What do I need to know about paying Income Tax in Japan? -

I am planning a trip (hopefully a complete move) to japan soon under a working holiday visa (I m a Canadian citizen, if that is a factor at all). Can anyone tell me what to expect in terms of income tax procedures, or offer advice or information concerning the best way to handle it?

If you re only there for a working holiday, then you ll just pay Canadian income tax. You ll have to declare the income you made in Japan. If for whatever reasons your workplace in Japan deducts income tax from your wages, then you ll have to apply for a refund (if you want your money back). If your workplace knows how to deduct it, then they should know where to send you to ask for your refund. If not, go to your local city hall or kuyakusho and get someone to help you out. Income tax in Japan is much lower than in Canada, so even if your money is deducted, you could probably just leave it. Now, if you re planning to overstay your holiday and live there a few years, you ll have to pay Japanese income tax and contact Canada to change your residency status so the Canadian tax authorities leave you alone.

you ll have to pay canadian taxes. unless you apply for non residency. not sure how it works with working holiday visa since it s assumed you ll be back.

If you were employed by a Japanese company, they usually will take care of it by withholding tax, health care, etc. from your monthly pay. Perhaps, your employer s acounting dept. will explain it to you. I am not sure if you need to pay your income tax(or whatever the tax you pay) to Canadian gov. You might want to check it yourself about that before you move.