FAQ on Automobile Tax

I have received an automobile tax notice. The vehicle for this tax has been given to another person (or discarded) and the ownership of the vehicle has been changed. Am I responsible for paying this tax?

The person who owns the vehicle as of 0:00 a.m. on April 1 of the fiscal year is obliged to pay the one-year automobile tax for that year. (The registered user of the vehicle is required to pay the automobile tax, even if the vehicle is the registered property of another party). If you have changed the ownership of your vehicle and/or discarded your vehicle during the previous fiscal year (by March 31) and you happen to receive a tax notice, it means that your registration transfer or deletion was not processed at the Unyu-shikyoku (Transport Branch Office), or was processed after the previous fiscal year ended.

I have registered my new address on my alien registration card and my driver's license. But the automobile tax notice has not been delivered to my new address. Why?

Even though you may have updated your alien registration card and driver's license with your new address, the tax notice will not be sent to your new address if you have not changed the address on your Jidosha Kensasho (Vehicle Inspection Certificate). Please go to the Unyu-shikyoku (Transport Branch Office) in your area and take the necessary steps to register your new address. *If you do not receive your updated Vehicle Inspection Certificate within a timely manner, please contact the Gifu-ken Jidoshazei Jimusho (Gifu Prefectural Motor Vehicle Taxation Office) at 058-279-37819 to inquire about the delivery address.

I have a low income and live in poverty. I cannot pay the automobile tax. What should I do?

What happens if I do not pay my automobile tax?

A letter of reminder and a letter of demand, requesting that you pay the tax, will be sent to you. If the tax remains unpaid, your property will be seized.

Is it acceptable to pay the automobile tax when I get a vehicle safety inspection?

The tax should not be paid at the time of your vehicle safety inspection. The automobile tax should be paid by May 31 every year. You are obliged to pay by the due date. A delinquent charge is added after the payment period has lapsed. If you fail to make payment, disposition for tax delinquency, including property seizure, may be conducted.

What happens with the automobile tax if I delete the registration of my vehicle (discard my vehicle)?

If you delete the registration of your vehicle during the current fiscal year, the tax amount for the month following the registration deletion will be reduced. If you have already paid the automobile tax for the fiscal year, the tax amount will be deducted.
If you deleted your vehicle's registration (discarded your vehicle) in April, a payment notice (a deduction notice) for one month will be sent to you in May. You must pay the tax by the due date according to the payment notice.

I have received the automobile tax notice for a vehicle that has an expired safety inspection date. Why?

Vehicles that are not in use because their inspection date has expired are still subject to taxation for as long as their inspection certificates are registered on file at the Unyu-shikyoku (Transport Branch Office)
　If you are not going to use your vehicle anymore, you must go through the necessary procedures to delete your vehicle's registration at the Transport Branch Office immediately.

My automobile tax amount has increased, compared to that of last year. Why?

The tax amount will be increased by about 10 percent, compared to the general tax amount, because of the implementation of the anti-pollution taxation system. This tax applies to gasoline vehicles (including LP gas vehicles) that have been registered for more than 13 years and diesel vehicles that have been registered for more than 11 years.

My vehicles was stolen, but I have received a tax notice. Why?

Have you submitted a Tonan Todoke (Stolen Report) to the police in your area yet? If the report has been accepted, you can receive a reduction in your automobile tax. Confirm the notification date and the notification number of your report at the police station. Then, bring your inkan (personal seal) and consult with the Jidoshazei Jimusho (Motor Vehicle Taxation Office).

I would like to pay the automobile tax at a convenient store. Do any convenience stores accept tax payments?

Convenience stores whose names are written on the back of the tax notice can accept the payment at any of their stores in Japan. These are: Coco Store, Circle K, Sunkus, 7-Eleven, Daily Yamazaki, FamilyMart, Ministop, and Lawson.

Who is exempted from the automobile tax as a physically disabled person?

Those who own a Shintai Shogaisha Techo (Identification Booklet for the Physically Disabled) and satisfy certain requirements can be exempt from the automobile tax and the automobile acquisition tax when they own, or acquire a vehicle.
Consult with the Jidoshazei Jimusho (Motor Vehicle Taxation Office), or the Kenzei Jimusho (Prefectural Taxation Office) in your area.

I would like to know more about the light motor vehicle tax.

The light motor vehicle tax is under the control of municipal governments (cities, towns and villages), and is taxed by them. Contact the taxation division at your municipal office if you own a light motor vehicle, a motorcycle, a small-sized special motor vehicle, or a motorized bicycle.

What is the contact information for the Kenzei Jimusho (Prefectural Taxation Offices)?