The Korea National Tax Service (NTS) has officially launched a task force to unify the collection of non-tax revenue totaling 284 trillion KRW. Non-tax revenue includes items such as unfair trade fines, environmental regulation charges, and state property usage fees. Previously, over 300 laws allowed various government ministries to manage and collect these revenues separately, leading to public inconvenience and administrative inefficiencies. This unified collection initiative follows the President’s directive from the 2026 NTS work report, marking a significant shift toward more efficient fiscal management.
As of the end of 2024, non-tax revenue stands at 284 trillion KRW, nearly matching the 337 trillion KRW in tax revenue. The amount of unpaid non-tax revenue has surged from 19 trillion KRW in 2020 to 25 trillion KRW in 2024. Differences in collection procedures, systems, and limitations in sharing debtor information among agencies have made enforcement challenging. Advanced countries like the US and UK have already consolidated their collection channels, and Korea has seen positive results from unified collection of local non-tax revenue and social insurance premiums. The NTS aims to focus on managing unpaid amounts to prevent fiscal leakage.
While ministries will retain the authority to impose non-tax revenue, the NTS will centralize collection management to enhance payment convenience for citizens. Commissioner Kwang-Hyun Lim emphasized that unified collection is not just administrative integration but a responsible approach to managing national fiscal income and improving public service. The NTS is working closely with related ministries to meticulously prepare systems and policies. Efforts include supporting the enactment of the Non-Tax Revenue Unified Collection Act, building integrated IT systems, and securing necessary personnel and budgets.
Looking ahead, the NTS plans to review the status of unpaid non-tax revenue after the amendment of the National Bond Management Act and actively support the swift enactment of the unified collection law. Gradual implementation is expected to enhance both fiscal stability and public convenience. Successful establishment of the unified system will significantly improve revenue collection efficiency. Incorporating feedback from the field and public perspectives remains a key challenge, and the NTS is committed to maximizing the benefits through active communication.