Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I even begin?

Leave it all to us! All you have to do is send us the documents necessary to complete your tax return.
It will depend on the state of your accounts and how documents and receipts are stored, but in most cases all you need to do is send us your bankbooks, receipts, invoices, and credit card statements.
After that, just relax as we handle the responsibility of filing and submitting your tax return.

This is my first Corporate Tax Return. I’m so stressed. What should I do?

Rest assured! Everyone gets nervous filing their first tax return. However! We will explain the process every step of the way, so you can sit back and relax.
There’s nothing to worry about so long as all the supporting documentation is in order, so feel free to just toss everything our way and let us deal with it.

Do you accept last minute tax returns?

Yes, of course! It’s not uncommon to have filing deadlines creep up on you despite your best intentions to get started early. It will depend on the state of your accounts and how documents and receipts are stored, but we have systems in place that will allow us to get tax return done and filed in short order.
Please note that in certain circumstances, cases may be refused, and post-deadline filing may be necessary. Please contact us for further information.

My tax return is due in less than seven days. Can you help me file before it’s due?

Contact us now! Some cases we have been able to complete and file within 2 days from time of inquiry.
Not all cases can be completed before the filing deadline, and it depends on the business' sales volume and state of accounting records, but we will do the utmost to get your tax return filed on time and help you avoid any possible tax penalties for post-deadline filing.

My tax return is overdue. Can you still help me?

Yes, we can! We’ll start with a consultation so that we have a better idea of how we can help you. Even if it seems likely that you will incur penalty tax for post-deadline filing, we will do what we can do to ensure that your financial burdens are minimized.
Please note that we cannot determine whether or not you will have to pay penalty tax without taking a look at your documents and holding a consultation, so please contact us as soon as possible.

I established my company several years ago, but have never filed a tax return.
Can you help me?

We'd like to begin by holding a consultation to get a better understanding of the business' past financial circumstances.
Please note that we will not accept fictitious transactions when creating financial statements for applications to the Direct Business Subsidy, Rent Subsidy, or other government supported programs for businesses affected by coronavirus.
For questions regarding the Direct Business Subsidy and Rent Subsidy, please refer to the relevant organizations.

Direct Business Subsidy

https://www.jizokuka-kyufu.jp/inquiry/

Rent Subsidy

https://yachin-shien.go.jp/inquiry/

I have never used accounting software to record my transactions. Can you help me?

Not a problem! We will let you know what documents we need, such as sales data, bankbook copies, and receipts. All you need to do is to send them to us.
We will handle everything from data entry, creating the financial statements, all the way up to preparing and filing the tax returns.

What documents do I need to file my tax return?

In general, the following documents are required (copies are fine; the originals are not required):
・Articles of Incorporation (for corporations)
・Company Registry (for corporations)
・Notifications filed with the Tax Office
・Social Insurance related documents
・Labor Insurance related documents
・Financial Statements, Tax Returns and accounting data for the past three fiscal years (not required for businesses newly established and in their first year)
・Cashbooks and receipts
・Bankbooks
・Sales related documents (sales book, invoices, delivery notes, etc.)
・Inventory related documents (inventory book, invoices, delivery notes, etc.)
・Payroll Ledger or other payroll records
・Credit card statements
・Relevant agreements (loan, real estate, leases, outsourcing, professional services, etc.)
・Loan repayment schedules
・Correspondence from the Tax Office/etc.

Please send us all books used (e.g. cash book, sales book, inventory book, etc.)
Please send us data in Excel format if available.

Can I do the books, and every year have you prepare my tax return only?

Yes, you can! Many businesses do not require a monthly service contract due to low sales volume. There are also businesses that do their own bookkeeping using software such as Freee, MoneyForward, and Yayoi, and only engage tax accountants for filing purposes.
For such businesses, our fees are lowered to reflect the reduced amount of work required. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation at any time.
We respond flexibly to your needs. We’re happy to help whether you decide to engage our services for tax return filing only on a yearly basis, or decide after several years that your business has reached the point where you require a monthly service contract.

Can you lower the price...?

Please contact us! We charge competitive prices for our filing services.
We adjust our fees according to the volume of services required, so feel free to get in touch.

How do I pay for the Tax Return service?

Full pre-payment is necessary for this service. Once the fee is received in full, creating the tax return will commence.
We can receive payment by bank transfer or even credit card, so for more details, please contact us.

I am working with another accountant. Is it possible to switch accountants right before filing?

Yes, it’s possible. Feel free to contact us at any point during the fiscal year for a consultation if you are considering changing accountants.
If your current accountant also does your bookkeeping, the handover process will proceed more smoothly if we are able to receive said bookkeeping data.

Can I receive a copy of my tax return, and the related data?

Yes, of course. Once completed, a hard copy version of the tax return is bound and mailed to you together with any documents received for filing purposes.
The general ledger will be provided on a CD-R disc.
Please note that the statutory retention period is seven years for tax returns and any related documentation.

Can I add a monthly service contract later on?

Yes, you can! We recommend a monthly service contract for businesses that have grown to the point that their needs are not met by only engaging accounting services once a year to file their tax returns.
Please consult with us regarding the services you require, and we will prepare a quotation to meet your needs.

Does my tax return have to be filed by a tax accountant?

In principle, responsibility for filing falls to the taxpayer. As such, it is not compulsory to have a tax accountant file your tax return.
Engaging a tax accountant is purely the delegation of work. However, only tax accountants may file on the behalf of others, or provide tax advice.
There are two major advantages in engaging a tax accountant to file your tax return. The first is lightening your workload by outsourcing burdensome tasks. The second is that having a professional handle the preparation of your financial statement and tax return increases their credibility when presenting them to tax authorities, financial institutions, and other similar organizations.
Although the filing of taxes is only a once-yearly event, engaging the services of a tax accountant may safeguard against any unforeseeable tax risks that may occur throughout the entire year.

What about questions from the Tax Office after my tax return has been filed?

We can help! Tax returns filed by tax accountants are submitted together with Proxy Forms declaring that tax filing duties have been entrusted from the taxpayer to a third party. As such, all inquiries from the Tax Office will come directly to us. You don’t have to lift a finger!
Our tax accountants and staff are well-versed in dealing with the Tax Office, and are well- acquainted with external advisors such as Tax Office chiefs.
Relax, and leave dealing with the Tax Office to us.
Please note that attending audits, extensive post-filing communication with the Tax Office, and filing amended tax returns will incur an additional fee. In such an event, we will inform you of all the facts in advance.

My company is based in Hokkaido. Can you file my tax return?

Yes, we can! We provide our services to all corners of Japan.
We provide our services over email, telephone, as well as web conferencing (Zoom, Skype, etc.). Distance is no barrier! Feel free to contact us at any time.

Can I get a consultation before I decide whether or not to engage your services?

Of course! It’s common for our clients to be wracked with worries before getting the chance to meet with us, but leave our consultations feeling reassured. We believe part of being a good accountant is fostering open lines of communication. Reach out to us at any time.