Denpyo Blog
In-depth guides on Japan tax filing (確定申告), blue return (青色申告) benefits, 電子帳簿保存法 compliance and expense tracking — written for freelancers and small business owners.
Articles in this category

Japan's Small-Asset Full-Expensing Limit Rises to Under ¥400,000 (FY2026)
The FY2026 reform raised Japan's small-amount depreciable asset exemption from under ¥300,000 to under ¥400,000. Here is who qualifies, the conditions, and the tax savings for freelancers and SMEs.

Individual Enterprise Tax in Japan: Who Pays, Rates & How to Calculate (2026)
A friendly guide to Japan's individual enterprise tax (kojin jigyozei) for freelancers and small businesses: which of the 70 statutory trades are taxed, the 3-5% rates, and how the 2.9 million yen business-owner deduction works.

No Receipt? How to Still Claim the Expense with a Cash Voucher (Japan, 2026)
Train fares, condolence money, split bills, vending machines—plenty of business expenses come without a receipt. With the right record, you can still deduct them. Here is how to write a Japanese cash voucher (shukkin denpyo), what backup evidence to keep, and how to stay compliant with the 2026 Electronic Books Preservation Act.

Residence Tax (Juminzei) Guide for Sole Proprietors 2026: Reading Your June Notice
Every June, sole proprietors and freelancers in Japan receive a residence tax notice. This guide explains how juminzei is calculated for fiscal 2026, the four ordinary-collection payment dates, and why accurate expense records also lower your residence tax.

Small Business Mutual Aid (Shoukibo Kigyou Kyosai): Tax Savings Guide for Freelancers 2026
Japan's Small Business Mutual Aid scheme lets freelancers deduct 100% of premiums from taxable income while building a retirement fund. Here's everything you need to know.

Japan Consumption Tax Interim Filing Guide 2026 | Freelancers and Sole Proprietors
If you registered for Japan's invoice system and paid over ¥480,000 in consumption tax last year, interim tax payments may be due in 2026. Here's everything you need to know.

Japan's 20% Consumption Tax Rule Ends September 2026: What Freelancers Must Do Now
Japan's 20% consumption tax special rule (2割特例) expires September 30, 2026. Here's what freelancers need to know about the new 30% individual rule and the December 31 election deadline.

Japan Prepayment Tax (Yotei Nozei) Guide for Freelancers 2026
Confused by the tax prepayment notice from Japan's tax office? This guide explains how Yotei Nozei works, 2026 payment deadlines, and how to apply for a reduction if your income has dropped.
![Japan's Simplified Consumption Tax (Kanizei): Should Freelancers Choose It? [2026 Guide]](https://api.denpyo.com/storage/v1/object/public/blog-images/covers/1778570623344-jp-cover.jpg)
Japan's Simplified Consumption Tax (Kanizei): Should Freelancers Choose It? [2026 Guide]
Japan's simplified consumption tax system (簡易課税制度) lets small businesses calculate VAT using a deemed purchase rate instead of tracking every expense. We explain the deemed rates by industry, comparison with standard tax, and how to register — with worked examples for freelancers.