From April 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015, the rate of Japanese consumption tax will be increased from the current 5% rate to a higher 8% rate. The government is also considering a further increase from 8% to 10% from October 1, 2015. Also under discussion are transitional measures which will be introduced to apply the current 5% rate to certain transactions after April 1, 2014. The increase in the consumption tax rate should help to boost economic growth and generate significant revenue.
Related Posts

Japan, Bangladesh hold fourth round of EPA negotiations
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced, on 7 February 2025, that the fourth round of negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Japan and Bangladesh took place in Dhaka from 2 to 6 February 2025, in a hybrid
Read More
Japan, Zambia sign investment agreement
The “Agreement between Japan and the Republic of Zambia for the Promotion and Protection of Investment” (Japan-Zambia Investment Agreement) was signed in Tokyo by H.E. Mr. TAKEUCHI Kazuyuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan
Read MoreIMF Report Makes Tax Policy Recommendations for Japan
On 7 February 2025 the IMF published a report following discussions with Japan under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The report notes that Japan’s economy contracted in the first half of 2024 as a result of temporary supply
Read More
Japan: MOF presents tax reform bill to parliament
Japan's Ministry of Finance has released the legislative proposals submitted during the 217th session of the National Diet (parliament) – which includes the draft tax reform bill for 2025 and related materials – on 4 February 2025. The key
Read More
Armenia approves tax treaty with Japan
Armenia’s government has approved the signing of a new income tax treaty with Japan on 19 December 2024. This follows after Armenia and Japan have agreed in principle on the new income tax treaty between the two countries on 16 October
Read More
Japan: Cabinet approves Resolution for 2025 Tax Reform Outline, extends reduced corporation tax for SMEs
The Japanese approved the extension of the duration of the reduced corporation tax for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by an additional two years on 27 December 2024, as part of the resolution regarding the 2025 Tax Reform Outline. The
Read More