Abstract

Capital gain tax and acquisition tax are representative real estate related taxes of Korea as well as comprehensive real estate tax. In case of capital gain tax, tax-free conditions of one-household-one house cases were re- peatedly strengthened and relieved and acquisition tax rates were increased and decreased depending on real estate price fluctuation. That is, when real estate prices fell, the policy to reduce tax burden of real estate was executed by relieving tax-free conditions of one-household-one house cases or reducing acquisition tax rates and, when real estate prices rose, the policy to increase tax burden of real estate was executed by strengthening tax-free conditions of one-household-one house cases or increasing acquisition tax rates.
 However, it is questionable whether it was effective to change real estate taxation system depending on real estate price fluctuation and the effect might be negative in most of cases.
 In such respect, the measures to improve capital gain tax and acquisition tax may be arranged as shown below.
 First, in case of capital gain tax, it is desirable to increase the standard of a high-price house from KRW 1.2 billion to KRW 1.5 billion.
 Second, when it would be desirable to define a one-household-one house case based on dwelling period rather than possession period.
 Third, as special deduction for long-term possession basically intends removal of nominal gain, it is desirable to apply special deduction for long- term possession in case of multi-house holders, too.
 Fourth, it would be desirable to abrogate heavy tax rates exceeding 50% for short-term holders and multi-house holders.
 Fifth, it would not be desirable to reduce overall acquisition tax rates.
 Sixth, it is desirable to maintain current 4% of acquisition tax rate for acquisition of houses with payment and to abrogate high acquisition tax rates for multi-house holders.
 Seventh, it is required to set consistent taxation benefit in case of house rental income taxation system in order to give predictability and legal stability to registered rental businessmen.

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