▲ Ahn Deok-soo, a senior official from the National Tax Service, talks to reporters in Seoul on March 30, 2026. (Yonhap)

rental operators-tax evasion

Tax agency probes rental operators, multiple home owners on alleged tax evasion

SEOUL, March 30 (Yonhap) -- Tax authorities on Monday launched an investigation into home rental business operators and multiple home owners suspected of evading a combined 280 billion won (US$184.5 million) in taxes.

Those under investigation include individuals who own more than seven homes in Seoul, including in the upscale Gangnam area, as well as housing rental operators that own more than 100 apartment units, the National Tax Service (NTS) said. The probe covers five corporations and 10 individuals.

Under current tax rules, registered housing rental operators are eligible for various benefits, including exemptions from heavy capital gains taxes on multiple homes.

However, the NTS said those under investigation are suspected of abusing such benefits while underreporting rental income or inflating expenses.

Housing prices remain a key policy issue for President Lee Jae Myung. He has pledged to stabilize the housing market, saying rising home prices are forcing many young people to give up plans for marriage and childbirth.

Earlier, the government ended a temporary exemption from heavy capital gains taxes for owners of multiple homes.

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