The Ins and Outs of Japan's Corporate Number (Houjin Bangou) 

Brief about Corporate Number  

In Japan, every corporation is assigned a unique identifier known as the Corporate Number (Houjin Bangou). This system was introduced in 2013 to streamline administrative processes and enhance transparency in corporate activities. Let's take a closer look at the Corporate Number, how it's used, and why it's important for businesses in Japan. 

The three essential pieces of information on companies that have been assigned a corporate number are as follows:

1. Trade name or name, 

2. Address of head office or main office, and 

3. Corporate Number 

Are published on the National Tax Agency's Corporate Number Publication Site and are available for public use.

 The Corporate Number is a 13-digit code assigned to each corporation, including companies, universities, and governmental organizations. This code is used for administrative purposes, such as tax filing, social security contributions, and business registration. By linking all relevant information to a single identifier, the government aims to simplify administrative procedures and reduce paperwork for businesses

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One key benefit of the Corporate Number system is improved transparency. The government can more easily track and oversee corporate activities by connecting various data points to a single identifier. This helps prevent fraud, tax evasion, and other illegal practices, ultimately benefiting both businesses and society as a whole. 

Houjin Bangou (Corporate Number) 

For businesses operating in Japan, a corporate number is assigned immediately after the Company's registration (since it’s implementation).  

 The tax authorities send the Corporate Number to the Company's registered address immediately after the registration. The corporate number is required to complete most of the administrative procedures in Japan.

 So, the next time you encounter the term "Corporate Number (Houjin Bangou)" in your business dealings, remember its importance and the role it plays in the Japanese corporate administrative landscape. It is equivalent to a Japanese TIN (Tax Identification Number). 

The Corporate Number (Houjin Bangou) can be checked on the National Tax Agency website.  

Corporate Number at a glance:  

1. What is the Corporate Number? The Corporate Number is a numerical identifier assigned to all businesses and corporations registered in Japan. It serves as a universal identification number for organizations, helping the government streamline administrative processes and improve transparency in corporate activities. 

 2. Why is it Important? The Corporate Number is used for various administrative purposes, such as filing tax returns, registering with government agencies, and conducting business transactions. Having a Corporate Number is essential for companies to comply with legal requirements and avoid any penalties for non-compliance.

 3. How is it Structured? The Corporate Number consists of 13 digits.

4. How to Obtain a Corporate Number? The National Tax Agency assigns businesses the Corporate Number.

5. Benefits of the Corporate Number System. The Corporate Number system has brought several benefits to both businesses and government agencies in Japan. It has increased efficiency in tax administration, reduced paperwork for companies, and improved transparency in corporate activities. 

Descriptions in the “Notification of Corporate Number”. 

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