#tax
1. Do You Need to File?
Most salaried employees in Japan have their taxes handled by their company via the “Year-end Adjustment” (Nenmatsu Chosei). However, you must file a return if:
- Your annual salary exceeds 20 million yen.
- You have a side income (freelance, investments, etc.) exceeding 200,000 yen.
- You work for more than one employer simultaneously.
- You left your company before the year ended and didn’t join a new one.
- Optional but beneficial: You want to claim deductions for high medical expenses, home loans, or donations (Furusato Nozei).
2. Preparation: What You Need
Before you start, gather these essential documents:
- My Number Card: Essential for online filing and identity verification.
- Gensen Choshu-hyo (Withholding Tax Statement): You should receive this from your employer(s) in January.
- Deduction Certificates: Proof of life insurance, private pension, or medical receipts.
- Bank Details: For receiving your refund.
- Residence Card & Passport.
3. Three Ways to File
A. Online via e-Tax (Highly Recommended)
This is the fastest method. The NTA provides a Tax Return Preparation Suite.
- Pros: Can be done from home; English guides are available on the NTA website.
- Requirements: A smartphone with NFC or a PC with a card reader to scan your My Number Card.
B. In-Person at a Tax Office (Zeimusho)
You can visit the tax office that has jurisdiction over your area (for you, this would be the Tsurumi Tax Office).
- Pros: Staff can help you if you are confused.
- Cons: Extremely crowded. You usually need to get an admission ticket via the NTA’s LINE official account or arrive very early to get one in person.
- Tip: If you don’t speak Japanese, it is highly recommended to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or an interpreter.
C. By Mail
You can print the forms from the NTA website, fill them out, and mail them to your local tax office.
- Requirement: Ensure it is postmarked by March 16, 2026.
4. Key Deadlines & Payments (2026)
| Event | Deadline |
| Filing Period | Feb 16 – Mar 16, 2026 |
| Payment Deadline | March 16, 2026 |
| Automatic Bank Transfer | Late April 2026 (if registered) |
| Refunds Received | Usually 1–1.5 months after filing |
5. Important Updates for 2026
- Basic Deduction Changes: For the 2025 income year (filed in 2026), the basic deduction for most people has increased to 580,000 yen (up from 480,000 yen). If your income is under 2 million yen, you may qualify for a larger deduction of up to 950,000 yen.
- eLTAX for Residents: Starting this year, many municipalities have introduced eLTAX, allowing you to file your local resident tax returns electronically using your My Number Card.
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