Japanese taxes are due on March 15th, so this afternoon I got friendly with my pile of receipts and bank details. My head is now full of numbers and doubts, but my Heisei 15 tax forms are completed. Every filing I've submitted has been returned for corrections. I'm sure this year will be no different.
The Japanese tax system is a black box but I assume it follows the same basic pattern as the US. If you add up your earnings, subtract out any deductions, then multiply by your tax percentage, you'll know how much tax you owe. But the details are a little hazy, so I don't really try to understand. I simply follow along with the translated English instructions and do the math.
But even my indifferent attitude was pierced when I reached this calculation:
Total earnings from employment / 4 * 2.8 - 180,000 = employment income (please fill in line 6)
Huh?? Why? I guess it doesn't matter. I have to say, I'm glad I have a calculator.
Usually if you go to the City office they have people there to help you fill out your tax forms.
I have enough trouble filing my U.S. taxes. Now it's two sets of taxes every year! If I didn't have my wife ot help me with the Japanese version I'd be lost. I admire your perserverance in being able to do them on your own.
Even for me (I'm Japanese) the system of tax is msterious. I think much money go for tax automaically form our income.
I filed my income tax return here in the U.S. 2 weeks ago. The forms are a nightmare, and without an accountant impossible to navigate. Made me long for the relative simplicity of the Japanese tax return forms which I filled out for 17 years without any professional help. (And, working independently, I could deduct a whole lot more in Japan.)