A school, bank, landlord, or immigration-related application asks you for a Japanese “tax certificate.” At the municipal counter, you may see 課税（非課税）証明書 and 納税証明書. They answer different questions: the first generally shows income and resident-tax assessment (or non-taxable status), while the second also shows tax paid. Ask the organization receiving the document for the exact Japanese name and fiscal year before ordering one.
Which certificate do you need?
| Japanese | Reading | What it generally proves |
|---|---|---|
| 課税証明書 | kazei shōmeisho | Income information and resident-tax assessment for a specified fiscal year |
| 非課税証明書 | hikazei shōmeisho | Non-taxable status for that year, often on the same type of municipal certificate |
| 納税証明書 | nōzei shōmeisho | Tax assessed and the amount paid, depending on the municipality and certificate |
| 所得証明書 | shotoku shōmeisho | Income certificate; terminology and available fields vary by municipality |
| 住民票の写し | jūminhyō no utsushi | Resident record showing address and household details; a different document |
| 年度 | nendo | Fiscal year of the certificate; its income figures commonly concern the preceding calendar year |
| 本人確認書類 | honnin kakunin shorui | Identity document required for the application |
| 委任状 | ininjō | Written authorization if an eligible representative applies |
Minato City explains that its taxation/non-taxation certificate shows income, dependents and the assessed amount or non-taxable status, while its tax payment certificate additionally proves the amount paid. A person with no resident tax due may not be able to obtain a payment certificate there. The names and fields in your city may differ.
Check the fiscal year before visiting
If a request asks for 2026年度, the income shown generally relates to January through December 2025, not income earned in 2026. Yokohama City’s English guide gives the same year-shift example for its certificates. Ask the recipient whether they need the latest available certificate, a named fiscal year, or several years. New-year certificates become available on dates set by each municipality; do not assume a January visit will produce the new fiscal year’s document.
Where and how to apply
- Ask the recipient for the exact document. “Proof of income” may mean a taxation certificate, while “proof of taxes paid” may mean a payment certificate. Request the name in Japanese, year, number of copies, and whether an original is required.
- Check which municipality holds that year’s record. This is commonly linked to your address on January 1 for the relevant tax year. If you moved, your current ward may not issue an older year’s certificate. Confirm with the municipality before traveling.
- Check eligibility and method. Bring identification such as a residence card and confirm the fee and accepted application routes. Yokohama lists ward offices, administrative service corners, and eligible online applications in its English instructions. Minato’s current instructions describe counter, postal and other available routes and the requirements for a representative.
- Check whether your tax data is ready. If income has not been reported or the assessment is not yet settled, issuance may be delayed. Ask the municipality what declaration or correction is needed.
What to say at the counter
| Japanese | Reading | English |
|---|---|---|
| 課税証明書と納税証明書の違いを教えてください。 | Kazei shōmeisho to nōzei shōmeisho no chigai o oshiete kudasai. | Please explain the difference between the taxation and tax payment certificates. |
| 2026年度の課税証明書を一通お願いします。 | Nisen nijūroku-nendo no kazei shōmeisho o ittsū onegai shimasu. | One taxation certificate for fiscal year 2026, please. |
| この年度の証明書は、こちらの区で取れますか。 | Kono nendo no shōmeisho wa, kochira no ku de toremasu ka? | Can this ward issue the certificate for this fiscal year? |
| 最近納税しました。支払額は証明書に反映されていますか。 | Saikin nōzei shimashita. Shiharaigaku wa shōmeisho ni han’ei sarete imasu ka? | I paid recently. Is that payment reflected on the certificate? |
Two easy mix-ups
A tax notice is not a certificate. The annual notice tells you your assessment and how to pay. If an institution asks for an official certificate, check whether the notice is acceptable before submitting it. Our resident tax notice guide helps you read that separate document.
A recent payment may not appear immediately. Municipal processing can take time. If you urgently need proof of payment, ask what receipt or other evidence to bring. Minato City’s FAQ explains its procedure after a recent payment.
For proof of your address, see our jūminhyō guide. A national income-tax certificate from a tax office is yet another document; Minato City explains the distinction. When in doubt, show the recipient’s exact request to the municipal counter.
Checked against municipal guidance in September 2026. Issuing office, eligibility, fees, methods, available years and certificate content depend on the municipality and can change.
