Understanding Dual Contributions: Korean National Pension vs. U.S. FICA

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Understanding Dual Contributions: Korean National Pension vs. U.S. FICA Navigating social security systems across borders can be confusing—especially for employees working between Korea and the U.S. A recurring question is: Can someone pay into both Korea’s National Pension and U.S. FICA (Social Security and Medicare taxes) at the same time—and what happens if they do? This post breaks down how the Korea–U.S. Totalization Agreement works, what “coverage” means, and the consequences of dual contributions. 1. The Totalization Agreement at a Glance πŸ‡°πŸ‡·πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Since 2001, the Korea–U.S. Totalization Agreement has coordinated social security coverage between the two countries. Its primary goal is to: Prevent double taxation of social security contributions on the same income during the same time period Protect future benefit rights for cross-border workers Key principles: At any given time, only one country’s social security system applies to your wages C...
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πŸ“… Day 5: How to Track Mileage Without the Stress

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πŸ“… Day 5: How to Track Mileage Without the Stress

If you drive for business — even occasionally — tracking your mileage could lead to real tax savings. But let’s be honest: nobody wants to carry around a paper logbook or guess their odometer reading every day.

Good news: there are smarter (and simpler) ways to do it.

πŸš— Why Mileage Matters

The IRS allows you to deduct business-related driving at the standard mileage rate, which in 2025 is $0.67 per mile (subject to updates). That means:

100 miles = $67 deduction
1,000 miles = $670 deduction

For many solopreneurs, that’s hundreds or even thousands of dollars in write-offs — if you track it properly.

✍️ What Trips Can You Count?

  • Driving to meet a client
  • Picking up business supplies
  • Visiting a vendor or coworking space
  • Attending a business conference or training

🚫 Personal commutes don’t count (like from home to a regular office location).

πŸ“± 3 Stress-Free Ways to Track Mileage

  1. Mileage Apps (automated, low effort)
    • Try MileIQ, Everlance, or Stride
    • They run in the background, detect trips, and let you “swipe” business vs. personal
  2. Spreadsheet Tracker (simple + free)
    • Create a column layout: Date Start/End Miles Purpose
    • Use Google Sheets on your phone for quick logging
  3. Calendar Sync Method
  • At the end of each week, look at your appointments and log the trips
  • Good option if you don’t drive often but want to stay accurate

✅ Tip from a CPA

Even if you switch from the standard mileage rate to actual vehicle expenses, you still need a mileage log to prove business use. So start now — you’ll thank yourself come tax time.

Coming up next: Day 6 – What’s Actually Deductible When You Eat Out for Business (hint: it’s not your grocery run πŸ›’). Let’s dig into business meals tomorrow

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