Create an invoice for a Japanese client

What a Japanese client expects on an invoice

Japan has its own invoice rules. Getting these three right avoids the most common reason an invoice is sent back for correction.

Registration number

If you are registered under the qualified invoice system, print your registration number (starting with T followed by 13 digits). Without it, your client cannot claim the input tax credit and may ask you to reissue.

Tax breakdown by rate

Consumption tax is 10% for most items and 8% for food and drink for takeaway. The invoice must show the subtotal and the tax amount separately for each rate, not just one combined total.

Withholding tax

For certain professional fees paid to individuals, the client deducts 10.21% income tax before paying you. Showing the withheld amount and the net payment prevents a mismatch between your invoice and the amount that arrives.

Related pages

• Quotation

  Send a quotation first. The invoice can carry over its language and currency.

• Receipt

  Issue a receipt once the payment arrives.

• Home

  See what else you can create and read the guides.