Tax Reform Insight: Potential Tax Hike for Defense Budget

The Japanese government is contemplating significant tax reforms to fund an ambitious defense budget of 1 trillion yen.
It is a strategic approach to bolster the nation’s defense capabilities.

Breakdown of the proposed funding mechanisms

Here’s an analysis of the proposed funding mechanisms:

Corporate Tax Increase

One of the primary methods being considered is an increase in corporate taxes. This move is expected to generate substantial revenue, given the significant contributions of businesses to the national treasury.

Introduction of a New Income Tax

While the government plans to reduce the reconstruction income tax associated with Fukushima’s recovery, they are also considering introducing a new income tax form. This dual approach balances the financial scales while ensuring the burden doesn’t fall too heavily on any demographic.

Tobacco Tax Hike

The third proposal is an increase in the tobacco tax. Given the consistent revenue generated from tobacco sales, this could be a viable option to raise the necessary funds.

Not yet Decided

However, these plans have yet to be finalized. The tax commission of the ruling party has strategically postponed the decision, aiming to sidestep any potential controversies or entanglements. This move has led to speculations and concerns among various stakeholders.

Yet, appearances can be deceiving. At the same time, the delay might seem like a sign of indecision or reconsideration, but reading between the lines is essential. If the ruling party submits the financial resources law during the Ordinary Diet session in January, it’s almost certain that the proposed tax hikes will be effective.

Taxpayers, businesses, and financial analysts should adjust and plan for these changes. The coming months will be crucial in shaping Japan’s fiscal landscape.

Is Tax Hike Necessary?

In light of the proposed tax reforms to fund Japan’s defense budget, a pressing question arises: Is a tax hike essential? Let’s delve into some key considerations that might suggest otherwise.

Economic Stability Amidst the Pandemic

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese economy has shown resilience. The countermeasures have ensured the economic downturn isn’t as severe as initially feared.

Historical Precedence with Government Bonds

Historically, emergency expenses have been covered using government bonds. Considering this fact, it becomes evident that using national bonds for pre-emptive emergency responses is a fitting approach.

For instance, Germany established a special fund of around 1000 billion euros (approximately 14.5 trillion yen) to meet the 2% GDP defense expenditure. This fund was financed by issuing government bonds, mirroring the defense bonds proposed by former Prime Minister Abe.

The Global Perspective on Debt Redemption Funds

In the context of government bonds, it’s worth noting that while advanced countries once had debt redemption funds, they no longer exist today. This means there’s no allocation for debt repayment. From an international perspective, Japan’s budget appears to have an additional allowance for expenditure (for debt repayment) and revenue (from the equivalent amount of government bonds). By suspending the general account allocation for debt repayment through a particular law, Japan can establish a special fund similar to Germany’s without resorting to tax hikes. This approach is virtually identical to the defense bonds concept.

Utilizing Foreign Exchange Special Account Profits

While the profit from interest rate differentials in the Foreign Exchange Special Account is considered a financial resource, valuation gains are not utilized. By tapping into these valuation gains, Japan can further avoid tax hikes.

In conclusion, while a tax hike might seem straightforward, alternative avenues can fund the defense budget without burdening taxpayers. Policymakers must weigh these options carefully and make informed decisions that benefit the nation’s economy and citizens.