It’s tax time in Japan again! If you have been in Japan for the entire calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31st 2003, in this case), have your “tax home” here, and meet one of the following requirements, you might have to file a tax return (kakutei shinkoku):
1) you have income from two or more sources,
2) you have profits from a side business of Y200,000 or more,
3) you have real estate income (rental or sold),
4) you made a profit from the sale of certain investments (stocks, bonds, certain funds, etc.)
You do NOT need to file a tax return if your tax is deducted directly from your salary each month under the withholding tax system (most employed people fall in this category).
You could be eligible for a tax refund in certain cases, such as if you quit or were fired from your job in 2003 and are still unemployed, if the self-funded portion of your medical expenses on National Health was higher than Y100,000 or more, if you purchased a home with a housing loan, or if you were victim of robbery, theft, natural disasters, or embezzlement.
How do you file a tax return? Either complete a form in Japan and return it to your local tax office, or visit the local tax office consultation window (kakutei shinkoku madoguchi) which should run at the tax offices in various localities around Japan until Monday, March 15th. The tax consultation windows allow you to consult with a tax office representative, who essentially fill out your form for you. Accountants are often on call for advice. March 15, coincidentally, is the final day to pay taxes you owe.
© 2004 Wendy J. Imura.