Payroll in Taiwan for Global Employers

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Expanding into Taiwan opens up a wealth of business opportunities, but it’s vital to navigate the payroll landscape with care. Taiwan has a well-structured payroll system that is governed by national laws, including strict tax regulations, social security contributions, and labor standards. This guide will walk you through the key components of payroll in Taiwan, helping ensure that your business remains compliant while efficiently managing employee compensation.

Step 1: Understanding Salary Structure in Taiwan 💼

A competitive and legally compliant salary structure is essential for attracting and retaining talent in Taiwan. Salary components may vary based on company policies, but the basic structure is regulated by Taiwanese labor laws.

ComponentDetailsMandatory/Optional
Base SalaryThe agreed monthly salary, typically specified in the employment contract.Mandatory
Overtime PayOvertime is common and paid at a higher rate, typically 1.33x the regular salary for overtime hours.Mandatory (for overtime beyond regular hours)
BonusesBonuses, such as the 13th month salary, are typically paid at the end of the year.Optional (depending on company policies)
Holiday AllowanceEmployees are entitled to a paid holiday allowance of up to 8% of their gross annual salary.Mandatory
AllowancesTransport, meal, and housing allowances may be provided but are taxable unless specific conditions apply.Optional

Outcome: A compliant salary structure ensures adherence to Taiwanese payroll laws and creates attractive compensation packages for employees.


Step 2: Income Tax Withholding in Taiwan 🧾

Taiwan follows a progressive income tax system, where tax rates increase with income. Employers must withhold income tax from employees’ wages and remit it to the National Taxation Bureau.

Income Bracket (TWD)Tax Rate
Up to NT$540,0005%
NT$540,001 – NT$1,210,00012%
NT$1,210,001 – NT$2,420,00020%
NT$2,420,001 – NT$4,530,00030%
Over NT$4,530,00040%

Outcome: Employers must correctly withhold income tax based on their employees’ income to comply with Taiwan’s tax laws.


Step 3: Social Security Contributions in Taiwan 🏦

Taiwan mandates contributions to the national social security system, which covers pensions, health insurance, and labor insurance. Both employers and employees contribute to these programs.

Contribution TypeEmployer RateEmployee Rate
Labor Insurance2.75%1.55%
National Health Insurance4.91%1.91%
Pension Contributions6% (for employees under 45)6% (for employees under 45)

Outcome: Timely and correct contributions to Taiwan’s social security system ensure employees are covered by insurance and pensions, and employers remain compliant.


Step 4: Payroll Cycle and Timing in Taiwan 📅

Most employers in Taiwan follow a monthly payroll cycle. Salaries are typically paid at the end of each month.

Payroll CycleDescription
MonthlyStandard payroll cycle for most employees.
Bi-weeklySome companies may opt for a bi-weekly payroll cycle.

Outcome: Consistent payroll cycles help employees plan their finances and ensure compliance with Taiwanese payroll regulations.


Step 5: Paid Leave and Public Holidays in Taiwan 🌴

Taiwanese labor laws guarantee specific leave entitlements and recognize public holidays. Here’s a breakdown of the key leave types:

Leave TypeEntitlement
Annual LeaveMinimum 7 days per year after 1 year of service (increases with tenure).
Public HolidaysTaiwan has 12 national holidays, and employees are typically entitled to paid leave on these days.
Sick LeavePaid sick leave is available, with full pay for up to 3 days and partial pay beyond that.
Parental Leave3 days of paid leave for fathers, and mothers receive up to 8 weeks of paid maternity leave.
Maternity Leave8 weeks of paid maternity leave.
Paternity Leave5 days of paid leave for fathers.

Outcome: Properly managing leave ensures compliance with labor laws and supports employee well-being.


Step 6: Managing Payroll for Foreign Employees in Taiwan 🌏

Foreign employees working in Taiwan must also comply with the local payroll and tax obligations. Some key considerations include:

  • Tax Residency: Foreign employees who are tax residents in Taiwan are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on income earned within Taiwan.
  • Social Security Contributions: Foreign employees are generally subject to the same social security contributions unless an exemption applies under a bilateral social security agreement.

Outcome: Employers need to understand the tax residency status and social security obligations of foreign employees to avoid compliance issues.


Step 7: Payroll Compliance and Reporting in Taiwan 📊

Employers in Taiwan must meet specific payroll compliance and reporting requirements, including:

RequirementFrequencyDetails
Income Tax WithholdingMonthlyEmployers must remit withheld taxes to the tax authorities.
Social Security ContributionsMonthlyContributions to social security programs must be remitted regularly.
Payroll RecordkeepingOngoingEmployers must retain payroll records for at least 5 years.

Outcome: Regular payroll compliance ensures a smooth operation while minimizing legal risks.


Key Documents for Payroll in Taiwan 📋

Here are the key documents you’ll need to manage payroll in Taiwan:

DocumentPurpose
Tax Withholding FormsFor accurate income tax reporting.
Employment ContractsOutlines salary, benefits, and other employment terms.
Social Security Registration FormsFor registering employees for social security programs.
Payroll RecordsDetailed records of employee payments and deductions.

Payroll Processing Deadlines and Penalties in Taiwan 📅

Timely payroll processing is crucial to avoid penalties:

Payroll Processing DeadlineRemittance DeadlinePenalty
PayrollEnd of the monthLate payments may incur fines.
Income Tax10th of the following monthDelayed payments may incur penalties.
Social Security Contributions10th of the following monthDelayed contributions may lead to fines.

Outcome: Timely payroll processing helps to avoid penalties and ensures compliance with Taiwan’s regulations.

How GlobainePEO Can Help with Payroll in Taiwan🌐

GlobainePEO specializes in managing all payroll aspects in Taiwan, including calculating and withholding income taxes, as well as handling social security and health insurance contributions. With our expert support, you can ensure full compliance with Taiwan’s payroll regulations, avoid costly penalties, and simplify payroll processes. Partnering with GlobainePEO allows you to focus on growing your business while we take care of the complexities of Italian payroll management.

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