How do I confirm if my My Number Card or digital certificate is valid for Japan e-Tax?

Check the expiration date printed on your My Number Card and verify the status of your digital certificate, which can have a different expiry. If you are unsure, call your municipal office for confirmation and guidance. Do this before peak season to avoid queues. If either has expired, start renewal right away so you can still file on time or switch to paper without stress.

What should I do if my My Number Card expires close to the Japan tax return deadline 2026?

Act immediately. Book a reissuance appointment and ask your municipality about expected delivery times. If reissuance will miss March 16, 2026, update the digital certificate if possible, or prepare to file via paper or at a tax office counter. Keep all receipts and notices as proof. Consider paying estimated tax early to reduce potential interest if your final submission is delayed.

Can I still meet the deadline without using Japan e-Tax?

Yes. You can file a paper return by mail or submit in person at your local tax office. Gather income statements, deduction proofs, and ID, and allow time for queues near the deadline. Filing early reduces wait times and helps avoid penalties if tax is due. If you expect a refund, timely submission speeds processing, even if you cannot access e-Tax.

What are the investor implications of e-Tax filing issues this season?

Delayed renewals can shift tax payments and refunds, changing household cash flow timing. That may move some discretionary spending between weeks or months, affecting short‑term sales trends in retail, travel, and dining. Service providers that handle ID renewals and tax prep may see demand spikes and higher support costs. The effects are likely temporary, but monitoring updates and consumer data can help refine positioning.

Global Market Insights

Japan e-Tax Today, February 22: My Number Expiry Risks Filing Delays

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

Japan e-Tax users face a new risk: expired My Number Cards or digital certificates can block online filing for 2025 income tax returns. The National Tax Agency notes card reissuance may take about a month, while certificate updates happen at municipal offices. Paper or in-person filing still works, but late filings with tax due can lead to penalties by March 16, 2026. We explain how to check your status, fix issues early, and what this means for cash flow timing and service providers in Japan.