During the personnel hearing held at the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee, Im emphasized, "I have repeatedly stressed the political neutrality of tax investigations during my legislative activities." Concerns about Im's political neutrality as a former member of the National Assembly from the opposition party, the People Power Party, were raised during the hearing.
In response, Im reiterated in his opening remarks, "Having been involved in tax administration for a long time, I believe that political neutrality should be the fundamental basis of tax administration," and added, "I will manage to ensure that political neutrality is thoroughly observed across all areas of tax administration."
Im also mentioned plans to boldly innovate the outdated tax investigation methods, which have caused discomfort to businesses due to long-term on-site investigations, from the perspective of taxpayers.
Additionally, he announced a policy to temporarily suspend regular tax investigations for small business owners and SMEs facing economic difficulties due to temporary financial strains.
Im stated, "I will boldly break away from tax verification focused on detection and punishment, as well as from the collection of arrears," and explained, "In terms of arrears, I will actively create opportunities for livelihood-type defaulters to economically recover from a tax administration perspective, moving away from unilateral forced collection."
He also declared a firm response to market disturbances such as stock price manipulation, irregular capital transactions by controlling shareholders, and illegal profit-taking activities.
[Reporter Jeon Kyung-woon]
