Translation guide
A tax levied by a prefectural government in Japan, distinct from national and municipal taxes. This guide explains how to refer to it naturally in Japanese.
県税
prefectural tax
Use 都道府県税 in formal contexts or when the prefecture type is unknown. Use 県税 for most prefectures, 都税 for Tokyo, 道税 for Hokkaido, 府税 for Osaka/Kyoto.
The learner wants to refer to the concept of a tax imposed by a prefecture, in contrast to national or city taxes.
The formal, comprehensive term covering all prefectural-level taxes. Used in official contexts and when distinguishing from national tax (国税) and municipal tax (市町村税).
都道府県税には、住民税や事業税などが含まれます。
Prefectural taxes include inhabitant tax and enterprise tax.
Commonly used for prefectures whose name ends in 県 (e.g., Kanagawa, Osaka). Not used for Tokyo, Hokkaido, Kyoto, or Osaka-fu. In everyday speech, this is the most natural term when the context is clear.
今月は県税の支払いがある。
I have to pay prefectural tax this month.
Used only for Hokkaido. Equivalent to 県税 but specific to Hokkaido's designation as a 道.
北海道では道税の税率が少し違います。
In Hokkaido, the prefectural tax rate is a little different.
Used only for Osaka-fu and Kyoto-fu. Equivalent to 県税 but specific to these two urban prefectures.
大阪府の府税は他の県と比べて高いですか？
Is Osaka's prefectural tax higher compared to other prefectures?
Used only for Tokyo (東京都). Equivalent to 県税 but specific to Tokyo's designation as a 都.
都税事務所で手続きをしてください。
Please complete the procedure at the Tokyo metropolitan tax office.
The learner wants to refer to a particular type of prefectural tax, such as inhabitant tax or enterprise tax.
Inhabitant tax, the most common prefectural tax for individuals. It is actually a combined prefectural and municipal tax, but often referred to as a single item. When you need to specify the prefectural portion, say 都道府県民税.
住民税は前年の所得に基づいて計算されます。
Inhabitant tax is calculated based on the previous year's income.
Enterprise tax, a prefectural tax on businesses. Applies to corporations and self-employed individuals.
Automobile tax, a prefectural tax on car ownership. Often encountered by residents.
Japan has three levels of taxation: national (国税), prefectural (都道府県税), and municipal (市町村税). In everyday conversation, people often just say 税金 (tax) or specify the tax name (e.g., 住民税). When you need to be precise about the level, use the terms above.
The suffix changes based on the prefecture's official designation: 県 (most), 都 (Tokyo), 道 (Hokkaido), 府 (Osaka, Kyoto). If you're unsure, 都道府県税 is always safe.
個人事業主も事業税を納める必要があります。
Sole proprietors also need to pay enterprise tax.
自動車税の納付書が届いた。
I received the automobile tax payment slip.