The title says it all
When I first came to Japan I was on a temporary visitor visa (for work) and bought a few things (a pair of shoes and a mouse) tax-free. Later, when my COE arrived, I was asked by my employers to switch over to a residence visa (I’m in Tokyo now).
I read that technically if your status changes, you’re supposed to pay the consumption tax (10%) on the stuff you bought tax-free, and that the nearest tax office would be the one to collect it.
Thing is… I don’t speak Japanese very well yet (still learning) and the details on how you’re actually supposed to pay are super vague, so I’m not sure what I should do and I don't plan on visiting my home country very soon too (so leaving Japan with the items is out of the options)
So I’m wondering:
- Has anyone here ever done this?
- Does the tax office send a notice?
- Do people just ignore it and nothing happens?
- If I wanted to be 100% by the book, should I just walk into the tax office and ask them (even though my Japanese is poor)?
- If I go home in the near future, will I be able to leave without any issues?
Curious to hear if anyone’s been in the same situation. Thanks!
TL;DR: Bought stuff tax-free on a temporary visitor's visa, changed to a residence visa in Tokyo and wondering if i need to pay consumption tax. I also don’t speak Japanese well and the payment process is vague — do I actually need to pay, or is this just one of those “rules on paper”? Will this affect how I leave for my home country on holidays?
by TangeloBulky2127