Meaning
To render mandatory financial contributions to the government.
Cultural Background
The 'Year-end Tax Settlement' (연말정산) is a major cultural event. Every January, employees submit receipts for everything from medical bills to traditional market spending to get a refund. VAT (Value Added Tax) is almost always included in the price tag in Korea. Unlike in the US, the price you see on the menu is exactly what you pay. The National Tax Service (국세청) often honors 'Exemplary Taxpayers' (모범납세자), including celebrities, to encourage honest tax payment. There is a popular saying '죽음과 세금은 피할 수 없다' (Death and taxes are unavoidable), showing the universal acceptance of tax as a part of life.
Drop the particle
In casual speech, just say '세금 내야 돼' (I have to pay tax). It sounds more natural.
Don't say '세금을 주다'
Koreans will understand you, but it sounds like you are giving the government a gift.
Meaning
To render mandatory financial contributions to the government.
Drop the particle
In casual speech, just say '세금 내야 돼' (I have to pay tax). It sounds more natural.
Don't say '세금을 주다'
Koreans will understand you, but it sounds like you are giving the government a gift.
Use '납부' for forms
When filling out official paperwork, look for the word '납부' instead of '내다'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct particle and verb form.
저는 매년 5월에 세금___ ___.
'세금' is the object, and '내요' is the correct verb for paying.
Which sentence is the most natural for a formal news report?
정부는 새로운 정책에 따라...
'납부하다' is the formal/official version of '내다'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 이번에 월급 받았는데 세금이 너무 많이 나왔어. B: 맞아, 한국은 월급에서 자동으로 ______.
In this context, the speaker is agreeing that taxes are paid/taken from the salary.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When you get money back from the government after paying too much tax.
'환급받다' means to get a refund.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises저는 매년 5월에 세금___ ___.
'세금' is the object, and '내요' is the correct verb for paying.
정부는 새로운 정책에 따라...
'납부하다' is the formal/official version of '내다'.
A: 이번에 월급 받았는데 세금이 너무 많이 나왔어. B: 맞아, 한국은 월급에서 자동으로 ______.
In this context, the speaker is agreeing that taxes are paid/taken from the salary.
When you get money back from the government after paying too much tax.
'환급받다' means to get a refund.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but use the honorific '세금을 내시다' if referring to your boss paying taxes.
'세금' is the common word, while '조세' is a technical/academic term for taxation.
Yes, '돈을 내다' or '계산하다' is used for bills.
You say '면세' ({免稅}).
It is '부가세' (short for 부가가치세).
Yes, if you earn income, you will '세금을 내다' automatically from your paycheck.
People often say '세금을 뜯기다' (to have taxes ripped away) when they feel the tax is too high.
It is '세금 환급'.
It's a nickname for the tax refund received after the year-end settlement.
Yes, it is a transitive verb, but the '을' is often dropped in speech.
Related Phrases
세금을 환급받다
contrastTo get a tax refund
절세하다
specialized formTo legally minimize taxes
탈세하다
contrastTo evade taxes
세금이 붙다
similarTax is added
납세의 의무
builds onDuty to pay taxes
