Japanese Business Glossary

以前 (izen) refers to "before" or "previously" in Japanese. It is used to indicate a time or period that occurred prior to a specific point in time. For example, if you say "以前に行ったことがある" (Izen ni itta koto ga aru), it means "I have been there before."

This term is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese to discuss past events, experiences, or conditions. It helps to establish a timeline or sequence of events by referring to what happened earlier or before a certain moment.

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.

保険料控除 (hokenryou koujo) refers to insurance premium deductions in Japan. This tax deduction allows individuals to reduce their taxable income by the amount paid in insurance premiums. Eligible premiums typically include those for life insurance, medical insurance, and other specified types of insurance. By claiming hokenryo koujo, taxpayers can lower their overall tax liability, making it a beneficial aspect of personal financial management. To claim this deduction, individuals must provide documentation, such as the certificate of insurance premium deduction, which verifies the premiums paid.

勤労学生 (kinro gakusei) refers to a working student in Japan. This term describes students who are engaged in part-time or full-time employment while pursuing their studies. The concept of kinro gakusei is significant in the context of tax regulations, as these students may be eligible for certain tax benefits.

In Japan, working students can apply for the 勤労学生控除 (kinro gakusei kojo), which is a tax deduction designed to reduce their taxable income. To qualify for this deduction, the student must meet specific criteria, such as being enrolled in an educational institution, earning a primary income from work, and having an annual income below a certain threshold. Additionally, the student should not be dependent on their parents' tax returns if they claim this deduction.

The kinro gakusei kojo aims to alleviate the financial burden on students who work to support their education and living expenses. By reducing their taxable income, the deduction allows these students to retain more of their earnings, making it easier to manage their finances while continuing their studies.

Properly claiming the working student deduction involves submitting the necessary documentation, such as proof of enrollment and employment, when filing annual tax returns. This process ensures that eligible students receive the appropriate tax relief, helping them balance their academic and work commitments.

国税専門官 (kokuzei senmonkan) is a specialized national tax officer in Japan. These officers work for the National Tax Agency and tax offices, where they are responsible for ensuring proper taxation and securing tax revenues. Their duties include conducting tax audits, investigating tax evasion, and managing tax collections.

To become a specialized national tax officer, candidates must pass a rigorous national civil service exam. This exam has two categories: 国税専門A and 国税専門B. Category A is for general tax officers, while category B focuses on those with a background in science, engineering, or digital fields.

The exam includes sections on general knowledge, specialized tax law, accounting, economics, and problem-solving skills. The difficulty level is high, with a competitive selection process.