Is it true ...?

[Cracaphat]

Today I went to a local credit union bank to open up an account and got told that I need to
provide my tax file number from my country in order to open an account.The staff said that the law
had changed and that this was a necessity.Is that so? Thanx.

[TokyoWart]

That is true if you are a US citizen. The IRS requires it and the US negotiated with Japan so that this requirement will be enforced.

[Cracaphat]

That is true if you are a US citizen. The IRS requires it and the US negotiated with Japan so that this requirement will be enforced.

Thanks for replying TokyoWart. I'm not American though, so maybe they just didn't want my business! I'll go to a proper bank when I can be bothered!

[RetireJapan]

OECD countries are now sharing tax information, for residents of those countries. It is possible that the bank you spoke to is confused about this.

On forms, you need to check the box that says 'I am not a resident of a foreign country' and then you shouldn't be asked for the TIN.

[Cracaphat]

OECD countries are now sharing tax information, for residents of those countries. It is possible that the bank you spoke to is confused about this.

On forms, you need to check the box that says 'I am not a resident of a foreign country' and then you shouldn't be asked for the TIN.

Thanx RetireJapan.I feel that the staff just thought it applies to all foreigners regardless.I'll get into gear and go check a proper bank soon or just open an online if no bricks and mortars will take me. Cheers.

[ricardo]

OECD countries are now sharing tax information, for residents of those countries. It is possible that the bank you spoke to is confused about this.

On forms, you need to check the box that says 'I am not a resident of a foreign country' and then you shouldn't be asked for the TIN.

Makes sense. My U.K. bank required me to provide my Japanese TIN (aka ‘my number’ here) as I’m a resident of another country from their point of view.

[Sybil]

Makes sense. My U.K. bank required me to provide my Japanese TIN (aka ‘my number’ here) as I’m a resident of another country from their point of view.

May I ask how did the British bank know you lived overseas? Do you use a Japanese postal address with them?

[ricardo]

Makes sense. My U.K. bank required me to provide my Japanese TIN (aka ‘my number’ here) as I’m a resident of another country from their point of view.

May I ask how did the British bank know you lived overseas? Do you use a Japanese postal address with them?

Yes, of course. They require to know a customer’s country of residence. I have no address anywhere else.

[Cracaphat]

Went to Mizuho today and could open up an account no problem.Staff were very helpful too.All I really got asked was do I have an account outside Japan.Just needed my gaijin card, insurance card and hanko.

[Sybil]

They require to know a customer’s country of residence. I have no address anywhere else.

I'm surprised a British bank would allow someone to open an account without an address in the UK. The risk reward for the bank doesn't seem worth it.