Japanese Business Glossary

課税 (kazei) refers to "taxation" in English. It is the process by which a government or taxing authority imposes a financial charge or levy on individuals, businesses, or other entities.

Taxation is a primary method for governments to generate revenue, which is used to fund public services and infrastructure. The term kazei encompasses various types of taxes, including income tax, consumption tax (similar to VAT or GST), property tax, and more.

住宅借入金等特別控除申告書 (jūtaku kariirekin-to tokubetsu kojo shinkokusho) refers to the special mortgage loan deduction declaration form in Japan.

This form is used by taxpayers to claim a special tax deduction for interest paid on mortgage loans for the purchase, construction, or renovation of a qualifying residential property. The deduction aims to reduce the taxpayer's income tax liability by allowing a portion of the mortgage interest to be deducted from their taxable income.

The form must be submitted to the tax authorities to apply for this deduction, and it typically requires detailed information about the mortgage loan, the property, and the taxpayer's financial situation.

源泉控除対象配偶者 (gensen kojo taisho haiguusha) refers to a dependent spouse eligible for a specific tax deduction in Japan. This concept is part of the Japanese income tax system, where certain conditions must be met for a spouse to qualify for this deduction.

The spouse must be legally married to the taxpayer and have an annual income of 1,500,000 yen or less. Additionally, the taxpayer's taxable income must be 10 million yen or less. The taxpayer must also claim the spouse as a dependent on their tax return.

If these conditions are satisfied, the taxpayer can receive a deduction, reducing their taxable income and overall tax liability. This system is designed to support households where one spouse earns significantly less or is a homemaker, providing financial relief to the primary income earner.

確定申告書 (kakutei shinkokusho) is the final tax return form used in Japan. It is submitted by individuals and businesses to report their income, calculate taxes owed, and declare any deductions or credits they are eligible for. The filing period is typically from February 16 to March 15 each year.

Self-employed individuals, those with multiple sources of income, and individuals with capital gains, foreign income, or other specific financial situations need to file a final tax return. There are different types of forms depending on the complexity of your tax situation, such as Form A for simpler tax situations and Form B for more complex situations. The form can be submitted electronically via the e-Tax system or in person at the tax office.

Filing a correct and timely final tax return is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with Japanese tax laws.

給与所得者の基礎控除申告書 (kyūyo shotokusha no kiso kojo shinkokusho) is a tax document in Japan used by salary earners to claim the basic tax deduction for employment income. This form allows salary earners to claim a standard tax deduction from their employment income, reducing their overall taxable income. Typically, all employees who receive a salary need to submit this form to their employer. The form is usually filled out and submitted at the beginning of the employment or at the start of each year. It requires personal details such as name, address, and My Number (individual number), as well as information about dependents. The completed form is submitted to the employer, who then uses the information to calculate the employee's tax withholding. By submitting this form, employees ensure they receive the basic tax deduction, which reduces the amount of tax withheld from their monthly salary. Employers then use the information provided to adjust the amount of income tax deducted from the employee's paycheck accordingly.

非居住者 (hi-kyojūsha), non-resident, is used in various contexts, including taxation, immigration, and legal matters.

In the context of taxation, non-residents are individuals who do not have a permanent residence in Japan and do not stay in the country for more than one year. Non-residents are only taxed on their income derived from sources within Japan. This is in contrast to residents, who are taxed on their worldwide income.

In the context of immigration, non-residents typically refer to foreign nationals who are in Japan temporarily, such as tourists, short-term business visitors, or individuals on short-term work assignments. These individuals do not have long-term visas or residency permits.

In legal matters, the status of non-residents affects various legal obligations and rights, including property ownership, business operations, and contractual agreements.

Understanding the distinction between residents and non-residents is crucial for compliance with Japanese laws and regulations, particularly concerning taxation and immigration.