Navigating JCT in Japan

Navigating VAT in Japan

This guide provides an overview of JCT in Japan, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Japan.

Last Updated: January 2026
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2019

Japan’s Consumption Tax was doubled from 5% to 10% between 2014 and 2019 to help cover social security costs.

Japan at a glance.

Standard rate

10% JCT

Digital services JCT

Yes, at 10%

Mandate e-invoicing

Voluntary

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Zero-rated items

Exports, certain services supplied to non-residents, and a range of international transport and related activities.

JCT format

T followed by 13 digits

Fiscal representation

Yes, a foreign, non-resident trader is required to appoint a Japanese resident tax agent

Reclaiming JCT in Japan.
Reclaiming
JCT in Japan.

Foreign businesses that incur JCT on eligible expenses in the Japan may be able to reclaim it.

Who can reclaim?
Claimable expenses:
Entertainment 10%
Accommodation 10%
Food, drink & restaurant services 8% / 10%
Entertainment
Hiring means of transport 10%
Fuel 10%
Public Transport 10%
Taxis 10%
Travel Related
Admission to fairs & exhibitions 10%
Training courses & seminars 10%
Events
Goods 10%
Inter-company charges 10%
Office expenses 10%
Marketing costs 10%
Professional fees & AP invoices 10%
General Expenses
Entertainment
10%
Accommodation
10%
Food, drink & restaurant services
8% / 10%
Entertainment 1 2
Hiring means of transport
10%
Fuel
10%
Public Transport
10%
Taxis
10%
Entertainment 2 1
Admission to fairs & exhibitions
10%
Training courses & seminars
10%
Goods
10%
Inter-company charges
10%
Office expenses
10%
Marketing costs
10%
Professional fees & AP invoices
10%
Entertainment 4
e-invoicing in Japan.
e-invoicing
in Japan.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

No

B2B mandate in place

Yes

B2C mandate in place

No

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

Voluntary

B2B e-Invoicing model

4-Corner Reporting Model

Name of exchange infrastructure

Peppol

Format(s) used

JP PINT, JP Self/Non-tax Invoice, PDF

FAQs

Digital invoices and photocopies of invoices are allowed to be submitted for a JCT refund in Japan.

If JCT in Japan has been charged incorrectly on an invoice, the entity would generally not be entitled to include the invoice in an Japan JCT refund. The entity would need to contact the supplier that charged the incorrect JCT in Japan and request a refund of the JCT in Japan that was incorrectly charged. This is something that VAT IT will be able to assist with. We can contact the supplier on your behalf and request a refund of the incorrectly charged JCT in Japan.

Claimants would first need to register for JCT in Japan before it can request a JCT refund in Japan. An entity will be able to register for JCT in Japan without having an establishment in Japan or making taxable supplies in Japan. After registration, an entity will claim JCT in Japan that it incurred on expenses through filing a JCT return in Japan and submitting the required documentation.

Nearby countries.

Explore indirect tax information in these countries:

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