MoneyInJapan

Family & life stages

Family tax deductions

Identify the tax year, relationship, income tests, and who claims what.

Reviewed 2026-07-30 · Review by 2027-01-30 · Tax year 2026

National rules

  • Spouse, special spouse, dependant, medical-expense, and other deductions have separate tests.
  • Tax concepts do not necessarily match health-insurance dependant rules.

Municipal and local variation

  • Resident-tax timing and filing counters are local, while substantive tax rules are national.

Examples (not personalized advice)

  • Example: two earners should not both assume they can claim the same dependant; verify the tax-year facts first.

Next steps

  • Record each person’s tax-year income and relationship.
  • Use NTA guidance or a tax professional before filing.

Official sources