Insurance料の計算

Detailed explanation of Insurance料の計算 based on official information from 国税庁. Tax Management

Published: January 12, 2026

Insurance and Income Tax in Japan: A Guide to Deductions and Reporting

1. Overview

In Japan, certain insurance premiums paid by individuals can be deducted from their taxable income, thereby reducing their overall income tax liability. This system is designed to encourage citizens to secure necessary life, medical, and pension coverage. The primary mechanism for this is the "生命保険料控除" (Life Insurance Premium Deduction) and the "地震保険料控除" (Earthquake Insurance Premium Deduction), which are claimed as itemized deductions on the year-end tax adjustment (給与所得者の年末調整) or the final income tax return (確定申告). Properly understanding and applying these deductions is a crucial part of personal tax management for residents of Japan.

2. Applicable Objects & Scenarios

These deductions apply to Japanese tax residents who pay premiums for eligible insurance contracts. This includes both salaried employees (給与所得者) and self-employed individuals (個人事業主).

  • Who it applies to: Individuals who are obligated to pay income tax in Japan and who have paid premiums during the tax year (January 1 to December 31) for:
    • Life insurance (生命保険)
    • Personal annuity insurance (個人年金保険)
    • Long-term medical/ nursing care insurance (介護医療保険)
    • Earthquake insurance (地震保険) on a residential property.
  • When it's needed: The deduction is claimed annually. Salaried employees typically declare these premiums to their employer for the year-end adjustment in November/December. Self-employed individuals, those with side income exceeding 200,000 yen, or those who change jobs mid-year must file a Final Tax Return (確定申告) between February 16 and March 15 of the following year.

3. Core Conclusions

  • Premiums paid for qualifying life, medical, annuity, and earthquake insurance policies can reduce your taxable income.
  • There are separate deduction limits for "Life/Medical/Annuity Insurance" and "Earthquake Insurance." The combined total deduction from income is capped.
  • The deduction amount is not a 1:1 credit against tax owed; it is an amount subtracted from your total income before the tax rate is applied.
  • You must obtain an official "保険料控除証明書" (Premium Payment Certificate) from your insurance company to claim the deduction. This document is mailed to policyholders annually, usually in October or November.
  • Different rules and deduction limits apply depending on whether the insurance contract was concluded before or after a specific date (generally January 1, 2012).

4. Procedures & Steps

Step 1: Preparation

Gather the necessary documents for the tax year.

  1. Obtain the Premium Payment Certificate (保険料控除証明書): This is the most critical document. Your insurance company will send it automatically. Ensure you have one for each eligible policy.
  2. Check Contract Dates: Note the start date of your insurance contracts, as the deduction calculation differs for old and new contracts.
  3. For Salaried Employees: Your employer will provide a "給与所得者の保険料控除申告書" (Declaration Form for Salary Earners' Insurance Premium Deductions). Fill this out using the information from your certificates.
  4. For Self-Employed/Final Return Filers: Prepare to fill in the relevant sections of the Final Tax Return (確定申告書B) and its attached Schedule for Deductions (所得控除関連の明細書).

Step 2: Application & Submission

For Salaried Employees (Year-End Adjustment):

  1. Submit the completed declaration form and the attached Premium Payment Certificates to your company's payroll/accounting department during the year-end adjustment period (typically November-December).
  2. Your employer will calculate the deduction and adjust your annual tax withholding.

For Final Tax Return Filers:

  1. Complete the Final Tax Return, entering the total deductible premium amounts in the "生命保険料控除" and "地震保険料控除" sections.
  2. Attach the Premium Payment Certificates to your return.
  3. Submit the return to your local tax office (税務署) by mail, in person, or online via the e-Tax system between February 16 and March 15.

Step 3: Review & Confirmation

  • Salaried Employees: Review the "源泉徴収票" (Withholding Slip) you receive from your employer in January. It will show your final income and tax amounts, reflecting the deduction.
  • Final Return Filers: After processing, the National Tax Agency (NTA) will send a "納付書" (Payment Notice) if you owe more tax or a notice of refund if you overpaid. You can also confirm the status via e-Tax.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What types of insurance premiums are NOT deductible? A: Premiums for automobile insurance, fire insurance (except the earthquake portion), travel insurance, and simple savings-type insurance without a risk coverage element are generally not deductible for income tax purposes.

Q2: Can I claim deductions for insurance premiums paid for my spouse or dependents? A: Yes, if you are the policyholder and payer of the premiums for contracts covering yourself, your spouse, or other dependents, you can claim the deduction.

Q3: I lost my Premium Payment Certificate. What should I do? A: Contact your insurance company directly and request a re-issue. Do this as soon as possible before the filing deadline.

Q4: How is the deduction amount calculated? A: It is a tiered calculation based on the total premiums paid. The exact formula differs for contracts before/after January 1, 2012, and has maximum limits. Please verify the specific calculation tables with official sources or use the calculation tools provided on the NTA website.

Q5: I am a foreign national living in Japan. Can I claim this deduction? A: Yes, if you are a tax resident of Japan (having a jūsho (住所) in Japan for one year or more) and pay eligible insurance premiums, you are entitled to the same deductions.

Q6: Can I claim both the life insurance deduction and the earthquake insurance deduction? A: Yes, they are separate deductions. You can claim both if you have paid eligible premiums for both types of insurance in the same year.

6. Risks & Compliance

  • Accuracy is Crucial: Incorrectly claiming deductions can lead to back taxes, penalties, and interest. Ensure the information on your declaration matches the Premium Payment Certificate exactly.
  • Keep Records: You must retain the Premium Payment Certificates and related documents for five years (七年 for certain cases) after filing, as the tax authority may request them for verification.
  • Duty to Report Changes: If your insurance contract lapses or changes, it may affect your future deductions. The information on the annual certificate is authoritative.
  • Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. For your specific situation, always consult the official guidelines or a qualified tax accountant (税理士). The information here does not constitute professional tax advice.

7. References & Sources

8. Related Topics

  • Medical Expenses Deduction (医療費控除): Deduction for high medical costs not covered by insurance.
  • Dependent Deductions (扶養控除): Deductions for supporting family members.
  • Social Insurance Premiums Deduction (社会保険料控除): Deduction for premiums paid for National Pension (国民年金) and National Health Insurance (国民健康保険).
  • Resident Tax (住民税): Insurance premium deductions also apply to the calculation of your local resident tax.
← Back to Knowledge Base
Get StartedGet Quote