RetireJapan

“I looked at him. 'You really need to work on your threats. I can't tell if you're threatening me or inviting me for tea.'”
― Ilona Andrews, 'Magic Slays'

I can't see any reason why they wouldn't be. My employer pays my pension from my salary these days, but back in the day when I paid my own contributions I think they sent me a postcard every year confirming how much I'd paid, and this amount then got transferred to my tax return, with the postcard g...

I’m not interested in whether people think my post was insensitive or what they would prefer. My point was that people need to be entrepreneurial and think differently, instead of being the victim and expecting the fairy godmother to appear. Because I’ve worked harder and covered my losses elsewhere...

Nothing’s free - especially in Japan. They’ll get it back in tax in the future because they haven’t got any money and they have to. Consider it a loan at best. And a bit galling for those who have worked their arses off to get money in other ways. The taxi drivers doing delivery services. The restau...

It depends how long you have lived in Japan.

Better than a regular savings account IN JAPAN for sure!

I never thought there was any benefit in holding them in the first place. But, agreed, if the winnings become taxable - which they would for a permanent Japanese tax resident - then they are even crapper.

You don’t need to do anything until next year (or the year after your loan starts). Your bank will send you a certificate of the amount outstanding on your loan. This is the key document. Then get a home loan claim form from the tax office. I file my own tax returns, so all the house loan documentat...

I’ve got some.

I see nothing illegal about holding them as long as you declare and pay tax on any winnings.

I hope your dad recovers. I’m in a similar situation, although my parents are both healthy. As I said, the practicality of getting a flight almost renders it a non-issue. I’ve seriously thought that I would have to attend a funeral online. Even if I got to the UK, getting around would be extremely d...