(LEAD) Park expresses regrets over controversial tax scheme

(ATTN: RECASTS to highlight Park's expression of regrets; CHANGES headline)

SEOUL, Jan. 26 (Yonhap) -- President Park Geun-hye expressed regret Monday for causing trouble over the government's new tax settlement scheme that has sparked strong public backlash.

She also ordered officials to come up with measures to ensure that people will have no difficulties with the new scheme.

The new scheme is designed to collect less taxes throughout the year and return less in overcharge during tax settlements at the start of a new year. The government's stated goal is to enhance the distribution of wealth.

Under the new scheme, some people with an annual income of less than 55 million won (US$50,700) are required to pay additional taxes this year.

Before the revision, many wage earners were able to get tax refunds that were commonly referred to as a bonus or extra wage.

The new tax settlement scheme has angered the public, prompting the government and the ruling party to push for revision of the tax code to ensure that it offers additional tax refunds to eligible taxpayers.

"We need to explore measures to make sure that the tax settlement scheme will not pose great difficulties to people" at a time when they need to spend money for a new school semester and Lunar New Year's Day, Park said in a meeting with her top aides.

She also said the central government and local authorities are having difficulties as demand for welfare is on the rise at a time when there is a slump in tax revenue.

entropy@yna.co.kr
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