Applications & Teacher Information

Teacher Requirements
Teacher Application
Salary, Tax Withholdings
Pay Raises, Bonuses
Benefits, Vacations
Be Prepared for Taiwan

Salary 
Upon completion of an intensive one-week training period, teachers are paid according to the number of hours they teach. Wages are paid in Taiwan dollars(NT) on the 1st and 15th day of each month (or the closest business day thereto).  The starting hourly wage is NT$575 or $NT600, depending on experience and qualifications.  Teachers with extensive experience in Taiwan may start at a slightly higher rate.

To determine the value of NT$600/hour in your own country's currency, go to www.currencycalculator.com to get the current exchange rate--the number of NT dollars that equal one dollar (pound, etc.) in your own country's currency.  Then divide NT$600 by that number. For instance, if a teacher is making NT$600/hour, and if:
1 US = NT$33 (NewTaiwan dollars), the hourly wage is $18.18 US. 
$1 Canadian = NT$30, the hourly wage is $20 Canadian. 
£1 British Pounds sterling = NT$65, the hourly wage is £9.23.

Taiwan Tax Withholdings
Taiwan tax law stipulates that alien residents who have been on Taiwan less than 183 days in one tax year (January 1 to December 31) must have 20% of their income tax withheld. Therefore, any teacher new to Taiwan will initially have a tax withholding rate of 20% at Schoolhouse Language Center.  If an employee stays on Taiwan for 183 days or more in one tax year, the tax withholding rate is lowered to approximately 10% and will remain the same for the remainder of the teacher's tenure at Schoolhouse Language Center. 

An employee who has paid 20% in taxes for her first 183 days will be issued a tax refund by the Taiwan Tax Bureau upon filing her taxes. This refund will consist of the difference between the taxes paid at 20% and those re-figured at the 10% rate. 

Filing Taiwan Tax Returns
Foreign residents on Taiwan must file their taxes with the Taiwan Tax Bureau before May 31st. To do so, Schoolhouse's accountant will supply each teacher with a tax form well in advance of the filing deadline.  After receiving the form, it is the teacher's responsibility to file with the Taiwan Tax Bureau located in your city.  The Taiwan Tax Bureau has representatives who will help you fill out the form and calculate any tax refund you might be owed.  If you are eligible for a tax refund, it will be remitted sometime between May and August.  Of course, the earlier you file, the earlier you will receive your refund. 

Filing Foreign-Earned Income Taxes in Your Home Country
Most nations require their citizens to file income tax statements "at home" on wages earned abroad.  Although foreign-earned income might be tax exempt, it is usually necessary to file a tax return.  As each county's laws differ, it is recommended that you seek a qualified tax representative back home to determine your own tax liability and filing requirements.