US-Japan Lifehacker

Money

Protect Yourself From Tax Identity Theft: SSN Leaks, Fake Returns, IRS Online Accounts, IP PINs, and How to Share Them With Your Tax Preparer

If you live in the United States, you use your Social Security Number, or SSN, in many parts of everyday life.You may ne...
2026.09.11
Money
Money

Didn’t Know Your Japanese Mutual Fund Was a PFIC? A New IRS Ruling Shows Retroactive QEF Relief May Be Possible

For Japanese residents in the United States, one of the most intimidating U.S. tax topics is the PFIC.PFIC stands for Pa...
2026.09.10
Money
Money

Section 174A Brings Back Immediate Deductions for U.S. R&D — But Is R&D Performed in Japan Still Amortized Over 15 Years?

The IRS has issued Rev. Proc. 2026-32.This is a highly technical Revenue Procedure, so it is unlikely to attract much at...
2026.09.07
Money
Miscellaneous

Trees of the Month (September 2026)

PrefaceSeptember is here. How is everyone doing?In the United States, Labor Day always seems to mark the unofficial end ...
2026.09.06
Miscellaneous
Money

IRS Business Tax Account Guide for Japanese Companies | 2026

If your company operates a U.S. subsidiary, there is one IRS tool that deserves much more attention in 2026:The IRS Busi...
2026.08.28
Money
Money

Can You Earn 7% Interest from the IRS? How Tax Refund Interest Really Works in 2026

Can You Earn 7% Interest from the IRS? How Tax Refund Interest Really Works in 2026Have you ever heard someone say:“If y...
2026.08.23
Money
Money

Should You Close Your U.S. Bank Account Before Returning to Japan? A 2026 Tax Refund Guide for Expats

When you find out that you are returning to Japan, your to-do list suddenly becomes much longer.Moving out of your apart...
2026.08.16
Money
Money

Is a 4% Savings Account Really Better Than a T-Bill? After-Tax Returns for NJ and NY Residents in 2026

If you live in the United States, a high-yield savings account can look extremely attractive when interest rates are rel...
2026.08.15
Money
Money

2026 Form 1099 Changes Explained: The New $2,000 Threshold, W-9s, Backup Withholding, 1099-K, and More

Businesses and self-employed individuals in the United States need to be aware of an important information-reporting cha...
2026.08.11
Money
Miscellaneous

Trees of the Month (August 2026)

PrefaceAugust is here, and summer is in full swing. I hope everyone is enjoying the season.It is hard to believe that we...
2026.08.10
Miscellaneous
Next page