Japan Tax Refund Guide 2024: Process, Conditions, Amount, Methods and Precautions Explained! Includes Multiple Japanese Shopping Discount Coupons.

With the yen exchange rate staying low, many Hongkongers are getting ready to go shopping in Japan! Planning a trip to Japan for tourism and shopping and want to make smart purchases by taking advantage of Japanese tax refund benefits? Whether you hold a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or a BNO, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can enjoy tax refunds! This article will provide you with detailed information about the latest tax refund news in Japan for 2024, including the refund process, conditions, amount calculation, methods, and precautions, to help you easily get your refunds and enjoy shopping fun!

Japan is a country that implements consumption tax, and when shopping at retail stores in Japan, you have to pay a consumption tax of up to 10%. However, in order to promote tourist consumption, the Japanese government offers tax-free benefits to all foreign nationals who are not residents of Japan, i.e., short-term visitors to Japan with "short-term stay" visa qualification (generally including visa-free tourists), including those on "diplomatic" and "official" business, who enter Japan for no more than 6 months. (Source: Japan National Tourism Organization)

When applying for a tax refund in Japan, the following documents are primarily required: * Purchased goods * Original receipt for purchased goods * Passport of the purchaser (with an entry stamp to Japan) With all the above documents prepared, you can successfully complete the Japanese tax refund process. It is also recommended that before departure, you arrange to pre-fill your passport information on the **"Visit Japan Web"** platform at https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001. This web service will be implemented in Japan from April 1, 2023. Simply scan a QR Code for entry, and the application process will be more convenient!

Before shopping, please note that stores or department stores with the above signs comply with Japanese tax refund regulations.

Taxable goods are divided into two categories: **general merchandise** and **consumables**. **General Merchandise:** Product categories include jewelry, handicrafts, golf equipment, clothing, shoes, handbags, home appliances, etc. Purchase Amount: As long as the single-day purchase amount in the same store exceeds 5,000 yen (excluding tax), you are eligible for a tax refund. Conditions: **General merchandise** does not need to be placed in a special tax-free plastic bag, and can be used in Japan after purchase but must be taken out of Japan within six months from the date of entry. **Consumables:** Cosmetics, food, medicine, beverages, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, etc., are single-use or items that decrease with use. Purchase Amount: A total purchase amount of 5,000 yen to 500,000 yen (excluding tax) on the same day at the same store. Conditions: **Consumables** must be placed in a special tax-free plastic bag, and can be used in Japan after purchase but must be taken out of Japan within six months from the date of entry. (Source: Group JTC)

Tax Refund Method One: Purchase directly at the tax-free price. When passengers make payment in the store, they present their passport or tax-free QR Code to the store staff for verification. After confirming the information, they can purchase goods directly at the tax-free price. When departing, passengers present their passport, purchased items, and receipts to customs, completing the process.

Tax Refund Method Two: Proceed to the tax refund counter. The store will first process your payment based on the price including tax. Please bring your passport, purchased items, and receipt to the tax refund counter to complete the procedures yourself. (Note that some stores may charge a handling fee!)

- When not carrying your own passport, tax exemption is unavailable. - Entering through automated customs and failing to get an entry stamp means you cannot prove your arrival date, therefore making tax exemption impossible. - When using a credit card, the cardholder's name must match the passport. - Goods sold on the day of purchase are eligible for tax exemption. - Each country has different regulations regarding prohibited items (e.g., meat, fruit, items violating the Washington Convention).

For those who are meticulous about saving money, tax-free discount coupons are also a way to save both money and time! Just look at the following compiled by our editor: