US taxes in Japan
Filing obligations that follow US persons across the ocean — FEIE and the foreign tax credit, FBAR, PFIC, and the traps in the year you move.
California taxes after moving abroad: the 546-day safe harbor and why "move to South Dakota first" backfires
California taxes residents on worldwide income, even after you move. Learn the 546-day safe harbor rule and why the popular South Dakota strategy often fails.
How Japan taxes your Roth IRA: the tax-free account that isn't (here)
Japan doesn't recognize Roth IRAs as tax-free accounts. Under the US-Japan treaty, annual gains aren't taxed, but growth is taxable at withdrawal.
US taxes married to a Japanese citizen: the "NRA" box, when you need an ITIN, and when filing jointly backfires
Filing options for US citizens married to Japanese nationals: Married Filing Separately (no ITIN), Married Filing Jointly (requires ITIN), or Head of Household.
W-8BEN vs W-9 after you move: the one form that decides your US dividend withholding (30% or 10%)
Your tax status, not address, determines Form W-9 or W-8BEN. Nonresident aliens claiming US–Japan treaty on W-8BEN pay 10% dividend withholding instead of 30%.
The US tax calendar for Americans in Japan: every deadline, in order (April 15 → June 15 → October 15)
Reference guide to US tax filing deadlines for Americans in Japan, covering the June 15 extension, FBAR, and how the two tax calendars intersect.
FBAR from Japan: which Japanese accounts actually count (NISA, iDeCo, Yucho, pension)
US persons in Japan filing FBAR: which Japanese accounts are reportable. Covers bank accounts, NISA, iDeCo, Yucho, and excludes government pensions.
Does Japan tax your foreign income? The 5-year rule and remittances, explained
For the first 5 years in Japan, foreign income is taxed only when remitted. But salary earned in Japan is always taxable, regardless of remittance status.
Japan crypto tax: the 55% problem, and why your US exchange will drop you when you move
Japan taxes crypto gains at 55% as miscellaneous income with no loss carryforward. Understand taxable events, exchange closures, and pre-move strategy.
RSUs and stock options when you move to Japan: the vesting period decides who taxes what
Where equity is taxed when moving to Japan depends on where you worked during the vesting period, not where you live. Both the IRS and Japan's NTA claim their share.
Japan's residence tax: why your second year costs more than your first
Japan's residence tax is assessed on prior-year income and billed from June. Your first year is nearly tax-free, but year two brings the prior year's bill.
FEIE or the Foreign Tax Credit in Japan: why the default choice is often wrong
US expats in Japan often default to FEIE, but Japan's high taxes make the Foreign Tax Credit a better choice—with a five-year lockout if you revoke it.
Your first tax year after leaving the US: dual-status returns, FBAR, and the $10,000 line most people miss
US tax obligations when leaving mid-year: dual-status filing status, FBAR requirements at $10k threshold, Form 8938 disclosures, and state tax tail risk.
NISA and US citizens: why Japan's tax-free account can be the opposite for you
NISA is a great deal for most residents of Japan — but if you're a US citizen or green-card holder, it can quietly become the worst of both worlds: still taxable to the IRS, and usually holding PFICs. Here's why, and what to weigh.
PFIC: why Japanese mutual funds (and NISA) can be a tax trap for US persons in Japan
If you're a US citizen or green-card holder living in Japan, that eMAXIS Slim fund or NISA holding can be a PFIC — taxed by the IRS at punitive rates with a yearly Form 8621. Here's what PFIC is, why it's so brutal, and what US persons actually do about it.