This article reflects the business of late January for me and everyone, I expect.
First, please note that the Japanese tax return period is approaching. People who are self-employed, have a side job in addition to their full-time employment, sold/bought a house in 2005 using a housing loan, had out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding 100,000 yen for your family, or met with natural disasters might find themselves the benefits of a tasty tax return if they file.
While I covered this topic in more depth last year, let me review briefly the "easy way" (?) to file your tax return in Japan.
First, find some time during the tax-filing period (February 15- March 15 every year) to visit your city's local tax office. The Japanese word for tax office is "zeimusho," and they are located in most regions. During this period, the tax office offers free advice in calculating and filling out your form. All you have to do is bring your income statements (genzei choshu hyou) from all of your income sources, plus receipts/documents supporting your tax deductions (in the case of medical expenses, your medical bills, for a business, your receipts, etc.). You should also bring your gaijin card, inkan, and other relevant documents. The friendly tax agents will, literally, fill out the form for you.
After this, you will be directed to a row of touch-panel screens where you will be guided, again, in how to fill in your form.
After finally filing your form, you will be asked to either pay the tax you owe (this happens) or give bank account information for your tax return.
A hint: I recommend going in the morning (early) and lining up outside the door to the tax office, or the hall where the advising is held, as early as possible. People start lining up before 8:00 AM, and the earlier you get there, the quicker you'll get out.
Finally, the Tax Office has finally made its English tax information available online. See the 2005 Income Tax Guide for Foreigners for reference and look online for the latest guide every year.