About Tax Services

Q. Do you provide services limited to domestic Japanese taxation?

We do not accept engagements limited solely to domestic taxation.
Our firm specializes exclusively in cross-border and international taxation, and we focus our services on clients who can benefit from this expertise.

Q. My overseas assets are below ¥50 million. Can I still request assistance with my tax return?

Yes, certainly. We support clients regardless of the size of their foreign assets.

Q. I have unreported foreign income or assets. What is the best course of action?

In many cases, voluntary disclosure is the recommended course of action.
This may reduce additional penalties and, more importantly, relieve the ongoing stress of wondering whether issues may arise in a future tax audit.
Many clients who completed voluntary disclosure have told us that they “felt a weight lifted and were finally able to sleep peacefully again.”
We can advise you on the expected process, estimate potential tax liabilities, and guide you through the necessary steps. Please feel free to contact us.

Q. Can I consult you about an inheritance tax filing?

Yes, certainly. We have extensive experience handling complex cross-border inheritance cases, particularly those involving:
• estates containing foreign assets,
• non-resident decedents or heirs, and
• foreign nationals.
We have extensive practical experience in these areas, and you can consult us with confidence.
Note: In Japan, what is called an “inheritance tax” is legally imposed on the heirs rather than on the estate itself. This contrasts with the U.S. estate tax, which is assessed at the estate level before any distribution to beneficiaries. While Japan first determines the taxable base by aggregating the entire estate, the resulting tax liability is then apportioned and assessed individually for each heir. In this sense, the Japanese system is heir-based in law, with tax calculations carried out in two stages. This structure often causes confusion among U.S. taxpayers, as the initial calculation resembles an estate-level approach.

Q. Can I receive consultation in English?

Yes, certainly. We regularly provide English-language advice to foreign business owners and international couples. To help us accurately understand your situation and questions, we would appreciate it if you could prepare a brief memo in advance.

Q. I currently live overseas and am planning to return to Japan. When should I schedule a consultation?

Please reach out as early as possible once you begin considering your return. The more time available before relocating, the more tax-planning options you will have—and the greater the potential for tax savings.

Q. Which countries do you support for overseas residents?

The country we support most frequently is the United States, followed by Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and others.

Please note that we do not prepare tax returns for your country of residence; these filings should be handled by a local professional. However, we work closely with local specialists by explaining how Japanese tax rules apply and providing the necessary information for their filings, particularly in areas such as the foreign tax credit and other cross-border tax coordination.

Q. Do you handle U.S. tax return filings?

We do not prepare U.S. tax returns directly, but we can introduce you to a reliable U.S. CPA firm with whom we regularly collaborate.

Q. I run a small corporation but have questions on international taxation. Can I consult your firm?

Yes, certainly. We support many small corporations operated by non-residents or foreign owners, including single-owner corporations, companies with overseas bank accounts, and those engaged in cross-border transactions.

Q. Can I ask your firm to handle only international tax matters while my current tax accountant continues handling domestic filings?

Yes, certainly.
With the consent of your current tax accountant, we can support you exclusively in the area of international taxation.

Q. Can you act as my representative in communications with the tax authorities, such as during a tax audit?

Yes, certainly. You will need to attend the initial interview, but subsequent communication with the tax office can be handled by our firm as your representative.
For written inquiries from the tax authorities—commonly referred to in Japanese tax practice as “Otazaune”—we will review your circumstances, prepare the written response, and handle all follow-up correspondence on your behalf.