An Easy Revenue Stamps Japan Guide For Beginners
If you are confused about the revenue stamps Japan has. Don’t worry; you’re not the only one.
This guide is here to simply explain what revenue stamps are, their purpose, and where to buy them.
What are revenue stamps in Japan?
Japan's National Tax Agency's Revision of the format of revenue stamps [PDF]
A revenue stamp is part of an administrative procedure in Japan. They are stamp-like papers attached to documents for you to pay taxes or fees.
They are different from regular postage stamps.
What were revenue stamps used for?
There are many different types, but here are the 3 most common ones and their purpose:
Type of revenue stamps |
Purpose |
Where to buy them |
|---|---|---|
|
National revenue stamp
収入印紙 shuunyuu inshi |
- To pay for specific types of takes - Immigration bureau items |
Post offices |
|
Prefectural revenue stamp
(_____)県収入証紙 (Prefecture) ken shuunyuu shoushi |
- For various prefectural procedures, such as getting your driver’s license and passports |
Prefectural bank and government offices.
Search for (___県収入証紙) |
|
Municipal revenue stamp (municipality)収入証紙
(municipality)shuunyuu shoushi |
- To pay fees for various municipal procedures |
Your local municipal offices |
Revenue stamps vs. stamp tax duty
The two are confused with each other, but here's a simplified comparison:
Revenue stamps: Used to pay administrative fees for certain procedures, taxes, or services (like visa applications, legal certificates, etc.). In Japanese, it's 印紙代, inshidai.
Stamp tax duty: Pay stamp tax for specific contracts or legal documents that formalize financial transactions (e.g., real estate or business deals).
What if I bought the wrong revenue stamp?
It varies from prefecture to prefecture. However, you will usually not get a refund if you purchase the wrong stamps.
How to buy revenue stamps in Japan
Buying revenue stamps in Japan is similar to buying stamps.
First, you can buy revenue stamps in Japan at post offices, bureaus, and convenience stores.
Next, you would go to the counter and tell them the amount of the revenue stamps you would like to purchase. For example, if you want a 200 yen revenue stamp, you would say, [200円の収入印紙を一枚お願いします。（ni hyaku en no shūnyū inshi o ichimai onegaishimasu) ].
The most common payment method for revenue stamps is with cash.
Do I need a revenue stamp?
Depending on the procedure, you do not need to affix a revenue stamp when dealing with electronic contracts or applications.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a 4000 yen revenue stamp?
You can buy 4000 yen revenue stamps at your local Japan Post office.
In closing
Understanding revenue stamps in Japan doesn't have to be confusing. Whether you are paying taxes or dealing with prefectural produce, you can now easily handle your administrative tasks in Japan.
Spending too long figuring out your Japanese mail?
Virtual mail + translation services start at 3800 per month. 30-day money-back guarantee.
