A VAT refund guide to Japan
How to get VAT Refunds from Japan for your business
Businesses registered in countries outside of Japan can claim VAT refunds on any costs incurred in Japan.
The below information details the requirements needed to be eligible for a VAT refund. This includes claimable expense types, Japan VAT rates, deadlines and claiming periods.
Which countries have reciprocity with Japan?
All countries can claim but registration is needed
For a more detailed explanation on what reciprocity means within the scope of VAT, click here:
What expenses are claimable in Japan?
Entertainment
Entertainment
10%
Hotels & Accommodation
10%
Restaurants
8%
Events
Conferences, Trade Shows & Exhibitions
10%
Training Courses & Seminars
0%
Travel Related
Car Rental
10%
Fuel
10%
Public Transport
10%
Taxis
10%
General Expenses
Goods
10%
Inter-company charges
10%
Office Expenses
10%
Marketing Costs
10%
Professional Fees & AP invoices
10%
Additional Information
How far back can your business claim VAT from Japan?
5 years retrospectively
What’s the foreign VAT deadline in Japan?
There is no deadline as a domestic/local registration is required, therefore clients are serviced depending on the due date of their individual VAT returns
How long does it take to receive a VAT refund from Japan?
There is no fixed duration, the returns are case dependent.
Need help with your VAT refund from Japan?
You don’t have to do this alone. We’ve been helping companies reclaim foreign VAT refunds for over 20 years. We have the knowledge and technology to process your refunds quicker as well as attend to any unforeseen VAT authority queries that may arise.
Download the latest VAT Rates Country Guide
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