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Tax Audit Support Service

Those who know how to conduct investigations know best how to defend them. With CENTRIC, free yourself from the fear of tax audits.

Service Overview

In today’s environment, tax audits are increasingly comprehensive. It is now common for audits to cover inheritance, gifts, share transfers, and sources of funds related to business owners and their families.

With globalization, international tax issues such as transfer pricing arise frequently, making it far more difficult for companies to handle audits alone. Effective response requires a full spectrum of tax experts across multiple fields.

At CENTRIC, former National Tax Service (NTS) investigators lead teams of specialists organized by case type and industry sector. This ensures effective support throughout the audit process—particularly in preventing cases from escalating into criminal tax investigations.

Our firm brings together top experts in every area of taxation—corporate tax, share transfers, sources of funds, international tax, tax crimes, and VAT. With extensive experience assisting the tax audits of Korea’s top 10 conglomerates and leading banks, CENTRIC provides proven, effective support for businesses of all sizes and across all industries.

By integrating the strengths of tax corporations, accounting firms, and law firms, CENTRIC delivers tailored audit defense services that reflect each client’s scale, industry, and specific needs.

Tax Audit Support Service Process

CENTRIC offers Lee Hyun-man's customized tax investigation assistance service, taking into account the size and industry characteristics of the taxpayer being investigated, while leveraging the strengths of law firms, accounting firms, and tax accounting firms.

On-site Task Force On-site Advisory & Opinion Letter Preparation - Preliminary review of audit team requests and required submissions
- Development of defense logic and preparation of explanatory statements for each tax issue
- Estimation and review of potential tax liabilities for disputed issues
On-site Direct Response, Advisory & Opinion Letter Preparation In addition to the above services, CENTRIC provides direct engagement with the audit team as follows:
- Smooth communication with the audit team through dedicated experts and advisory panel
- Pre-emptive measures taken before potential tax issues develop into formal disputes
- For disputed issues, swift identification of the tax authority’s intent and grounds, followed by practical and effective responses
Internal Task Force Formation of an Internal Task Force within the Firm Internal Task Force Activities
- Forming a team of experts to develop defense logic and support the preparation of explanatory statements within the firm
- Coordinating with company representatives or task team specialists through meetings and site visits
- Developing practical defense strategies and preparing explanatory statements for each tax issue
Designation of Advisory Lead Assignment of Dedicated Advisory Experts Dedicated Advisory Experts
- Providing advisory services through a team of specialists in the relevant audit area
- Conducting preliminary review of audit team requests and required submissions
- Preparing opinion letters where necessary
Detailed Services in Tax Audit Support
  • Tax Ruling Advisory

    When a tax issue involves the interpretation of tax law, the audit team may request a formal ruling (Tax Ruling Advisory). In cases of new interpretations or issues with significant implications, the matter may be referred to the Legislative Interpretation Committee.
    Although taxpayers cannot directly apply for such rulings, it is crucial to submit a professional opinion letter that reflects the taxpayer’s position in advance, ensuring that the ruling is aligned with the correct interpretation of tax law.

  • Factual Determination Advisory

    When a tax issue is not about interpreting the law but rather about determining factual matters, it may be referred to the Factual Determination Committee. Taxpayers cannot request this process themselves; the decision to refer lies solely with the audit team.
    Since referral to the committee cannot be made once the audit period ends, taxpayers must be cautious not to miss the opportunity for review of critical issues. From the audit team’s perspective, using this committee actively can provide protection from future disputes and appeals.

  • Criminal Tax Defense

    During a tax audit, if the National Tax Service (NTS) determines there is suspicion of tax evasion or false (fabricated) tax invoices, the case may be escalated to criminal tax proceedings by decision of the Tax Crime Committee.
    Depending on the severity of the suspicion, the NTS may impose an administrative fine (notification of penalty) or file charges with the prosecution (or police) for violations of the Tax Offenses Punishment Act.
    For taxpayers, whether the case is prosecuted under the Tax Offenses Punishment Act or under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes can result in very different criminal consequences. Therefore, it is essential for taxpayers to seek professional assistance before a tax audit escalates into a criminal case.

Major Clients & Achievements

  • BRV Fund

  • NongHyup Agribusiness Group

  • NongHyup Trading

  • Daebang Industrial Development

  • Daishin Securities

  • Lehman Korea

  • MiraeN

  • SeAH Holdings

  • Shinsung Engineering

  • POSCO

  • Foosung Corporation

  • No Brand (Apparel Division)

  • Daeho AL

  • Shinhan Bank

  • KB Kookmin Bank

  • Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK)

  • NongHyup (NH Bank)

  • Samsung Life Insurance

  • Hanwha Life Insurance

  • Kyobo Life Insurance

  • Hanwha General Insurance

  • Hyundai Card

  • Lotte Card

  • Hyundai Motor Company

  • Kia Corporation

  • LG Chem

  • SK Networks

  • Lotte Shopping

  • Hanwha Group

  • Hyosung Group

  • Taekwang Group

  • Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME)

  • Lotte Construction

  • Nexon

  • Korea Petrochemical Ind. (KPIC)

  • Daehan Sugar

  • Daehan Electric Wire

  • Korea Rural Community Corporation

  • Samsung Total Petrochemicals

  • BGF Retail

  • Ottogi

  • CJ Group

  • GS Retail

  • Kyowon Group

  • SK Planet

  • Kolon Plastics

  • Hanmi Pharmaceutical

  • Hyungji Fashion Group

  • Pigeon Corporation

More +

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