MoneyLog｜부동산·경제 인사이트

Once your overseas stock profits start adding up, one thought keeps bothering you: “Am I going to lose 22% to taxes?” According to the video, 2026 may bring three accounts that can change the game — depending on timing and eligibility: RIA (tax relief for returning overseas gains), Youth Future Savings (high effective returns for young adults), and IMA (a more stable, bank-deposit alternative). In this post, I’ll break down who each account is for, when it matters, and how to choose the right one.

The RIA account is a temporary policy account designed to bring overseas stock investment funds back into the Korean market in 2026. Its main benefit is straightforward: tax relief on capital gains from overseas stocks, which are normally taxed at 22%.

This account mainly matters for investors who already have significant profits and hesitate to sell because of taxes. The real question is not whether to use RIA — but when.

With the RIA account, the key is not just “using it,” but when you return. The tax relief changes by quarter in 2026. The biggest window is Jan–Mar 2026, which is described as 100% relief.

• Q1 (Jan–Mar): 100% relief
• Q2 (Apr–Jun): 80% relief
• H2 (Jul–): 50% relief

For investors with large gains, planning your timeline early can make a meaningful difference.

The RIA account offers strong tax benefits, but only if all conditions are met. Missing even one requirement may result in losing the relief.

• Sale amount capped at KRW 50 million per person
• Only overseas stocks held by Dec 23, 2025 are eligible
• Proceeds must be reinvested in Korean stocks
• Korean stocks must be held for at least one year

One of the biggest complaints about the previous youth savings programs was the long 5-year commitment. The Youth Future Savings plan addresses this by shortening the term to three years while maintaining strong government support.

For young adults who want meaningful returns without a long lock-up, this account is designed as a more realistic option.

Eligibility is the first checkpoint for Youth Future Savings. Based on the provided summary, it targets:

• Age: 19–34
• Personal income: ≤ KRW 60M
• Household 기준: ≤ 200% of median income
• Self-employed individuals are included

Next, the key is whether you fit the Standard or Preferred support type.

Youth Future Savings stands out because the government directly supports a portion of your contributions. This structure results in an effective return that feels very different from ordinary savings accounts.

• Standard: 6% support (≈12% effective return)
• Preferred: 12% support (≈17% effective return)

Next, let’s look at IMA — an option for those seeking stability beyond deposits.

The IMA account is managed directly by securities firms and is designed to balance stability and returns. It is often described as having a “principal-like protection” structure, provided the firm remains solvent.

• Expected returns around 4%
• Lower volatility than stocks
• No contribution limit

It can be seen as a middle ground between bank deposits and equity investing.

These accounts serve different purposes rather than competing with each other. ISA focuses on long-term tax efficiency, IMA on stability, and RIA on one-time tax relief in 2026.

This post is based on the content from the original YouTube video. If you prefer a faster overview, watch it first and come back to this article.

▶️ Open the video on YouTube

These three accounts are not about chasing trends, but about timing and eligibility. Once the window closes, the opportunity may not return.

Knowing which account applies to you is already a strong first step.