MULTILINGUAL WEBMAGAZINEISHIKAWA EXPRESS

26-08-2015Social Security and Tax Number System – My Number

The Japanese government will be introducing a new Social Security and Tax Number System in October 2015 known as My Number. 

Visit the official site for full details

SUMMARY

What happens?
At the beginning of October 2015, each resident will be notified of his or her own individual 12-digit number (nicknamed My Number).

Your Town Hall/City Hall will send a notification card that has your Individual Number.

If you receive a notification card, you can pick up your Individual Number Card at your Town Hall/City hall by sending in the application form that comes with the notification card. (This may take a while)

What is my Individual Number needed for?
Individual Numbers will be used for legal related tasks and procedures. E.g. national pension, unemployment insurance, medical insurance, welfare benefits, income tax return and other tax related procedures.

Private business will also be handling Individual Numbers within a legal scope.

Why is the government implementing this?
To improve administrative efficiency
– more precision and accuracy with administrative tasks!

To enhance public convenience
- less forms for you to fill out when dealing with procedures!

To create a fairer and more just society
 - good bye tax evasion and benefit fraud!

Other (Not listed on the official website)
Q. What happens if I worked in Japan and left Japan before October 2015? Can I still get my tax return and pension refund?

A. There shouldn’t be any problems if you have submitted for a tax return and pension refund before the implementation of the Individual Number system. As you have already returned your Residence Card, you cannot enroll on the Individual Number system so your tax return and pension refund procedure will be unaffected and unchanged (just as it was when you left Japan).

Warning
Inappropriately obtaining the Individual Number of another person and providing a number to others without justifiable cause are punishable acts.
Measures will be taken to ensure personal information linked to Individual Numbers is taken.

MAKE SURE YOU LOOK AFTER IT!

OFFICIAL PAGE: 
http://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/bangoseido/english.html