National Tax Agency Final Tax Return 2026: A Complete Guide for Beginners and the Pitfalls of Auto-Refund

Every year at this time, final tax return filings are a headache for salaried employees and freelancers. Having been in this field for ten years and filed countless returns myself, I've seen the National Tax Agency's website evolve year by year, and it has become much more user-friendly. However, on the flip side, I've also been hearing rumours like, "I heard refunds are automatic now," or "Deduction amounts have gone up, right?" Today, based on the latest information as of February 2026, I'll share tips from the front lines for easily navigating the National Tax Agency's final tax return process.

First, reconfirm the filing period and who needs to file

The filing period for the 2026 final tax return (for 2024 income) is from Monday, February 16, 2026, to Monday, March 16, 2026. You've got that down, right? However, refund applications are accepted from January onwards. So, if you've had significant medical expenses or made furusato tax (hometown tax) donations, I recommend filing early via e-Tax. Honestly, I get mine done and dusted by early February every year and enjoy that little feeling of a surprise bonus.

What's the real story behind the "increased deduction" rumours?

I've been asked more often lately, "The basic deduction is going up to 480,000 yen this year, right?" It's true that a revision has been approved to raise the basic deduction to 480,000 yen starting from the income tax for 2025. However – and this is crucial – for this current filing (for 2024 income), it remains at 380,000 yen. Information like a "155,000 yen increase" is circulating on social media, but that applies from next year onwards. To avoid filing incorrectly, please double-check that the figures are for the 2024 tax year.

What's new on the NTA site! A usage guide

The official National Tax Agency website is the first result when you search for "final tax return guide." This year, especially, the "chatbot" and "pre-fill function" have been significantly improved. If you're unsure "how to use the NTA site for final tax return," first head to the "Final Tax Return Form Preparation Corner" on the top page. By answering the questions there, you'll be automatically directed to the relevant input form. It might be confusing at first, but once you start entering information, simply loading your My Number Card will automatically populate fields like your address and date of birth, making it far easier compared to the days of handwriting everything.

From user reviews

Looking at online "NTA final tax return reviews," you'll see comments like "I completed it entirely on my smartphone" and "Entering medical expenses was tedious." It's true that manually entering medical expense details takes time, but now there's a function to bulk import "Medical Insurance Statement Information" issued by pharmacies and hospitals via Myna Portal. Using this can significantly reduce the effort of data entry. It took me just 10 minutes this year thanks to that.

Is auto-refund real? Watch out for pitfalls

When you file for a refund, it's now standard to receive the money back via bank transfer – an "auto-refund." If you register your bank account, the money is deposited into your designated account about one to two months after filing. However, there's one point of caution here. If there are errors in your filing, not only will the refund be delayed, but you might also be asked to file a corrected return later. Mistakes are particularly common with profits or losses from stocks or investment trusts, and when combining this with the furusato tax One-Stop system. So, please review your records once more.

• Checkpoints
• Is the "Income Tax Withheld" amount on your withholding slip correct?
• Are you double-claiming furusato tax donations under both the One-Stop system and a standard final tax return?
• Have you subtracted any amounts covered by insurance, etc., from your medical expense deduction details?
• Have you included the information from your annual transaction report for specified accounts for stocks and mutual funds?

Summary: Early preparation is key this year

The National Tax Agency's website has become quite user-friendly, but ultimately, it still comes down to "verifying everything yourself." Precisely because deduction amounts will change next year, you'll want to get this year's filing done properly under the current rules. As the deadline approaches, e-Tax lines can get congested. So, why not gather the necessary documents now and take a look at the NTA's final tax return corner? And if you run into trouble, the consultation desk at your local tax office is surprisingly helpful too.