WorldTax CompareAll Comparisons

United States vs Japan
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

🇺🇸 United States
vs
🇯🇵 Japan
Tax Year:

💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison →

Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)

Top Income Tax Rate
10–37%
TCJA provisions extended; no sunset
No change
5–45%
Basic deduction increase for low earners
No change

VAT / GST / Sales Tax

VAT / GST / Sales Tax
0–11%
No federal sales tax; state avg ~6–9%
No change
8–10%
No rate change; digital services tax under review
No change

Corporate Tax Rate

Corporate Tax Rate
21%
Federal flat; proposals to raise to 28% stalled
No change
~30.62%
Global Minimum Tax applies to large MNCs
No change

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax
0–20%
+ 3.8% NIIT; thresholds inflation-adjusted
No change
20.315%
Expanded NISA (tax-free investment) ongoing
No change

Social Security & Payroll

Social Security / Payroll
~15.3%
SS wage base ~$180,000 est. 2026
No change
~28.5%
Coverage expansion to part-time workers ongoing
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

🇺🇸 United StatesState & Local Taxes

The U.S. has 50 states each setting their own income tax (0%–13.3%). California tops at 13.3%, while Texas, Florida, and Nevada levy no state income tax. NYC adds its own income tax (up to 3.876%). Sales taxes vary from 0% (Oregon) to over 11% combined. Property taxes are primarily local. Some states like Washington have introduced capital gains levies.

🇯🇵 JapanPrefectural & 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.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025–2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

United States vs Japan: Key Tax Differences (2026)

💰 Income Tax: 🇯🇵 Japan has a higher top income tax rate (10–37% vs 5–45%). 🇺🇸 United States is more favourable for high earners.

🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: United States has a higher consumption tax (0–11% vs 8–10%).

🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇺🇸 United States offers a lower corporate rate (21% vs 30.62%), which can influence business location decisions.

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