International Inheritance
Comprehensive solutions for inheritance procedures in Japan and overseas.
Taxability Check Flow
Leave all complex overseas procedures
and tax filings to us.
Inheriting overseas assets such as real estate, bank accounts, or stocks can be extremely complicated due to the differences in tax systems and laws in each country. Navigating technical jargon in foreign languages and managing the collection and translation of numerous local legal documents can be a significant burden for individuals.
In addition, proceeding without a clear understanding of the overall flow or specific regulations carries significant risk, such as failing to file for the correct tax amount which can lead to unforeseen legal troubles later on
Don’t struggle with international inheritance alone; consult with our experienced experts.
For Your Complete Assurance
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1. Support available in both Japanese and English
We coordinate with local experts in each country to ensure smooth communication, handling all complex interactions on your behalf.
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2. Multi-faceted support from a team of international inheritance specialists
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3. Simultaneous processing of Japanese and overseas procedures to prevent delays
Assessment Chart: Identifying Taxable Assets under Japanese Law
Why Choose REXER?
You do not have to face the complexities of international inheritance alone. From tax filings and legal procedures to the proper management of overseas assets, our experts in global taxation and financial procedures provide dedicated, end-to-end support to ensure a seamless experience throughout the entire process.
Protecting precious assets and passing them to the next generation in the best possible way.
In international inheritance, even minor errors in the order of procedures or documentation can lead to heavy tax burdens or legal issues later. Our experience ensures that your assets can be passed on with full confidence.
Full representation for overseas procedures in collaboration with local experts.
We collaborate closely with local attorneys, CPAs, and EAs to facilitate smooth inheritance procedures, tax filings, and document procurement in full compliance with local laws.
Centralized management and resolution of domestic and overseas assets
Leveraging our expertise as Japanese inheritance tax specialists, we provide comprehensive analysis of legal and tax regulations in both domestic and international jurisdictions to devise optimal solutions for your entire estate.
Overseas Probate Support
Inheritance abroad often requires probate, a process that can take several years in some countries. REXER manages everything from local communication to document collection and translation. We navigate these unique international processes to minimize your time and effort.
Hourly Billing Options Available
We offer hourly billing based on actual time worked. This flexible model addresses the varying workloads of international inheritance and provides full fee transparency. You can request only the services and procedures you need, ensuring a cost-effective and clear pricing structure.
Comparison of Procedures
To manage the complex timelines unique to international inheritance, we execute Japanese domestic procedures and overseas asset-related tasks simultaneously under a meticulously designed plan.
This approach minimizes both the time-consuming and psychological burdens on our clients, ensuring that even the most complex international successions are brought to a swift, efficient, and streamlined conclusion.
Contact
Contact us via
Inquiry Form
International Inheritance Inquiry Form
Case Studies
Here are some of the cases we have successfully resolved in the past. In international inheritance, the legal and taxation systems of different countries intertwine in complex ways. Through our experience and expertise REXER devises a bespoke optimal solution for each of our clients tailored to their specific situation.
Case1
Decedent residing in Japan with a bank account in the U.S.
- Situation
- The decedent resided in Japan but held a bank account at a financial institution in the U.S. The heirs were two children living in Japan.
- Challenges
- While proceeding with the estate division agreement and inheritance tax filing in Japan, it was also necessary to simultaneously handle the closure and title transfer of the U.S. bank account. Specifically, the U.S. side required probate, necessitating coordination with a U.S. attorney to complete the procedures.
The REXER Resolution Process
- Japan Side
- Systematically managed the coordination of the estate division agreement and preparations for the Japanese inheritance tax filing.
- U.S. Side
- Acted as a liaison with the local attorney to facilitate the swift acquisition of necessary documents and the probate process.
- Both Countries
- Our experts collaborated to advance procedures in both countries simultaneously, minimizing the duration of the account freeze—the primary concern—and achieving an early transfer of assets.
- Key to
Success - Precisely understanding the differences in required documentation based on each country's legal regulations and banking customs, and ensuring simultaneous processing utilizing our professional expertise.
Case2
Decedent residing in Japan with real estate (rental property) in the U.S.
- Situation
- The decedent resided in Japan but owned rental property in a major U.S. city. A local management company collected the rent, and rental payments continued after the inheritance. The heirs were two children living in Japan.
- Challenges
- Title transfer of the property required probate procedures based on state law, and the management company requested specific documentation. Furthermore, undisclosed rental income was discovered on the U.S. side, requiring remediation alongside the Japanese inheritance tax preparations.
The REXER Resolution Process
- Japan Side
- Systematically managed the coordination of estate division of the overseas real estate, as well as the valuation and documentation required for Japanese inheritance tax filing.
- U.S. Side
- Collaborated with local attorneys and CPAs to swiftly execute probate, ITIN acquisition, and tax filings for prior years. Also handled all of the property ownership transfer procedures.
- Both Countries
- Managed Japanese and U.S. tasks as a unified project, advancing their responsibilities simultaneously to prevent delays. This minimized unnecessary costs and loss of time.
- Key to
Success - Accurately grasping state-specific requirements and tax matters, and centralizing expert collaboration to smoothly complete all procedures from the title transfer to tax processing.
Case3
Estate planning for a U.S. citizen couple residing in the U.S. with assets in Japan
- Situation
- The couple are U.S. citizens residing in the U.S., but their child lives in Japan.
- Challenges
- They are currently undergoing estate planning in the U.S. and wish to conduct a simulation of the inheritance tax burden for their child in Japan and explore tax-saving strategies.
The REXER Resolution Process
- Both Countries
- A project team was formed consisting of experts handling U.S. estate planning, Japanese attorneys, and REXER to evaluate the legal matters, taxation, and risks across both countries.
- Key to
Success - During the design stage of the estate planning, experts who understood the systems of both countries held detailed discussions and provided thorough explanations, allowing the clients to execute pre-inheritance measures with great reassurance.
FAQ
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How should I proceed with inheritance procedures in Japan if I have assets overseas?
Even if you hold overseas assets, Japanese inheritance procedures are conducted as usual in accordance with Japanese law. At REXER, we facilitate the carrying out of legal procedures within each country simultaneously to prevent duplication or delays, ensuring a smooth succession of assets.
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What should I do if my overseas documents are not in Japanese?
For foreign documents to be used in Japanese procedures, an official translation with legal validation (certified translation) is required. Our firm provides comprehensive support for these translation and certification processes through our affiliated translation specialists. You do not need to worry about any language barriers.
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How do procedures change if there is an heir living overseas?
There are no major changes to the basic flow of inheritance. However, documents such as power of attorney or signature certificates authenticated by a local Japanese embassy or consulate will be required. For each of our clients, REXER designs an optimal process using email, online meetings, and international mail for communication to minimize the burden on overseas heirs.
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Do you support clients nationwide in Japan and from overseas?
We accept consultations from across all of Japan and from overseas. For clients who find it difficult to visit our offices in person, we provide thorough support via online meetings (such as Zoom), telephone, and email. We have successfully handled international inheritance cases for clients located throughout Japan—including Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka—as well as those residing abroad.
Note: For inquiries from overseas or in languages other than Japanese, please contact us by email.
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Is there any specific information required when making an inquiry?
Providing the following information during your initial consultation will facilitate a smooth understanding of your situation and the provision of accurate advice.
Family structure
Estate details
Nationality
Place of residenceOf course, even if this information is not yet complete, our experts will conduct a thorough and careful interview to ascertain the optimal support procedure for your circumstances.
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Can you assist relatives who do not speak Japanese?
Yes, we certainly can. In international inheritance, coordination with local experts and heirs abroad is indispensable. We have professional staff capable of providing support in English, ensuring smooth communication via email, the provision of English-language documents, and negotiations with local specialists.
Should you require support in languages other than English (such as French or Chinese), we can arrange for affiliated interpreters. Please consult with us regarding these specific requirements.
Please be advised that telephone consultations in English may be subject to availability, depending on the current status of our specialized staff.
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I need an inheritance tax valuation for real estate located overseas. Can you assist with this?
We can handle the valuation of specialized inheritance assets, such as overseas real estate and unlisted shares, without issue. We coordinate closely with local real estate appraisers and accountants to determine a fair valuation in accordance with Japanese inheritance tax laws.
Services
Tax & Optimization
Cross-Border Tax Optimization & Filing
In addition to Japanese inheritance tax filings, we maximize foreign tax credits by accounting for overseas tax systems. We complete the filing process based on integrated tax simulations that also encompass future capital gains tax considerations.
Accurate Valuation of Overseas Assets
We conduct precise valuations of overseas real estate and unlisted shares in accordance with Japanese inheritance tax laws, leveraging local expert appraisals and market data.
Tax Support for Overseas Capital Gains
Upon the sale of overseas assets post-inheritance, we provide support for Japanese tax returns. We ensure accurate filings that avoid double taxation by utilizing local tax payment certificates.
International Gifting & Pre-inheritance Planning
We utilize the most advantageous transfer schemes for gifting to overseas residents or transferring funds abroad, considering both Japanese and foreign gift and income taxes.
Overseas Trust Valuation & Consulting
We provide tax evaluation and analysis for revocable and irrevocable trusts (such as those in the U.S.), offering advice that balances probate avoidance with tax optimization.
Legal & Executive Representation
Governing Law Identification & Legal Risk Assessment
Our international attorneys provide comprehensive support, from identifying the applicable governing laws to conducting thorough legal risk assessments.
Support for Wills and Trusts
We provide support and representation tailored to your specific situation, including Japanese wills as well as overseas trusts and wills.
Additional Services
Comprehensive Progress Reporting Service
We provide regular, detailed reports on all stages of the process, including updates from local professionals. This ensures you remain fully informed and confident throughout the entire process.
Initial International Inheritance Risk Assessment
During the initial consultation, we immediately assess and present the risk level of your international inheritance along with advising of any necessary preliminary actions.
Contact
Contact us via
Inquiry Form
International Inheritance Inquiry Form
