Local News

Fukuoka City announced that tax revenues for fiscal 2013 increased 2.4% year-on-year to a record ¥276.18 billion. The tax collection rate rose 0.6 points to 97.1%, marking the first time the rate has topped 97% in 21 years. City Hall sees the increase as the result of the city’s growing population, an improved economy and successful measures to combat tax delinquents. Resident tax collections were up 1.8% thanks to the 9,000 new residents added during the fiscal year, and new construction led to a 1.3% uptick in fixed asset and city planning tax collections. In 2010, the City established the Task Force to Boost City Tax Revenues, and this group’s efforts have helped reduce the amount of back taxes owed to ¥ 7.26 billion, or half of the amount owed in the peak year of 2002. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 7/25