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2026-10-01
Invoice System Transitional Measure Reduced 80%→70%
From October 2026, input tax credit from tax-exempt businesses reduced from 80% to 70%. Affects foreign freelancers, sole proprietors, and businesses dealing with exempt vendors.
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2026-11-01Tax
🛍️ Tax-Free Shopping Overhaul! Store→Airport Refund
Effective November 1, 2026 — Major change for tourist shopping
🔄 What's changing?
❌ Before (Tax-free at register)
1Show passport
2Buy at price minus 10% consumption tax
3Receive goods in special packaging
4Take items home directly
✅ After (Refund system)
1Buy at regular price including 10% tax
2Keep receipts and passport
3Visit refund counter at airport when departing
4Get tax refund after customs verification
⚠️ Why the change?
- ●Illegal resale of tax-free goods became a serious problem (hundreds of billions of yen annually)
- ●People buying tax-free then reselling domestically, illegally avoiding consumption tax
- ●Mandatory departure verification to prevent fraud
📋 Other changes
No more special packaging
Consumables (cosmetics, food, etc.) no longer require sealed packaging
¥500,000 limit removed
The ¥500,000 tax-free limit on consumables is abolished
Clearer eligibility
Purchases made within 90 days of departure qualify
💡 What travelers need to know
💰 You WILL pay 10% tax at the register (it will feel more expensive)
🧾 NEVER throw away receipts! Required for refund
✈️ Allow extra time at the airport (refund process may take time)
📱 Use stores with e-receipt support for smoother process
🎒 Items must be unused when departing (used items cannot be refunded)
❓ FAQ
Q: What's the minimum purchase amount?
A: ¥5,000 (before tax) at the same store.
Q: When do I get the refund?
A: At the airport after customs verification (cash or card refund).
Q: Do all stores qualify?
A: Only stores displaying "TAX FREE" signage.
🔗 Related Issues
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2026-10-01
Pension Childcare Exemption Starts October 2026
Japan's National Pension childcare premium exemption starts in October 2026. From September 11 the Japan Pension Service chatbot answers questions on who qualifies and how long the exemption runs — useful for foreign residents paying premiums themselves.
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2026-10-01
Pension Deduction Slips Sent from October
Japan Pension Service will send 2026 National Pension deduction certificates from mid-October (digital) and late October (paper). Premiums are fully deductible and the slip is required for year-end filing.