Japan vs Iceland
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
Corporate Tax Rate
Capital Gains Tax
Social Security & Payroll
🇯🇵 Japan — Prefectural & Municipal Inhabitant Tax
Japan's 47 prefectures levy inhabitant tax (住民税) at a flat 10% on top of national income tax — 4% prefectural + 6% municipal. A reconstruction special income tax of 2.1% of national tax applies through 2037. Property acquisition tax and fixed asset tax (1.4% of assessed value) are levied locally. Large cities impose additional taxes on large businesses.
🇮🇸 Iceland — Municipal Income Tax
Iceland's 69 municipalities set their own local income tax rates, ranging from ~12.44% to ~14.52%, averaging ~14.45%. This is added to the national income tax. The combined effective rate for most earners is about 36.94% (national + municipal). Iceland has no inheritance tax on direct heirs. Real estate transfer tax (stimpilgjald) is 0.8% on property transfers. Iceland is not an EU member but belongs to the EEA, affecting VAT and trade rules.
Japan vs Iceland: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇯🇵 Japan has a higher top income tax rate (5–45% vs ~36.94%). 🇮🇸 Iceland is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Iceland has a higher consumption tax (8–10% vs 11–24%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇮🇸 Iceland offers a lower corporate rate (20% vs 30.62%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇯🇵 Japan taxes investment gains at a lower rate (20.315% vs 22%), benefiting investors.