Japanese Business Glossary

損金 (sonkin) refers to deductible expenses in Japan. These are the costs and expenses that a business can deduct from its taxable income when calculating its corporate income tax. By deducting these expenses, the business reduces its overall taxable income, thereby lowering its tax liability.

Deductible expenses includes various types of business expenses, such as operating costs, salaries, rent, utilities, depreciation of assets, and other expenditures that are necessary for the company's operations. These expenses must be ordinary and necessary for the business and properly documented to be eligible for deduction.

Understanding sonkin is crucial for accurate financial management and tax compliance. Properly identifying and recording deductible expenses helps businesses optimize their tax obligations and maintain compliance with tax regulations.

何日まで (nannichi made) translates to "until what date" or "by what date" in English. It is commonly used in Japanese to ask for a deadline or the latest possible date something can be completed or submitted. For example, if you need to know the due date for a report, you might ask, "このレポートは何日までに提出すればいいですか？" which means "By what date should this report be submitted?" It is a useful phrase for managing schedules and deadlines in both personal and professional contexts.

有価証券 (yuka shoken) refers to "securities" or "marketable securities" in English. These are financial instruments that hold some type of monetary value and can be traded in financial markets.

Examples of securities include stocks, bonds, debentures, and other financial assets that can be bought, sold, or traded. They represent ownership or creditor relationships with corporations or governmental entities and are a crucial part of the investment and financial landscape.

企業の税番号, or "Corporate Tax Number," is a unique identifier assigned to businesses in Japan for tax purposes. This number is issued by the National Tax Agency (NTA) and is required for various administrative processes, including tax filings, social insurance procedures, and other official documentation.

The tax number system was introduced to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of tax administration. It ensures that all corporate entities are properly accounted for within the tax system, making it easier for the government to track tax obligations and compliance. This system also helps in reducing tax evasion and improving transparency in financial transactions.

When a company is incorporated in Japan, it must register with the NTA to obtain its corporate tax number. This number is then used in all official communications with tax authorities and other government agencies. Businesses must ensure they maintain accurate records and report their tax number on relevant documents to comply with Japanese tax laws.

Having a corporate tax number is essential for conducting business in Japan. It is a fundamental part of the legal and regulatory framework that supports the country's economic activities, providing a standardized method for identifying and managing corporate entities within the tax system.