Services
Tax guide
WhatsApp
Services
Tax Guide

US expat tax services for Americans living in Japan

20+ years of experience in US expatriate tax services to simplify your expat experience in Japan
Get started Schedule a free consultation
US expat tax services for Americans living in Japan
Our customers say

Are you facing any of these tax challenges for US expats in Japan?

  • Understanding the US vs. Japan tax systems

    Understanding the US vs. Japan tax systems

    Living in Tokyo, my US tax obligations are confusing.
  • Complexity of tax treaties

    Complexity of tax treaties

    How does the US-Japan treaty affect me in Osaka?
  • FBAR & FATCA compliance

    FBAR & FATCA compliance

    How do I report my bank accounts in Kyoto to the IRS?
  • Maximizing deductions & credits

    Maximizing deductions & credits

    What US tax credits apply to me in Yokohama?
  • Tracking US and Japanese tax deadlines

    Tracking US and Japanese tax deadlines

    I'm in Nagoya, losing track of US deadlines.
Questions about your US expat taxes in Japan? Get expert answers.
Let's talk and build a clear plan together.
Schedule a free consultation

Our services for US expats in Japan

Tax return preparation

Tax return preparation for US expats

Get your US tax return filed accurately and on time. Serving Americans in Tokyo, throughout Japan, and worldwide – fully remote.

Tax planning & consulting

Tax planning & consulting

Strategic US tax planning to minimize liabilities. Whether you’re in Osaka or anywhere in Japan, we help maximize Foreign Tax Credits for Japanese taxes paid.

IRS assistance

IRS assistance

Get help with IRS correspondence and letters. Whether you’re in Kyoto or elsewhere in Japan, we handle all communications seamlessly.

Tax projection

Tax projection

Forecast your US tax liabilities based on your income and investments. Serving Americans throughout Japan, from Yokohama to remote areas – fully remote service.

Expatriation

Expatriation

Considering renouncing US citizenship while in Japan? From Fukuoka to anywhere nationwide, we provide expert guidance on IRS expatriation tax requirements.

Amended returns

Amended returns

Need to correct past US tax returns? Recently moved to Nagoya or been in Japan for years – we help fix IRS mistakes and ensure compliance.

Representation with the IRS

Representation with the IRS

Let us represent you in IRS audits or disputes. Americans anywhere in Japan – including Sapporo – receive professional IRS representation from our US office.

Free expat tax extension

Free expat tax extension

Push your US tax filing deadline to October 15 for free. Available for Americans in Kobe, throughout Japan, and worldwide.

Get started Schedule a free consultation

Why US expats in Japan trust our tax filing services

Verified
From a pleased expat customer in Japan

I have used Taxes for Expats services for several years and have always been happy with their knowledge and competency in navigating our US federal and state tax issues and questions while we live in Japan. They are always timely and thorough.

Thomas Wilson
Japan
Verified
Relieved to find this service

I've been living in Japan for 25+ years and also own a business here. Taxes for Expats helped me pull my head out of the sand. I consistently file taxes every year now. I love how easy it is to navigate the website.

Marci
Japan
Verified
Taxes for Expats are the best!

Taxes for Expats have been my go-to tax service while living in Japan for many years. They are super fast with the paperwork and make it easy to do your taxes. I have recommended them to friends for many years too. I wouldn't trust any other company to do my taxes. Thank you to the team at Taxes for Expats for the amazing service always.

Christopher N
Japan
Verified
Great service

Great service. I live in Japan and TFX has been doing my taxes for many years now. They have their system setup where they can recycle past information so building the data is fairly easy too! I will continue using TFX.

Dennis Ducey
Japan
Verified
I've been using TFX for years now from Japan

I've been using TFX for years now from Japan. As a result, I get my taxes done early every year, I get a refund that I probably wouldn't have figured out by myself, and I don't fret doing my US taxes for investments or multiple income streams. The price has been an incredible bargain over doing it alone when I was leaving refunds on the table. As I say every year, I highly recommend TFX!

Nat
Japan
Verified
From a pleased expat customer in Japan

I have used Taxes for Expats services for several years and have always been happy with their knowledge and competency in navigating our US federal and state tax issues and questions while we live in Japan. They are always timely and thorough.

Thomas Wilson
Japan
Verified
Relieved to find this service

I've been living in Japan for 25+ years and also own a business here. Taxes for Expats helped me pull my head out of the sand. I consistently file taxes every year now. I love how easy it is to navigate the website.

Marci
Japan
Verified
Taxes for Expats are the best!

Taxes for Expats have been my go-to tax service while living in Japan for many years. They are super fast with the paperwork and make it easy to do your taxes. I have recommended them to friends for many years too. I wouldn't trust any other company to do my taxes. Thank you to the team at Taxes for Expats for the amazing service always.

Christopher N
Japan
Verified
Great service

Great service. I live in Japan and TFX has been doing my taxes for many years now. They have their system setup where they can recycle past information so building the data is fairly easy too! I will continue using TFX.

Dennis Ducey
Japan
Verified
I've been using TFX for years now from Japan

I've been using TFX for years now from Japan. As a result, I get my taxes done early every year, I get a refund that I probably wouldn't have figured out by myself, and I don't fret doing my US taxes for investments or multiple income streams. The price has been an incredible bargain over doing it alone when I was leaving refunds on the table. As I say every year, I highly recommend TFX!

Nat
Japan

US expat tax services for Japan – Transparent pricing, No surprises

US Personal Income Tax Return

$450
~70,739 JPY
Includes
  • US and non-US wages
  • Foreign tax credit (form 1116)
  • Qualified IRA or ROTH contributions
  • Health care coverage exemption
  • Alternative minimum tax calculations
  • Estimated payment vouchers
  • US retirement and social security income
  • Interest and dividends (10 transactions included)
  • Foreign earned income exclusion (form 2555)
  • Child & dependent credits & deductions
  • Over 35 tax forms included
Additional forms at extra cost, if needed

Streamlined procedure (SFOP)

Penalty-free program for expats with multiple years of non-compliance
$1,450
~227,936 JPY
Includes
  • 3 years tax returns (currently 2021-2023)
  • 6 years FBAR (currently 2018-2023)
  • One package $1,450
  • Special package: 25% discount on standard rates
  • Optional: Certification letter add-on
Additional forms at extra cost, if needed

Helpful resources for US expats in Japan

Explore our collection of articles and guides to understand the tax implications of living in Japan as a US citizen.
top-wave

See why Americans abroad choose our tax team

50,000+ clients, 193+ countries, 4,000+ reviews

Filing US taxes from Japan made simple. Start in 3 easy steps.
Schedule a free call to discuss your case. We'll explain exactly what you need and what you don't – no strings attached.

Frequently asked questions

1. Do I need to file US taxes if I live in Japan?
Yes, all US citizens and green card holders must file US tax returns annually, regardless of where they live. The US taxes based on citizenship, not residence. Even if you pay Japanese income tax, you still need to report your worldwide income to the IRS.
2. How can I avoid double taxation between the US and Japan?
You can use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) to exclude up to $130,000 in 2025, or claim the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) for Japanese taxes paid. Since Japan's tax rates are often higher than US rates, the FTC is usually more beneficial for higher earners.
3. What are the US tax filing deadlines for expats in Japan?
US expats receive an automatic extension to June 16, 2025 (June 15 falls on Sunday). You can request further extension to October 15 or even December 15 with a written request. However, any taxes owed must be paid by April 15 to avoid interest charges.
4. Do I need to report my Japanese bank accounts to the IRS?
Yes, if your combined foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000 at any time during the year, you must file FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) by April 15. You may also need to file FATCA Form 8938 if you meet higher thresholds: $200,000 on the last day of the year or $300,000 at any point for single filers.
5. How does the US-Japan tax treaty help me?
The US-Japan tax treaty prevents double taxation on certain types of income and provides withholding tax exemptions for dividends and interest. It also includes provisions for resolving tax disputes through mutual agreement procedures and mandatory binding arbitration.
6. What happens if I haven't filed US taxes in years while living in Japan?
You may qualify for the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures (SFCP), allowing you to catch up on 3 years of tax returns and 6 years of FBARs with reduced penalties, provided your non-compliance was non-willful.
7. Do I need to report my Japanese pension to the IRS?
Yes, Japanese pensions (nenkin) are generally reportable. Contributions to Japan's mandatory pension system may require Form 8938 or other disclosures depending on your account values. Distributions are typically taxed by Japan under the treaty if you're a Japanese resident.
8. How do I report income from the JET Program or English teaching?
All earned income must be reported on your US tax return, including salary from teaching positions. You can use FEIE or FTC to reduce or eliminate US tax. Make sure to report any housing allowances and benefits provided by your employer.
9. How do I report Japanese investment income?
Japanese investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains) must be reported on your US tax return. You can claim Foreign Tax Credit for any Japanese taxes withheld. Note that Japanese withholding rates may be reduced under the tax treaty.
10. When should I hire a US expat tax specialist for Japan?
Consider hiring a specialist if you have Japanese bank accounts, earn over $100,000, have self-employment income, receive a pension, own Japanese property or investments, face complex treaty questions, or haven't filed in previous years.
Contact us
Message us on WhatsApp
Phone
EMAIL

success@tfx.tax

ADDRESS

276 5th Ave, St. 704, NY NY 10001

Get started