Tax reform is an ongoing process in any country and it is important to understand how the taxation laws affect you in Japan. The National Tax Agency of Japan recently announced changes in the Gift and Inheritance Tax, which became effective on January 1, 2015. As a result of these reforms, the inheritance tax rate in Japan has increased, and the scope of non-Japanese residents and foreign nationals who are now subject to the Gift and Inheritance Tax has been broadened.

Within the Organisation for Economic Development and Co-operation (OECD), member countries are working closely together to increase information-sharing regarding tax compliance for persons who have financial investments or concerns in multiple countries. However, the OECD has no control over the actions and laws of Japan; thus, the tax reforms announced by the Japanese government have a substantial effect on non-Japanese residents and foreign nationals who own assets in Japan.

Regulations regarding the Gift and Inheritance Tax in Japan are quite complex. Therefore, before filing taxes that involve gifting or inheritance issues, it is highly recommended that you seek advice from an authorized tax accountant.

Even with an understanding of the Japanese language, laws and regulations may very well be confusing and incomprehensible, thereby resulting in insufficient information to make an educated decision. Such situations result in a higher risk of being charged an unexpected/excessive amount for gift and inheritance tax.

The Souzoku Soudan Kaiketsu (Gift and Inheritance Tax Advisory) Team is a group of individual Japanese certified tax accountants who specialize in handling issues related to Japan's Gift and Inheritance Tax. Group members include experts who have over 30 years of tax consulting experience and an ex-senior tax investigator who was involved handling asset-related taxes at the National Tax Agency.

We offer one-on-one consulting sessions to individual taxpayers on a bi-weekly basis. Located in central Tokyo, each 90-minute session is private, enabling you to openly discuss gift and inheritance tax-related inquiries with one of our tax accountants. If requested, we'll gladly work with you to help plan and file tax forms. The first (introductory) session is free of charge.

While many of our clients are Japanese, we are pleased to offer services to non-Japanese residents and foreign nationals as well. If you are interested in meeting with one of our tax accountants for a 90-minute consultation, please click the button below and request an appointment to visit us.