How do you determine the location of assets in an inheritance?

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In order to determine inheritance tax in Japan, the location of the inherited asset plays an important role.  Determining this location is relatively simple for some types of assets.  For example, real property and personal property are located where they exist.  However, for less tangible assets, like bank accounts, that can be accessed from around the world, the situation is more complicated.

In general, money in bank accounts will be considered to be “located” at the office where it was deposited.  Insurance proceeds are located where the head office of the insurance company is located.  The same is true for retirement accounts.  Cars, planes and boats are located where they are registered.

If you have any questions about probate in Japan, please contact our office for a legal consultation.