Tax Return Software In Japan: A Simple Guide
As the cherry blossoms herald the coming of spring, so does the tax season in Japan signal a time for meticulous calculations and financial introspection. Looking for best tax return software in Japan? Don’t Worry! We’ve got you covered!
In the digital age, arming yourself with the right tax return software can transform this annual ritual from daunting to doable. This guide is your digital compass to navigate the landscape of tax return software in Japan, designed to find the perfect ally in your financial journey.
Let’s dive in!
How Do You Get Your Taxes Back In Japan?
This is done by filing a tax return by March 15 of the following year. Methods used to do so include:
- Hiring a tax consultant
- By going to the local tax office
- By mail and paper filing
- Using a tax return software/E-Tax system
In this article, use of various tax return softwares is kept as the focal point.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Tax Return Software
Not all softwares are compatible and user-friendly.
There are some factors that you need to keep in mind while using Tax Return Software:
- The software needs to be compatible with Japan’s Tax system.
- The transaction and data’s privacy and security must not be compromised.
- The cost and customer service of the software.
Lastly, the software must be able to perform up to your expectations.
What Is The Best Tax Return Software In Japan?
All softwares that come into this category are designed to assist you. However, choosing the most suitable one for yourself is difficult as each website has certain advantages and limitations compared to the other.
E-Tax
Developed by the National Tax Agency of Japan, it is mandatory for registered businesses to file taxes using E-Tax, but not for individuals.
It is quite inexpensive at zero yen!
Advantages
- Fastest tax return file processing speed as compared to all other services.
- No installation needed
- Works on all devices
- Easy to use and comes with a set of instructions in English.
- Allows users to transfer data from the previous year and has pre-filled information
- Granted access to various tax return forms
- Assistance by FAQs and helplines
- Error Checks to inform you of any incomplete or missing information
- Includes a verification process for you to affirm accuracy of your filing
Disadvantages
- You won’t get the tax officers hanko, which may or may not make it more likely for someone to question your income if you have multiple sources or lots of expenses. (Live Work Play Japan, Mr.Moritz)
- The website is in Japanese
- Limited Support for Complex Returns
Yayoi Accounting
Scaling Your Company states that the smart transaction upload system of Yayoi Accounting saves time taken by manually inputting receipts and statements through automatic uploads of data such as bank statements and credit card statements.
Yayoi Accounting also offers email and telephone support.
Advantages
- Free trial for the first year
- Has pre-filled information from last year
- The software can generate financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements
- Error Checks to inform you of any incomplete or missing information
- Has Audit Trails
- Is designed to assist with several business and financial scenarios, including those involving self-employment, income from abroad or property, pensions, and family situations such as being married with children etc.
Disadvantages
- Installation is required
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 is necessary for some versions
- free space of 4.5GB or more is required
After the free trial, their prices start at ¥26,000 for each user, per year.
Download Yayoi Accounting here🔥
ProSeries
ProSeries offers different pricing options based on your needs, including unlimited business and individual bundles or pay-as-you-go plans.
According to the Intuit Accountants website, the ProSeries Basic Unlimited package costs JYP 322000, but the best price available is JYP 215000.
ProSeries Pay-Per-Return package starts at JYP 83000 per year, with a cost of JYP 7200 per return.
Advantages
- It has options for data import and client data retention
- Has e-tax history
- Granted access to various tax return forms
- Error Checks to inform you of any incomplete or missing information
- Has Audit Trails
- Assistance via helplines, live chats and FAQs
- Is designed to assist with several business and financial scenarios, including those involving self-employment, income from abroad or property, pensions, and family situations such as being married with children etc.
- Federal return acknowledgements are usually available within one to three days
Disadvantages
- Installation is required
- Does not work on all devices
- Users need to ensure they are using the latest version of ProSeries to stay compliant.
Drake Tax
Drake Tax is a tax planning software that offers various features, including tax preparation, e-filing, and practice management.
It is suitable for small to medium-sized tax practices and offers competitive pricing options.
The software is known for its flexibility, allowing tax professionals to customize the tax preparation process based on their specific needs.
You can tailor the software to handle diverse client situations.
Advantages
- Free trial for 14 days
- It has options for data import and client data retention
- Granted access to various tax return forms
- Error Checks to inform you of any incomplete or missing information
- Is designed to assist with several business and financial scenarios, including those involving self-employment, income from abroad or property, pensions, and family situations such as being married with children etc.
- Provides regular updates to the software to reflect changes in tax laws and regulations
- Assistance via helplines, live chats and FAQs
Disadvantages
- Requires installation
- Users need to ensure they are using the latest version of Drake Tax to stay compliant.
- Does not work on all devices
Tax Act
Some of its packages include:
- Free Edition: zero yen, additional cost for state filing.
- Deluxe Edition: JYP 3700, designed for homeowners, families, or people with student loans; additional cost for state filing.
- Premier Edition: JYP 5200, suitable for investors, rental property owners, or those with foreign bank accounts; additional cost for state filing.
- Self-Employed Edition: JYP 9700, intended for independent contractors, freelancers, or side gig workers; additional cost for state filing.
(Start Up Nation, Mr.Hirano)
Advantages
- Has a free version
- Works on all devices
- Does not require installation
- Has real-time validation and data validation
- Is designed to assist with several business and financial scenarios, including those involving self-employment, income from abroad or property, pensions, and family situations such as being married with children etc.
- Assistance via helplines, live chats and FAQs
Disadvantages
- Higher Fees for State Returns
- Limited Mobile App Functionality
Conclusion
As we close the book on our expedition through the terrain of tax return software in Japan, it’s clear that the right tools not only simplify tax filing but also empower us with knowledge and confidence.
Embrace these digital aides, and let them lift the burden of tax season, allowing you to focus on what matters most—enjoying the beauty and opportunities of life in Japan. With the right software by your side, the path to financial clarity and compliance is more accessible than ever.
File Smarter!
But wait! There’s lot more that you might be interested in following: