Tax reform proposals for 2009 – corporate income tax

On 12 December 2008, it was reported that the ruling coalition agreed and outlined the 2009 reform proposals. The proposals concerning corporate income tax are summarized below.

SMEs

The corporate tax rate for SMEs is to be reduced to 18% from 22% in respect of annual taxable income of up to JPY 8 million, for the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2011.

Furthermore, the tax loss carry-back which was suspended in 1992 is to be re-introduced. Under the pr…