*In Japan, our consumption tax rate is going to be raised from 5% to 8% this April*
Survey shows that Last-Minute Shoppers won't be as many as the first prediction when government announced it. Still, TV-shows introduce us people who are buying the new houses and classy cars.
Among good company :-), we are thinking to change old carpets and curtains. When I checked with the PC, I found that amongst the home electrical appliance 'PC' is the first item peope are thinking to purchase. I would be the one if only mine is not 2 years old. (haha, I wish to have windows 8.1)
First introduction 1989 April 3%
Raised 1997 April 5%
I felt SO awkward with 3% at first.
I'm not good at figures and calculation(^^;)
Taking this as a good opportunity, I checked other countries rates. I'm surprised with the high rate compared with ours. As I thought, rate is different depend on the state in America. I wondered if you have any trouble (or confusion) from that when you buy things in other state. Well, these budget must be necessary to allocate them for the pension, medical security, and social welfare and so on.
Those taxes are always too high, aren't they, my dear friend! I really don't like paying them as they seem to keep going up, but I guess we don't have much of a choice. I, too, would love a new laptop computer, but I know my husband would say this one is still good! :)
ReplyDeleteWe have Federal (country-wide) income tax, but sales tax (which is what I think you are talking about) does vary from state to state, even city to city sometimes. At first it surprised us when we started to travel, but now we are used to it.
ReplyDeleteTaxes always seem too high, but as you mention, the money is needed (at least part of the things the money goes for I agree with).
I always hate it when we have to get a new computer, because it always means a new learning curve. But then after I learn it I wonder how I got along with the older version!
yes, we pay 8.25% sales tax here in NE Texas. however, we don't have to pay state income taxes in Texas - just federal income taxes, so it kind of evens out.
ReplyDeleteIt seems very high, but probably we just get used to it :-) I like shopping when I go to Japan because the price tag shows prices including tax already, so I don't have to worry about how much more I have to pay. It helps as I'm not good at calculation :-)
ReplyDeleteI hate it when they increase taxes. I remember the last time they did it here, I started spending less and still spend less.
ReplyDeleteHello Miyako my friend!! Good to hear from you. Our taxes do vary from state to state but so does the economy depending on location. I don't mind paying it though because as you said, it pays for so much more that is needed. Hope all is well with you and your husband. Hugs XX
ReplyDeleteDearest Miyako,
ReplyDeleteYes, we too pay 8% sales tax here in Georgia and as Tamago says, it is been added at the cash register. Like a surprise on top of what you had from the ticket price. In The Netherlands they have added the 19% sales tax already to the amount. YES, you saw that right; 19%... http://world.tax-rates.org/netherlands/sales-tax
So you are still doing far better than a lot of European countries.
Hugs,
Mariette
PS I have a Windows 8 Samsung ATIV Book 7 Bare Metal Laptop Computer; new and I'm still learning how to work with it. Have not had much time yet...
Hello my dear Miyako :) I hope you are well . I haven't been able to visit you often as been terribly busy at work but hope to start doing it soon . Much love your way and thanks for the kind words on my blog. Hugs :)
ReplyDeleteDearest Miyako san!
ReplyDeleteI have it moment when I got on the tax years of trying to paid ...
We has very hot weather for already and another more 15 days....
There three states is there excessive there weather three states LA,KY, and TN. Cold weathers.
I hope not in Japan?
Otosama to enjoyed your wonderful Osoba to Pizza.
Michiko