New job taxing me 20% after living here for one year

[strider]

I've been in Taiwan since March of last year, I just took a new job, and my employer is insisting that I must pay the big 20% tax rate. That's not right, right? Do I have any legal backing for insisting that I pay the accurate tax rate?

[cfimages]

Probably because you started the new job after July 1st. Don't worry, you'll get a good tax return next year so think of it as extra savings.

[tommy525]

IIRC (and sometimes I don't) the company you work for is liable for 20pct flat tax if you should end up leaving the island before 183 days of a calendar year. And therefore it is up to the company to take out 20pct or not until you have worked for them past the magic 183 day period of a CALENDAR YEAR. I understand many companies who you have a track record with will , at their discretion, deduct only normal rate and not the 20pct. But they are on the hook for it if you zip off the wan before staying 183 days or more of that calendar year.

[BigNoodle]

1 - it should be 18% and not 20%
2- it's not about how long you've been working for the company, but how long you've been in Taiwan. bring them official paper stating this and get your money.

[tommy525]

Yes if you can prove physical presence on the rock over 183 days of that calendar year you are fine, but they are within their rights to charge you foreigner rates next year until you are physically past 183 days of that calendar year, if they want to.

[strider]

Ok well like I said I've been here all this year so far so I am definitely past 183 days... I don't suppose anyone can point me to somewhere I can go and print up the law and bring it to her?

[super_lucky]

Ok well like I said I've been here all this year so far so I am definitely past 183 days... I don't suppose anyone can point me to somewhere I can go and print up the law and bring it to her?

Are you in Taipei City? You might be able to find something here.http://tcgwww.taipei.gov.tw/MP_103012.html

But I would go down to your relevant tax office with all your paperwork (and passport to prove your 183 days) and speak directly to one of the clerks at the foreigner desk. They are very helpful and efficient and will straighten this out, one way or another.

P.S. Unless you're making +990K a year, you should be in the 13% bracket after one year.

[BigNoodle]

it's 12% since 2010 !