Japanese Business Glossary

確定申告書 (kakutei shinkokusho) is the final tax return form used in Japan. It is submitted by individuals and businesses to report their income, calculate taxes owed, and declare any deductions or credits they are eligible for. The filing period is typically from February 16 to March 15 each year.

Self-employed individuals, those with multiple sources of income, and individuals with capital gains, foreign income, or other specific financial situations need to file a final tax return. There are different types of forms depending on the complexity of your tax situation, such as Form A for simpler tax situations and Form B for more complex situations. The form can be submitted electronically via the e-Tax system or in person at the tax office.

Filing a correct and timely final tax return is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with Japanese tax laws.

給与所得者の基礎控除申告書 (kyūyo shotokusha no kiso kojo shinkokusho) is a tax document in Japan used by salary earners to claim the basic tax deduction for employment income. This form allows salary earners to claim a standard tax deduction from their employment income, reducing their overall taxable income. Typically, all employees who receive a salary need to submit this form to their employer. The form is usually filled out and submitted at the beginning of the employment or at the start of each year. It requires personal details such as name, address, and My Number (individual number), as well as information about dependents. The completed form is submitted to the employer, who then uses the information to calculate the employee's tax withholding. By submitting this form, employees ensure they receive the basic tax deduction, which reduces the amount of tax withheld from their monthly salary. Employers then use the information provided to adjust the amount of income tax deducted from the employee's paycheck accordingly.

請負 (ukeoi), a contract for work or a contracting agreement, is a business arrangement where one party, the contractor, agrees to complete a specific job or project for another party, the client, for a predetermined price.

In this type of agreement, the contractor is responsible for providing the necessary labor, materials, and equipment to complete the project. The contractor typically has control over how the work is performed and is responsible for the outcome, meeting the client's specifications and deadlines.

This type of contract is commonly used in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and IT services, where specific projects or tasks need to be completed within a set timeframe and budget.

非居住者 (hi-kyojūsha), non-resident, is used in various contexts, including taxation, immigration, and legal matters.

In the context of taxation, non-residents are individuals who do not have a permanent residence in Japan and do not stay in the country for more than one year. Non-residents are only taxed on their income derived from sources within Japan. This is in contrast to residents, who are taxed on their worldwide income.

In the context of immigration, non-residents typically refer to foreign nationals who are in Japan temporarily, such as tourists, short-term business visitors, or individuals on short-term work assignments. These individuals do not have long-term visas or residency permits.

In legal matters, the status of non-residents affects various legal obligations and rights, including property ownership, business operations, and contractual agreements.

Understanding the distinction between residents and non-residents is crucial for compliance with Japanese laws and regulations, particularly concerning taxation and immigration.

生命保険料控除 (seimei hokenryo kojo) is a tax deduction available to individuals who have paid life insurance premiums. It allows taxpayers to reduce their taxable income, thereby potentially lowering the amount of income tax they owe.

You must have paid premiums for life insurance, medical insurance, or individual annuities. These premiums can be for policies that cover you, your spouse, or your dependents. There are maximum limits to the amount you can deduct based on the type of insurance. For policies taken out after January 1, 2012, the maximum deduction is ¥40,000 for general life insurance, ¥40,000 for medical insurance, and ¥40,000 for individual annuities. For policies taken out before January 1, 2012, the maximum deduction is ¥50,000 for life insurance and ¥50,000 for individual annuities. The amount you can deduct depends on the premiums you have paid. You need to calculate the deduction separately for each type of insurance and then sum them up.

To claim this deduction, you need to submit proof of the premiums paid, which is usually provided by the insurance company in the form of a certificate. By claiming the life insurance premium deduction, you can reduce your taxable income, which may lead to a lower tax bill. It's a beneficial way to take advantage of the premiums paid for life insurance and related policies.

セルフメディケーション (serufu medikēshon), self-medication, refers to the practice of individuals treating their own ailments and conditions without professional medical consultation. This can involve using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, supplements, and other health products to manage minor health issues such as headaches, colds, allergies, and digestive problems.

Self-medication is common for minor health concerns where people feel confident in their ability to choose the appropriate treatment. However, it is essential to use caution to avoid potential risks such as incorrect self-diagnosis, drug interactions, or side effects.

In Japan, self-medication is supported by various OTC medications available at pharmacies and drugstores. There are also government initiatives to promote self-care and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.