How to choose a tax accountant in Japan as a foreign resident

Quick conclusion

A tax accountant (税理士, zeirishi) in Japan typically costs 10,000-50,000 yen per month for ongoing bookkeeping support, plus a separate year-end filing fee often in the 50,000-200,000+ yen range - the total varies enormously by your transaction volume and business complexity, so always compare itemized quotes rather than a single number. The comparison that matters more than price: do they have real experience with foreign-resident or foreign-owned clients, since residence status and overseas income questions come up more often in this segment than a typical Japanese client's tax situation.

What a tax accountant actually does

• Monthly or periodic bookkeeping review and organization
• Year-end tax filing (確定申告 for individuals, 決算 for companies)
• Tax-saving advice specific to your situation (deductions, timing, structure)
• Representing you in communication with the tax office if questions arise
• For companies, ongoing corporate tax and consumption tax filings

Note this is distinct from general bookkeeping software or unlicensed bookkeeping services, which may handle day-to-day records but are not licensed to file returns or represent you to tax authorities - confirm which you are actually hiring, particularly if a price looks unusually low.

Typical cost structure

Get every one of these itemized in writing before committing - "monthly fee" quotes that exclude year-end filing can look artificially cheap.

Questions worth asking before you hire

• "Have you worked with foreign-resident or foreign-owned business clients before?" - specific experience matters more than general credentials, since visa status, foreign bank accounts, and cross-border income create situations a purely domestic-focused accountant may not handle smoothly
• "What exactly is included in the monthly fee, and what is billed separately?"
• "What language will our actual day-to-day communication be in?"
• "Do you proactively suggest tax-saving options, or should I ask specifically?" - some accountants are reactive processors, others actively advise; know which you are getting

Matching the accountant to your business stage

If you are still deciding between a sole proprietorship and incorporating, understanding freelance tax basics and the invoice system first will make your first meeting with a candidate accountant much more productive, since you can ask specific questions rather than starting from zero. Once you have decided your structure - see company incorporation or starting a sole proprietorship - a good accountant should be able to explain how your specific structure changes their fee and scope.

A reasonable process

Most freelancers and small business owners compare at least two to three accountants, ask for an itemized quote from each, and choose based on clarity of communication and relevant experience rather than the lowest headline price alone. A tax accountant is a long-term relationship - a slightly higher fee for someone who genuinely understands your situation is often the better deal.

This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Fees, requirements, and what best fits your situation vary - confirm current details directly with any tax accountant you are considering, and consult the National Tax Agency for official guidance.