所得 (shotoku) refers to income in Japan that is subject to tax after deducting allowable expenses from total revenue. It differs from gross revenue, which is the total amount received before any deductions. For a company employee, the total earnings before any deductions like taxes and insurance premiums are considered gross revenue. After subtracting necessary expenses, such as the "salary income deduction" (給与所得控除), the remaining amount is the taxable income or shotoku.
Income categories under Japanese tax law include salary income, business income, interest income, dividend income, real estate income, retirement income, forest income, capital gains, occasional income, and miscellaneous income. Each type of income has its own method of calculation and associated deductions.
To calculate taxable income, specific deductions are subtracted from the gross income. These deductions can include social insurance premiums, medical expenses, and other allowable expenses. An employee's taxable income is calculated by subtracting the salary income deduction from their gross salary. The tax calculation involves progressive tax rates, where higher income brackets are taxed at higher rates.
See Also
源泉徴収税 (gensen choshūzei) translates to "withholding tax" in English.
It refers to the tax deducted at the source of income, meaning the payer of the income withholds a portion of the payment and pays it directly to the tax authorities. This system ensures that taxes are collected in advance and helps to prevent tax evasion.
In Japan, withholding tax is commonly applied to various types of income, including salaries, bonuses, interest, dividends, and certain payments to non-residents. Employers, financial institutions, and other entities responsible for making payments must withhold the appropriate amount of tax and remit it to the National Tax Agency.
The rates and specific rules for withholding tax can vary depending on the type of income and the residency status of the recipient. For example, the standard withholding tax rate on salary income for residents is based on progressive tax rates, while non-residents might face a flat rate on certain types of income.
Properly managing withholding tax obligations is crucial for businesses operating in Japan to remain compliant with tax regulations.
控除 (kojo) is a tax deduction in Japan. It refers to the amounts that can be subtracted from an individual's total income to reduce their taxable income. By lowering the taxable income, tax deductions can significantly decrease the amount of tax an individual owes.
Various types of deductions are available, each designed to provide financial relief for specific circumstances. Common deductions includes those for dependents, medical expenses, social insurance premiums, and mortgage interest. For instance, the spousal deduction and dependent deduction help families reduce their tax burden by acknowledging the financial responsibilities of supporting a spouse or dependents.
To claim these deductions, taxpayers must provide the necessary documentation and meet certain eligibility criteria. Properly utilizing deductions are crucial for effective tax planning, as it can lead to substantial tax savings. Understanding and applying the appropriate deductions can help individuals manage their finances better and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
青色申告会 (aoiro shinkoku kai) is a Japanese term that translates to "Blue Return Association" in English. This association supports individuals and small business owners who choose to file their taxes using the blue return system, which is a more detailed and beneficial tax filing method in Japan.
The blue return system (青色申告, aoiro shinkoku) offers various tax advantages, such as higher deductible expenses and special allowances. Members of a 青色申告会 can receive guidance, resources, and assistance in preparing and submitting their blue returns accurately and efficiently. These associations often provide seminars, workshops, and personalized consultations to help members maximize their tax benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
所得 (shotoku) refers to income in Japan that is subject to tax after deducting allowable expenses from total revenue. It differs from gross revenue, which is the total amount received before any deductions. For a company employee, the total earnings before any deductions like taxes and insurance premiums are considered gross revenue. After subtracting necessary expenses, such as the "salary income deduction" (給与所得控除), the remaining amount is the taxable income or shotoku.
Income is 所得 (shotoku) in Japanese.
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