← Back to Glossary
税務調査
[zeimu chosa] - a tax audit or tax investigation conducted by tax authorities to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations

税務調査 (zeimu chosa) refers to a tax audit or tax investigation conducted by tax authorities to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations. During a zeimu chosa, tax officials examine a taxpayer's financial records, accounts, and other relevant documents to verify the accuracy of reported income, deductions, and tax payments.

The purpose of zeimu chosa is to identify any discrepancies, errors, or potential tax evasion. It can involve reviewing business transactions, invoices, receipts, and bank statements. Tax audits can be routine or triggered by specific red flags or anomalies in tax filings.

Undergoing a tax audit in Japan can be a detailed and thorough process, requiring cooperation and transparency from the taxpayer. Proper documentation and adherence to tax laws are essential to ensure a smooth audit process and to avoid penalties or additional tax liabilities.


Need a tax agent in Japan? 🗾
Need someone to pay your utilities or your property tax bills for your Japan-based property? Use MailMate's virtual mail and bill-paying service, ideal for minpaku and AirBnB owners!

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Handling of Personal Information.

See Also

源泉徴収税   [gensen choshūzei] - withholding tax

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.

Read more
控除   [kojo] - a tax deduction in Japan

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.

Read more
青色申告会   [aoiro shinkoku kai] - Blue Return Association

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.

Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

税務調査 (zeimu chosa) refers to a tax audit or tax investigation conducted by tax authorities to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations. During a zeimu chosa, tax officials examine a taxpayer's financial records, accounts, and other relevant documents to verify the accuracy of reported income, deductions, and tax payments.


A tax audit or tax investigation conducted by tax authorities to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations is 税務調査 (zeimu chosa) in Japanese.




← Back to Glossary

Japan’s first bilingual virtual mail, virtual address, and virtual receptionist provider

Get an all-in-one bilingual mail and compliance service to power the growth of your startup in Japan.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Handling of Personal Information.