Kobe

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Local Government Services

Information about obtaining resident registration, tax-related matters, and other municipal services.

Sections

1. Tax Procedures in Kobe

In Japan, taxes are categorized into national taxes (e.g., income tax) and local taxes (e.g., resident tax). Kobe City handles local taxes, which include:

a. Resident Tax (Shiminzei)

  • Who Pays? All residents of Kobe, including foreign residents who have lived in Japan for more than one year, are required to pay resident tax.
  • How is it Calculated? Based on your income from the previous year.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Automatic Deduction: If you are employed, your employer will deduct the tax from your salary.
    • Direct Payment: If you are self-employed or unemployed, you will receive a tax bill (็ด็จŽ้€š็Ÿฅๆ›ธ, Nouzei Tsuuchisho) and can pay at:
      • Banks or post offices
      • Convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, Lawson)
      • Online via internet banking or mobile payment apps like PayPay
  • Deadlines: Payments are typically divided into four installments throughout the year (June, August, October, and January).

b. Property Tax (Kotei Shisanzei)

  • Who Pays? Property owners in Kobe.
  • How to Pay: Similar to resident tax, you will receive a bill and can pay at banks, post offices, or convenience stores.

c. Income Tax (Shotokuzei)

  • Who Pays? This is a national tax, but local tax offices (็จŽๅ‹™็ฝฒ, Zeimusho) in Kobe can assist with filing.
  • Where to File: Kobe Tax Office (็ฅžๆˆธ็จŽๅ‹™็ฝฒ, Kobe Zeimusho)
    • Address: 1-1-1 Hamabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe
    • Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
    • Language Support: Limited English support is available, so consider bringing a Japanese-speaking friend or interpreter.

2. Utility Bill Payments

Utilities in Kobe include electricity, gas, water, and garbage collection. Hereโ€™s how to manage them:

a. Electricity and Gas

  • Providers:
    • Electricity: Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO)
    • Gas: Osaka Gas
  • Payment Methods:
    • Automatic bank transfer (recommended for convenience)
    • Payment slips at convenience stores
    • Online payment via credit card or mobile apps
  • Cultural Note: Utility bills are typically sent monthly. If you miss a payment, you will receive a polite reminder, but itโ€™s best to pay on time to avoid service interruptions.

b. Water and Sewage

  • Provider: Kobe City Waterworks Bureau (็ฅžๆˆธๅธ‚ๆฐด้“ๅฑ€, Kobe-shi Suidoukyoku)
  • How to Pay:
    • Automatic bank transfer
    • Payment slips at convenience stores or banks
    • Online payment
  • Contact Information:

c. Garbage Collection

  • Garbage disposal in Kobe is highly organized and follows strict recycling rules. You must separate waste into categories (burnable, non-burnable, recyclable, etc.) and use designated garbage bags.
  • Cost: Garbage collection fees are included in your resident tax.

3. Citizen Consultation Offices

Kobe City provides several consultation services to assist residents, including foreign nationals, with various issues.

a. Kobe City General Consultation Center

  • Services Offered:
    • Guidance on taxes, utilities, housing, and legal matters
    • Multilingual support (English, Chinese, Korean, etc.)
  • Location: Kobe City Hall, 1-1-1 Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
  • Hours: 8:45 AM - 5:15 PM (Monday to Friday)
  • Phone: 078-331-8181

b. Kobe International Community Center (KICC)

  • Services Offered:
    • Assistance for foreign residents, including help with paperwork, housing, and daily life
    • Free legal consultations (by appointment)
    • Multilingual support
  • Location: 1-2-8 Hamabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe
  • Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
  • Phone: 078-291-8441
  • Website: KICC

c. Ward Offices (Kuyakusho)

Each ward in Kobe has its own office where you can handle:

  • Resident registration
  • National health insurance enrollment
  • Tax inquiries
  • Address changes
  • Example: Chuo Ward Office (ไธญๅคฎๅŒบๅฝนๆ‰€, Chuo Kuyakusho)
    • Address: 1-1-1 Kumoi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe
    • Hours: 8:45 AM - 5:15 PM (Monday to Friday)

4. Costs and Practical Considerations

  • Costs:
    • Taxes and utility bills vary depending on income, property, and usage.
    • Consultation services at government offices are generally free.
  • Practical Tips:
    • Language Barrier: While some offices offer multilingual support, many staff members may only speak Japanese. Itโ€™s helpful to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use translation apps.
    • Punctuality: Japanese culture values punctuality, so ensure you meet deadlines for payments and appointments.
    • Documentation: Always bring necessary documents (e.g., residence card, passport, tax bills) when visiting government offices.

5. Cultural and Practical Aspects Unique to Kobe

  • International Community: Kobe has a large international community, so youโ€™ll find more resources for foreign residents compared to other cities in Japan.
  • Earthquake Preparedness: Kobe experienced a major earthquake in 1995, so disaster preparedness is a priority. The city provides resources and training for residents, including foreign nationals.
  • Politeness and Formality: When visiting government offices, dress neatly and be polite. Bowing is a common gesture of respect.

6. Online Resources

By following this guide, you should be able to navigate Kobeโ€™s local government services with ease. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!