Reception of 2018 tax returns began Monday the 18th at tax offices nationwide. In step, the usual free "street tax consultation" (hosted by the Kojimachi Corporate Association and the Tokyo Tax Accountants Association Kojimachi branch) is on through the 20th in the free space beside the Palaceside Building first-floor east main entrance. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; five tax accountants from the Kojimachi branch each day, 15 over three days, take turns on returns and other tax questions.
Even if you are not a high earner required to file, large medical bills, a housing loan, or donations to volunteer groups or NGOs can bring some tax back. People with income from two or more places in 2018, side income such as manuscript fees of 20,000 yen or more, or retirement pay not withheld at source must file.
From this year the spouse deduction changed in amount, and salary earners whose total income exceeds 10 million yen no longer qualify. Company employees are handled at withholding, but those with side income may hit zero or a smaller deduction — please take care.
Also from this year, if you get an ID and password at a tax office in advance, you can file easily on e-Tax, the national electronic filing and payment system. Smartphones and tablets work too — quite handy. With e-Tax you need not submit withholding slips or medical-deduction receipts as you do on paper (keep the papers at home). IDs and passwords can be issued not only at the office that handles your return but at any office, including near work.
For anything else unclear, please ask at the tax consultation.
This year's return reception runs through Friday, March 15.