Segal, Cohen & Landis, P.C.
Japan IRS Tax Attorney
Serving U.S. taxpayers in Japan from our Beverly Hills office. Most matters are handled entirely by phone and video.
Japanese-American taxpayers — including those with Japanese bank accounts, pensions, iDeCo, or NISA accounts — can contact Segal, Cohen & Landis for expert US international tax attorney representation.
International Clients
Japan
IRS & Tax Context for Japan
IRS Office for Japan Taxpayers
IRS International — Philadelphia Service Center (US Expats Japan)
P.O. Box 409101, Ogden, UT 84409
(267) 941-1000
Federal / Tax Court
U.S. Tax Court — Los Angeles Session (largest Japanese-American community)
International Tax Landscape
The US-Japan tax treaty (1971, updated 2003) provides comprehensive relief for bilateral income flows. Japanese-American taxpayers in Los Angeles, San Jose, and New York frequently hold Japanese bank accounts (Post Bank, Mizuho, Sumitomo Mitsui), Japanese brokerage accounts, and Japanese pension rights (Kokumin Nenkin, Kosei Nenkin). Japanese iDeCo (individual defined contribution pension) and NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account) accounts have uncertain US tax treatment — NISA income is not automatically US tax-exempt. Form 3520 filing may be required for certain Japanese trust structures. US persons who inherited Japanese real estate face complex US estate and income tax issues. SCL has represented the Japanese-American community in Los Angeles, Torrance, and nationwide.
IRS Tax Services Available to Japan Clients
We represent clients in Japan and across the United States before the IRS, U.S. Tax Court, and state tax agencies. Common issues we resolve:
Why Japan Taxpayers Choose Segal, Cohen & Landis
Attorney-Led, Not Sales-Led
Every case is handled directly by a licensed tax attorney — never delegated to an unenrolled preparer or case manager. You get attorney judgment from day one.
33+ Years of IRS Experience
Sam Landis, Esq. has spent over three decades navigating IRS Collection, IRS Examination, and U.S. Tax Court on behalf of individuals and businesses.
National IRS Practice
We practice before the IRS in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Your physical location doesn't limit your access to experienced IRS tax counsel.
Client Reviews
Read client feedback and visit our review sources for their current ratings and review counts.
What Our Clients Say
Read client feedback on Google and Trustpilot.
“Sam resolved a six-figure IRS levy in under a week. He communicated every step clearly and got the result we needed. I can't recommend SCL highly enough.”
Michael T. · 2024
“I had an extremely complex FBAR and Form 3520 situation. Sam understood every nuance and handled the voluntary disclosure flawlessly. Genuinely the best in the field.”
Priya R. · 2024
“After receiving an IRS audit notice I was terrified. The team at SCL walked me through everything, represented me completely, and the audit closed with no changes. Worth every penny.”
David L. · 2023
Samuel Landis, Esq. · LL.M. Taxation, Boston University · 33+ years IRS controversy practice
Frequently Asked Questions — Japan IRS Tax Help
What US tax obligations do US citizens and Japanese nationals living in Japan have?
US citizens and green card holders in Japan must file US tax returns on worldwide income including Japanese salary, rental income, and investment gains. The US-Japan tax treaty provides foreign tax credits and certain pension provisions, but FBAR reporting for Japanese bank accounts (Japan Post Bank, MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) is mandatory. Japanese investment funds and iDeCo retirement accounts may have PFIC and FBAR obligations under US rules.
Are Japanese iDeCo or NISA accounts reported to the IRS?
Yes. Japanese iDeCo (individual defined contribution pension) and NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account) accounts are not recognized as tax-advantaged by the IRS. iDeCo accounts should be reported on FBAR, and investment funds held inside NISA accounts may be PFICs subject to punitive US tax treatment. Contributions to iDeCo are not deductible on US returns. SCL guides Japanese-American clients and US expats in Japan on iDeCo, NISA, and PFIC compliance.
Can Segal, Cohen & Landis represent US expats and Japanese-Americans?
Yes. SCL represents US citizens in Japan — Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and beyond — as well as Japanese-Americans throughout the US. Japanese language services are available. We handle FBAR, PFIC reporting, iDeCo compliance, IRS voluntary disclosure, and all US-Japan international tax matters.
How quickly can you stop a wage garnishment or bank levy?
In most cases, we can issue an IRS levy release or garnishment suspension within 24–72 hours of being retained, pending IRS processing. The first step is a free consultation to assess your situation.
What is the cost of a tax attorney consultation?
We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your situation. Fee schedules vary by case type and complexity — we are transparent about fees before any engagement.
Attorney-Led IRS Representation
Ready to Resolve Your IRS Problem in Japan?
Schedule a confidential consultation with a licensed IRS tax attorney. No sales calls, no pressure — just honest legal counsel and a clear path forward.
Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Contact an attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Cross-border tax topics for Japan
For an overview of common reporting issues, see our Japan international tax guide.