www.schoolchoice.pps.k12.or.us or
www.richmondjmp.org.
Go back to top
U.S. Japan Tax Treaty Revision
JETRO San Francisco would like to call your attention to some recent and
important revisions to the U.S.-Japan Tax Treaty that can improve your bottom
line beginning this summer.
According to Lillian Nakagawa of Coudert Brothers LLP, the U.S. and Japan
exchanged new instruments of ratification for the new U.S.-Japan Tax Treaty on
March 30, 2004. Accordingly, the reduced withholding tax provisions in the new
Treaty become effective for amounts paid or credited on or after July 1, 2004.
This revision reduces the withholding rate on royalties for use of intellectual
property from 10% to zero effective July 1, 2004!
Provisions reducing withholding taxes on other payments are also included in the
new Treaty.
The other provisions of the Treaty become effective January 1, 2005 (i.e., for
taxable years commencing on or after January 1, 2005). There is, however, a
transition rule that allows taxpayers to continue to take advantage of the old
Treaty for an additional year if this would benefit them.
The Treaty contains many other provisions and companies with existing
withholding tax issues should consult their attorneys for financial benefit.
Companies without attorneys specializing in Japan should contact the JETRO San
Francisco office for referrals.
These tax treaty revisions present a tremendous savings for U.S. companies and
the time is right to consider opening an office in Japan if you have not already
done so. The San Francisco office expects an increase in new offices this year
because of this revision. This is big news! Do not underestimate the savings you
can gain from this revision.
If you need information on opening an office in Japan, please contact the
appropriate person below at 415-392-1333:
Information Technology: Makoto Abe, Rene Hinojosa or Ritsuko Matono
Biotechnology: Brandon Boyle
Medical Devices: Matt Stephens
Environmental Technologies: Tani Nagaoka
Go back to top
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is an internationally accredited
language examination designed to measure a person's Japanese skills. Last year
those who applied for the JLPT numbered 286,172 in as many as 100 cities in 38
countries.
Those who pass the JLPT receive certificates of proficiency and, as a result,
are better able to market their certified Japanese skills in order to further
their careers and educational pursuits.
The test has four different levels (Level 1 being the most difficult, while
Level 4 the easiest); the examinee can choose the level that best suits his or
her ability and training. Each test consists of three sections:
character-vocabulary; listening; and reading-grammar.
About The Japan Foundation
The Japan Foundation was established in 1972 as a special legal entity under the
auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the purpose promoting mutual
understanding and friendship on the international scene. Its activities are
financed by operation profits on government endowment (106.2 billion yen), aid
from the government, and funding and donations from the private sector.
The Japan Foundation opened its first office in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, as
the Japan Foundation Los Angeles Office in February 1983. The office later moved
to Santa Monica in April 1992, and changed its name to the Japan Foundation Los
Angeles Office & Language Center. At that time, it expanded its facilities and
activities to include a library and Japanese language support service.
Since opening in April 1992, the Japan Foundation Los Angeles Language Center
has provided comprehensive assistance throughout the United States for Japanese
language education, especially intended for teachers of the Japanese language at
the pre-collegiate levels. It also conducts the annual Japanese Language
Proficiency Test in cooperation with Columbia University, University of Chicago,
and University of Hawaii at Manoa.
For more information visit The Japan Foundation's website at
www.jflalc.org.
Go back to top
