Garry, AustraliaOwner of two apartments in Japan
“...it is like having a family member based in Japan to help you navigate the intricacies of the Japan property market and any language barriers.”
Peace of Mind for Your Property Taxes in Japan
Elect a tax representative for your property in Japan.
- Set up from overseas
- Understand every notice in English
- No Japanese bank account needed
Brett, United States2 houses in Tokyo
“MailMate's been my go to for all my property purchases in Japan. Receiving and paying my taxes all in one place has been a huge help.”
Akiya CollectiveKomoro, Nagano
“MailMate took what used to be our biggest operational headache (handling akiya mail and payments from overseas) and made it effortless.”
When you need a tax representative
Be ready at close or bring your property up to date.
Non-resident property owners in Japan are required to elect a domestic tax representative to receive and facilitate tax payments.
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At time of purchase
Elect MailMate at or before closing
Put us in contact with your agent or scrivener. We will ensure timely filing with the local tax office in your area.
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After closing
Asset Tax notice arrives
The Asset Tax notice will arrive usually 3-4 months after closing depending on the local municipality your property is in.
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Every year of ownership
Property Taxes are Paid Yearly
Each year, the January 1 owner is billed for fixed asset tax, and for city planning tax where it applies.
After setup
Get Notified and View your Taxes online
A local team handles the paperwork. You stay informed, wherever you live.
- 01
We receive your notices
The relevant tax office sends notices to MailMate as your appointed representative.
- 02
You know what needs doing
Get the amount, deadline, and next action in English, alongside the original Japanese notice.
- 03
Pay from overseas
Authorize payment through MailMate using your Credit Card. Keep the notice and payment confirmation in your account.
納税通知書
固定資産税・都市計画税
納付額¥100,000
Your English summaryFor your review
Property tax notice
- Tax amount
- ¥100,000
- Payment deadline
- 30 November
Review the amount and deadline.
Authorize payment through MailMate.
Transparent and dependable
Elect your Tax Representative.
Appoint MailMate for as Many properties as you need.
For overseas property owners
Tax Representative
Start setupCreate your account first. Confirm your plan and billing during setup.
Included in your plan
- Up to two properties. Additional properties are ¥5,500 per property.
- Local representation for fixed asset, city planning, and real estate acquisition taxes.
- Japanese tax notices received and explained in English.
- Bill-payment support using an authorized Credit Card on file. No Japanese bank account needed.
- A digital mailbox with two mail opens per month and 30 days of letter and document storage.
- A domestic contact for property registration, if needed. This is a separate role from tax representation.
Need help beyond property taxes?
Explore plans with utilities, building-association support, and internet.
Property taxes, explained
Know which tax you are paying.
These are the most common tax bills that will arrive in the mail. Additional taxes may be relevant depending on your locality.
Real estate acquisition tax
不動産取得税
A one-off tax on buying land or a building. It is assessed separately from the taxes and fees settled at closing, and the notice may arrive months later.
We receive the notice, explain it in English and help arrange payment.
Fixed asset tax
固定資産税
An annual tax on land and buildings, based on their assessed value. Liability generally rests with the owner on January 1, even if the property earns no rental income.
We explain your annual notice and the payment deadlines shown on it.
City planning tax
都市計画税
An additional annual tax on land and buildings in designated areas. It is generally billed together with fixed asset tax and does not apply to every property.
If it appears on your notice, our property-tax support covers it too.
Rental income & other declared income
Income tax relates to income you earn, including rent from your property. Reporting that income is a separate obligation from paying the taxes on the property itself.
We can help. Talk to us for accounting support; we will confirm the scope and fees separately from your Tax Representative plan.
Talk to us for accounting supportGetting started
Set it up from wherever you are.
Buying soon or already living abroad? Share your property details and any upcoming deadlines so we can confirm the next steps.
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Create your account
Tell us about your property, ownership and timing. We confirm which local tax appointments you need.
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Complete the appointment
We explain the documents required by each office, then prepare and submit your appointment paperwork.
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Confirm your notice routing
We confirm the appointment status and where future notices will be sent. Tell us about bills already issued so we can check what needs separate action.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I appoint a tax representative, and for how long?
Non-resident property owners in Japan are required to elect a domestic tax representative to receive and facilitate tax payments. If you are buying, elect MailMate at or before closing and put us in contact with your agent or scrivener so the filing with the local tax office is timely.
Representation supports your ongoing tax obligations after the purchase. Keep an appropriate appointment in place while the requirement applies. If you sell or move to Japan, contact us to arrange the change and check any outstanding notices.
Can I set this up while I am overseas?
Yes. You can complete setup remotely. MailMate will explain the documents and signatures your local tax offices require. If you are buying soon, share your closing date when you contact us.
What documents will I need?
Have your purchase contract or statement of important matters, identification and contact details ready. We confirm the exact requirements for your property and each tax office before preparing the appointment.
How long does setup take?
Timing depends on your documents and the relevant tax offices. Creating an account does not immediately activate the appointment. Share any closing date or payment deadline so we can check the process for your property.
Can I switch representatives or get help with an existing bill?
Contact us before signing up with your current representative's details and any notices you have received. We can check the change-of-representative process and what can be handled. A new appointment does not automatically redirect bills already sent or extend their deadlines.
Do I need a Japanese bank account?
No. You can fund bill payments by Credit Card through MailMate, and we arrange payment in Japan. Your property tax and payment-processing charges are additional to the subscription.
Can my two properties be in different cities?
Yes. Tax Representative includes up to two properties, including properties in different cities. Additional properties are ¥5,500 per property.
Can you help with rental income or other income I need to declare?
Yes. Talk to us for accounting support for rental income or other income you need to declare in Japan. Accounting support is arranged separately from Tax Representative; we will confirm the scope and fees with you.
Is it mandatory to have a tax representative?
Yes. Non-resident property owners in Japan are required to elect a domestic tax representative to receive and facilitate tax payments.
What is the difference between a tax representative and a domestic contact person?
A tax representative receives your property-tax notices and helps arrange payment. A domestic contact is a separate role for property-registration correspondence. Your plan includes that role if you want to name MailMate.
Can MailMate handle both roles?
Yes. MailMate can be your property-tax representative and your domestic contact for property registration. The domestic contact is a separate role, and your plan includes it if you want to name MailMate. Accounting support for income you need to declare is arranged separately.
What is the difference between a local and national tax representative?
A local tax representative handles property taxes from the municipality, including fixed asset tax, city planning tax where it applies, and real estate acquisition tax. A national tax representative deals with taxes filed with the National Tax Agency, such as income tax. This plan covers the local property taxes.
Does MailMate act as both National & Local tax representative?
MailMate acts as your local property-tax representative. National tax representation, including income-tax returns, is not part of this plan. Talk to us for accounting support if you need to declare income in Japan.
Your next step
Get your Tax Notices & Payments Sorted
Create an account and get your property taxes sorted.
Closing soon or dealing with an existing bill?
Ask about your property