn–300 billion, and 24% above KRW 300 billion (from tax year 2023).

What is DART?

DART (Data Analysis, Retrieval and Transfer System) is the electronic disclosure system operated by the Financial Supervisory Service. All listed companies and companies subject to external audit must file financial reports, audit reports, and material disclosures through DART.

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Last updated: 2026-02-27. Information is provided for general guidance and may not reflect the most recent changes. Always verify with the official state registrar.