TokyoHelp
BrowseGuidesLog in

TokyoHelp

Neighbours helping neighbours across Greater Tokyo.

GuidesHow it worksThanks wallSafetyAboutPressTermsPrivacyiOS app (Japan App Store)

© TokyoHelp · 🇯🇵 Greater Tokyo

Guides/City hall & paperwork

Resident Tax

Local tax charged by your municipality based on last year's income, for residents registered as of January 1.

1 min readChecked against official sources 2026-06-14

Contents

  • Steps
  • What to bring
  • Official sources

Local tax charged by your municipality based on last year's income, for residents registered as of January 1.

Where: Municipal office (and prefecture) · When: Assessed each year on Jan-1 residents; usually billed from June.

Steps

  1. 1If you're employed, resident tax is usually deducted from your salary automatically (special collection).
  2. 2Otherwise, pay with the slips the municipality sends, in 4 instalments or in full.
  3. 3If you leave Japan mid-year, settle the remaining tax or appoint a tax representative.

What to bring

  • ▢Tax bill / payment slips from the municipality
  • ▢Income information (filed return or withholding slip)

Official sources

  • Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications - Individual resident tax for foreign residents↗ (opens in a new tab)

Information, not advice

This guide is general information only — not legal, administrative, tax or other professional advice, and not a filing service. Rules and procedures can change; always confirm with the official window or website. For your specific situation, consult a licensed professional or contact the relevant government office directly.

Don't want to do this alone?

Post a free request and a neighbour who's done it can come with you, translate, or make the call — in your language.

Ask a neighbour for help →

From the makers of TokyoHelp

Tetsuzukit

Tetsuzukit keeps these procedures in your pocket — browse them offline on your Mac, in English, 中文 and 日本語.

Get Tetsuzukit

Get the Tokyo newcomer guides by email

New trilingual guides on living in Tokyo, straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Related guides

City hall & paperwork1 min read

Converting a Foreign Driver's License

Convert a valid foreign driver's license to a Japanese one at a prefectural license center, with part of the exam waived. You must have stayed 3+ months in the issuing country after getting the license.

City hall & paperwork1 min read

Mobile Phone Contract

Sign up with a mobile carrier or low-cost SIM (MVNO). By law you must verify your identity, so bring your residence card; some carriers also need a Japanese payment method.

City hall & paperwork1 min read

Opening a Bank Account

Open a Japanese bank account for salary, rent, and bills. You'll usually need a residence card and a registered address; some banks ask for 6+ months of stay.

2026
TokyoHelp
BrowseGuides
Log in