How to get a Registration number (T-number) in Japan
Who needs a Registration number (T-number) in Japan, how to register with National Tax Agency, what the number looks like, how to find or check one, and where it goes on your invoices.
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Updated for 2026
Last reviewed September 2026
This is the general edition of this guide for Japan. It explains how the Registration number (T-number), Consumption tax and annual filing work and names National Tax Agency as the place to confirm thresholds and dates. Country-specific figures are added as each edition is reviewed.
What the Registration number (T-number) is
The Registration number (T-number) is the number National Tax Agency assigns to a taxpayer in Japan. It follows you across every tax you deal with: Consumption tax, income tax and withholding. Businesses that pay you will ask for it before they release payment, because they report their suppliers to National Tax Agency by this number.
Who needs one
Anyone who earns taxable income, runs a business, employs staff or wants to be paid by a company that must report its suppliers. In practice, if you invoice, you need one.
How to register, step by step
Gather your identity document and, for a business, the registration certificate and the owners' or directors' details.
Register with National Tax Agency. Choose the taxes you will be liable for; do not add Consumption tax unless you must or want to register for it.
Download or collect the registration certificate. It shows your Registration number (T-number); keep the PDF, because clients will ask for it.
Add the Registration number (T-number) to your invoice template and letterhead.
How to find or check a Registration number (T-number)
Your own number is on the registration certificate and on every letter or notice from National Tax Agency. Most authorities now offer an online lookup to confirm a supplier's number and registered name before you pay them; use it for any new supplier.
Where it goes on your paperwork
In the invoice header next to your business name, and in the client block when the client is a registered business. Quotations and purchase orders carry it too, so the client's accounts team can match documents. The Japan invoice generator has a Registration number (T-number) field in both blocks.
Questions people ask
Does it cost anything to get a Registration number (T-number)?
Registration with National Tax Agency is normally free. Agents charge for filling in the same form; pay one only if you want the time saved.
Can I invoice without a Registration number (T-number)?
You can write the document, but many clients will not pay an invoice that has no Registration number (T-number), and you cannot charge Consumption tax without being registered. Register first; it is usually quick.
Is the Registration number (T-number) the same as Consumption tax registration?
Not necessarily. The Registration number (T-number) identifies you as a taxpayer; Consumption tax registration is a separate status you take on when turnover passes the threshold or you opt in. Some countries use one number for both, others issue a separate Consumption tax number.
How long does registration take?
Online registrations are often instant or take a few days; applications that need a visit or document checks take longer. Start before you need to send your first invoice.
Sources
National Tax Agency — the official guidance for Japan
How this guide was made
Written from published tax-authority guidance and reviewed on 2026-09-03. Everything here is indicative rather than a ruling on your circumstances, and rules change. Confirm anything you rely on with National Tax Agency before acting on it, and tell us if you find something out of date so we can correct it.
This guide explains the rules in general terms and is not tax advice for your circumstances. Confirm your position with a qualified adviser or with National Tax Agency.
🇯🇵 Japan
Tools for Japan
Invoices, quotations, purchase orders, credit notes and waybills in JPY, with Consumption tax and the Registration number (T-number) on the document. Plus a Consumption tax calculator. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.