Key summary
How Korea's EITC works in 2026: who qualifies, payout amounts up to KRW 3.3 million, application windows, and pitfalls that disqualify eligible households.
Korea's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC, 근로장려금) supports eligible working households. The application year and income year are different: the regular application held in 2026 covers 2025 income. This guide was reviewed on 9 September 2026.
First check the income year and your eligibility
For 2025 income, the annual couple-combined income limits are below KRW 22 million for a single household, KRW 32 million for a single-earner household and KRW 44 million for a dual-earner household. Household definitions and qualifying income types matter; gross business sales are not the same as assessed business income.
Household assets must total less than KRW 240 million at the applicable 1 June assessment date. For the 2025-income regular application, that date is 1 June 2025. Debt is not simply deducted from assets. Use NTS rules for property and rental-deposit valuation rather than market-value guesses.
English readers: living or working in Korea alone does not establish eligibility. Nationality, residence and family-status conditions also apply. Ask NTS to check those conditions before relying on the income limits.
Which 2026 application applies to you?
| Application | Income covered | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 2025 income | 1 May–1 June 2026; closed |
| Late regular | 2025 income | 2 June–1 December 2026; 95% of the assessed amount |
| First-half application | 2026 earned income | 1–15 September 2026; eligible wage-only households |
Maximum annual EITC amounts are KRW 1.65 million, KRW 2.85 million and KRW 3.3 million respectively. These are ceilings, not a quote. Income, assets and review results determine the actual amount. Proposed increases for 2027 in the September announcement are not the current 2026 limits.
Prepare the application without double-counting
- Choose the income year and regular or half-year route before collecting figures.
- Check the household classification, spouse income and asset assessment date in Hometax.
- Check whether a prior automatic-application consent has already resulted in an application. Consent is available across age groups, but eligibility must still be met.
- Verify the receipt and review status. An invitation or application does not guarantee payment.
Use Hometax or Sontax; NTS also provides ARS 1544-9944 and an incentive help line, 1566-3636. Use official channels instead of sending identity or bank documents through this site's contact form.
Sources and next steps
Sources and method
Use the dated sources and assumptions stated in this guide. An illustration is not an employer promise, tax assessment or investment forecast. Personal eligibility and the applicable income year need separate checks.
Methods, official resources and help →Use this guide
Confirm the applicable income year and personal eligibility in the official source before applying the guide.
English tax resources →Share this guide
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