How to file your Income Tax in Japan

Who likes taxes or numbers? Who likes filling and filing forms, much less in a text that isn't English first of all?? Nobody? Anyone?

Okay, so let me rephrase my question... Who likes tax refund? Who likes to get money? And I see your hands raising (virtually and metaphorically). If your answer is yes then filing for your own tax return in Japan (even if its a 'taxing' and laborious task) is a job you must do for yourself. Sure, your company can do it for you but I'll tell you what, you won't get the maximum benefit of your tax returns if you do so for the simple reason that your company won't care to input the nitty-gritty details of your personal spending or expenditures.

Filing for your tax is a must.

1. It won't be easy and it helps if you at least know the basic kanji characters.

2. You need to be able to calculate your income details and spendings

3. Take notes of the following details.

Important details to take notes:

Before filling up your tax form, make sure that you know the following details. Please have the following information ready:

• Health insurance payment for the previous year

• Pension payment for the previous year (if there is any)

• Monthly rent

• Size of room

• Key money if any (for the previous year)

• Landlord's name or company(e.g. Sakura Housing / Leopalace / UR Housing)

• Landlord's address

• Tax slip (gensenchoshuhyo). If you have multiple employers, please take a photo of all the tax slips.

I am nowhere near expert in terms of calculations, much less when it comes to numbers. But please refer to the form below for your reference. You should be able to declare the details above and write it on the form indicated below. But I hope this will help you in filling up your tax forms.