Internet-based taxation system to be introduced

The Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) is planning to introduce the Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment (EBPP) through the Internet for national and local taxes and tariffs.

An inter-ministry apparatus to promote the implementation of the EBPP will be formed this month for the early introduction of the new system, which is expected to contribute to improving efficiency at government offices and reducing costs to taxpayers. Government agencies to participate in the special organization are the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE), Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs, National Tax Service (NTS) and Korea Customs Service (KCS).

The envisioned apparatus will work out concrete plans to adopt the EBPP, apply it to national taxes in the second half of this year and expand it to all taxes, including local taxes and tariffs, on a gradual basis, according to MIC officials.

In January, MOFE and NTS announced projects to build an integrated management system for finance and information, including EBPP, and to introduces a ``home tax`` service. But MIC, MOFE and NTS agreed in April in working-level discussions to promote the integration of the projects.

A MIC official said, ``A billing system through the use of the Internet has been actively used in the private sector. The EBPP is basically designed to provide convenience to the people by applying it in taxation affairs.``

Yonhap