Tax accountants from across the country, who played a pivotal role as ambassadors for the Hometown Love Donation program last year and contributed significantly to reaching a record-high collection of 151.5 billion won, gathered in one place.

The Korean Association of Certified Public Tax Accountants held its regular general meeting yesterday (June 29) at the InterContinental Seoul COEX, with 2,000 members in attendance. They pledged to serve as professional experts who monitor the use of public tax funds to prevent waste and enhance fiscal transparency.

In particular, they announced their commitment to continuous innovation to establish themselves as premier comprehensive tax consultants, even in the era of artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

They also expressed their determination to revitalize the Hometown Love Donation program, which allows individuals to receive tax credits and gifts worth up to 30% of their donation when they contribute to regions other than their place of residence.

Koo Jae-yi, President of the Korean Association of Certified Public Tax Accountants, stated that tax accountants would continue to support the Hometown Love Donation program this year, which was introduced in 2023 to promote balanced regional development and expand local government finances.

[Interview] Koo Jae-yi / President of the Korean Association of Certified Public Tax Accountants: "Together with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, through village tax accountants and Hometown Love Donation ambassadors, we have shown how well our tax accountants can serve our citizens and businesses, and how close we are to them."

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung also expressed his gratitude for the voluntary service and dedication of the tax accountants in his congratulatory remarks, stating, "The village tax accountant system is a representative model of public-private cooperation."

[Interview] Yoon Ho-jung / Minister of the Interior and Safety: "I earnestly hope that you, the tax accountants, will continue to promote the Hometown Love Donation program this year and guide many citizens to participate."

At yesterday's event, 30 tax accountants received commendations from the Minister of the Interior and Safety in recognition of their contributions to revitalizing the Hometown Love Donation program. Additionally, four individuals, including Shin Seung-keun, President of the Korea Local Tax Institute, received the Tax Award from the association for their contributions to the development of the tax system and the protection of taxpayers' rights.

Meanwhile, it was reported that 51 local governments across the country have applied for the 2nd Hometown Love Donation Awards, co-hosted by SBS and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

Outstanding local governments selected through rigorous evaluations, including quantitative and qualitative assessments and on-site inspections, will be awarded grand prizes, gold, silver, bronze, and special awards. The awards ceremony will be held on September 4, the Day of Hometown Love, at the SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong, Seoul.

Reported by Lim Dong-gook | Video by Choi Hye-ran | Produced by SBS Digital News