"Will I be asked for my My Number when opening an overseas FX account?" "If I don't have to submit it, won't the tax office not find out about my profits?" —Those who have registered their My Number for domestic FX will likely be wondering about these two things.The conclusion is that you don't need to submit your My Number when opening an overseas FX account, however, you will need it for filing your tax return, and even if you don't submit it, the tax office can find out about your overseas profits and assets through other channels.
This article usesprimary source information from the National Tax Agency, the Digital Agency, the Ministry of Finance, and e-Gov (original legal texts), as well as the official websites of eight overseas forex brokers (XMTrading,FXGT,BigBoss,AXIORY, TitanFX,HFM,Vantage, and iFOREX), which were actually accessed on October 2, 2026, to verify how My Number (Japanese individual identification number) and identity verification documents are handled. We will explain the legal basis for domestic forex brokers requesting My Number, the required documents and address verification deadlines for the eight companies, what can be done without identity verification, the obligation to include it in tax returns, and the four systems by which the tax office tracks overseas accounts, with sources and verification dates included.
Conclusion | Key Points Regarding Overseas Forex Trading and My Number (As of October 2026)
- You do not need to submit your My Number (Japanese individual identification number) to open an overseas forex account.XMTrading,FXGT, andBigBosshave officially stated this. All you need is one form of identification (such as a driver's license, passport, or My Number card) and one form of proof of address.
- In domestic FX trading, the requirement is that the broker submits a "Payment Statement Regarding Futures Transactions" to the tax office in accordance with the Income Tax Act.Overseas FX brokers are not Japanese financial instruments business operators and are therefore not subject to this payment statement/notification system
- My Number Cards can be used as "identity verification documents."However, Notification Cards are not accepted by any of the eight companies (because they do not have a photo). You cannot open a bank account with just the card; proof of address is required separately.
- The validity period for proof of address varies depending on the broker.XMTrading andBigBossrequire it to be within 3 months of issuance, whileFXGT,AXIORY, TitanFX,HFM,Vantage, and iFOREX require it to be within 6 months (FXGTstated in a 2024 blog that only utility bills are valid for 3 months).
- While some brokers allow account opening and deposits without identity verification, withdrawals are generally not permitted.FXGThas a limit of $2,000 for deposits up to $2,000,HFMhas a limit of the equivalent of $2,000, andAXIORYrequires identity verification within 14 days of the first deposit.
- A My Number (individual identification number) is required for filing tax returns.The National Tax Agency states that "when submitting a tax return, you must include your My Number and present or attach a copy of your identification document each time."
- Even if you don't submit it, the tax office can find out.For overseas remittances exceeding 1 million yen, financial institutions are required to submit an "Overseas Remittance Report," and for overseas assets exceeding 50 million yen, the individual is obligated to submit an "Overseas Asset Report." Information is exchanged under the CRS and tax treaties, and the period for retroactive taxation is generally 5 years (7 years in cases of false statements or other fraudulent acts).
*This article was created by the MoneyCharger editorial team in accordance with their content creation policy . Tax and legal information is based on publicly available information from the National Tax Agency , the Digital Agency , and e-Gov Legal Search, and required documents for each company were verified on their official websites, official help pages, and official blogs on October 2, 2026 (source URLs are indicated in each section). This article provides a general explanation of the system; for individual tax decisions, please consult a tax accountant or your local tax office . Procedures for each company are subject to change without notice. Overseas FX brokers are not registered with the Japanese Financial Services Agency, and the Financial Services Agency and the Consumer Affairs Agency have issued warnings about trading with unregistered brokers. This article does not endorse the use of overseas FX or any specific broker, nor does it provide guidance on how to avoid tax obligations .
This article explains how to calculate taxes on profits from overseas forex trading and how to fileyour tax return.It also covers tax rates, calculation methods, and how to file your tax return.
You don't need to submit your My Number (Social Security Number) to open an overseas forex account | Differences from domestic forex
You will not be asked to submit your My Number (individual number) when opening an account with an overseas forex broker. The reason whyyou cannot trade with domestic forex brokers without registering your My Number is because the brokers are obligated to submit statutory reports to the tax office based on the Income Tax Act, and overseas forex brokers that are not registered with the Japanese Financial Services Agency are not subject to this payment report and notification system. First, let's summarize the differences between domestic and overseas forex in a table.
| item | Domestic FX | Overseas FX |
|---|---|---|
| Submission of My Number when opening an account | Required(You must provide your number) | Not required(XMTrading,FXGT, andBigBosshave officially stated this). |
| Legal basis sought by the business | Obligation to submit the statutory report "Payment Report Regarding Futures Transactions" based on the Income Tax Act. You will be notified that the customer's My Number (Social Security Number) will be included in the report (the grace period for including the number ended on December 31, 2021) | Unlike domestic brokers, they are not subject to payment reporting and notification systems. The TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) field on the account opening form is optional (FXGTofficial) |
| Identity verification documents | need | Required (one document from the following: driver's license, passport, My Number card, etc. + one document proving your address) |
| Payment report from the business to the tax office | Yes (to be submitted by January 31st of the following year) | None (Not subject to the statutory reporting system like domestic businesses) |
| My Number (Social Security Number) for tax returns | Required (to be stated on the declaration form + identification documents) | Necessary (same) |
| How to use your My Number Card | Number verification + Identity verification | As one of the forms of identification with a photograph (the number will not be submitted) |
*This information was compiled by our editorial department on October 2, 2026, based on the National Tax Agency's " Types of Statutory Reports and Submission Deadlines ," " No. 7400 Obligations to Submit Statutory Reports , " and " Statutory Reports for which Numbering Exemptions are Provided ," as well as the official websites of each company ( sources are listed in the section on required documents )
Why domestic FX brokers require My Number (social security number) | "Payment Statement Regarding Futures Transactions" under the Income Tax Act
Domestic FX brokers request My Number information because they need to include customer numbers in statutory reports submitted to the tax office.The National Tax Agency explains that "statutory reports submitted to the tax office must include the My Number or corporate number of the person receiving the payment and the payer" (No. 7400). The statutory report corresponding to FX margin trading is the "Payment Report Regarding Futures Transactions" (Article 225, Paragraph 1, Item 13 of the Income Tax Act), and the submission deadline is "January 31st of the year following the year in which the payment was finalized." The Digital Agency also explains that "private businesses that submit withholding tax slips and payment reports containing My Number information" to the tax office are "personal number-related administrative implementers" who handle My Number information in accordance with the law.
This form is subject to a tax law obligation to disclose, and there was a provision allowing a six-year grace period for its completion until the customer provided their number. However,the National Tax Agency has stated that "this six-year grace period ended on December 31, 2021."Now that the grace period has ended, domestic FX brokers are requesting My Number information not only from customers when they open an account but also from existing customers.
Domestic brokers themselves have made this point clear. FX Broadnet states, "Foreign exchange margin (FX) trading companies are legally required to submit payment statements to the tax office every year regarding customers' transactions, and are obligated to include customers' My Number (individual number) on these payment statements." Gaitame Online states, "According to the Income Tax Enforcement Order, customers who open an account after January 2016 are required to provide their My Number (individual number) to securities companies and other financial institutions before commencing trading."
*Source: National Tax Agency "No. 7400 Persons Obligated to Submit Statutory Reports," "Types of Statutory Reports and Submission Deadlines," "Statutory Reports for which Number Exemption Provisions are Provided" /FX Broadnet "About the My Number System"/Gaitame Online "The My Number System is Starting"(Confirmed October 2, 2026)
Reasons why overseas FX brokers don't require it: It's not subject to the payment statement and notification system used by domestic brokers
Overseas forex brokers are not financial instrument business operators registered with Japan's Financial Services Agency, and are not subject to the system of submitting payment records to the tax office and requesting customers to provide their My Number, as is the case with domestic brokers.Therefore, you will not be asked for your My Number when opening an account, and each company officially states that it is "not required." As the Digital Agency explains, the My Number is a number whose provision is restricted in principle, except when it is provided to administrative agencies, etc., for procedures stipulated by law or ordinance, such as social security systems, tax systems, and disaster countermeasures. Even when presenting it to a domestic financial institution, it is limited to cases where "a financial institution, etc., is acting on behalf of an individual in procedures such as tax and social insurance."
Overseas forex brokers have also officially stated this. XMTrading says, "Registering your My Number card is not required when opening an overseas forex account. It can only be used as one form of identification for identity verification."FXGTsays, "While domestic forex brokers require registration of My Number, there are no such rules for overseas forex brokers that do not hold a Japanese financial license."BigBosssays, "You do not need to submit your My Number when opening an account with an overseas forex broker."
*Source: Digital Agency "Frequently Asked Questions: About the My Number System (General Overview)" Q1-4, Q1-7, Q1-9 /XMTrading Labo "Documents Required for Account Opening"/FXGTOfficial Blog "Can I Use Overseas Forex Without Identity Verification?"/BigBossColumn "Is My Number Required for Opening an Overseas Forex Account?"(Accessed October 2, 2026)
My Number Card can be used as "identity verification document" | Separate from submitting your number
"Not having to submit your My Number" and "My Number cards not being accepted" are two different things.The My Number card is an official form of identification with a photograph, so all eight companies we checked included it as an option for identity verification alongside driver's licenses and passports. The companies look at your name, date of birth, photograph, and expiration date, not the 12-digit number itself. On the other hand, the "Notification Card," which does not have a photograph, is not accepted as identity verification by any of the eight companies (TitanFX explicitly states, "We cannot accept My Number Notification Cards because they do not have a photograph").
When trading forex overseas, you'll truly need your My Number (Japanese individual identification number) not when opening an account, but when filing your tax return. I've summarized the process in a diagram
For those who want to compare the differences in tax systems and regulations between domestic and overseas forex trading, please see our detailed explanation of the differences between overseas and domestic forex trading
Documents required to open an account with 8 overseas forex brokers: Identity verification documents, proof of address, and expiration date
All eight companies require the same documents for opening an overseas forex account: one photo ID and one proof of address. There is no section for submitting your My Number (Social Security Number).The differences lie in the validity period of the proof of address (whether it's issued within the last 3 months or 6 months) and the specific requirements for the identity verification documents. We have summarized the information confirmed on each company's official website and official help page in the table below.
| Contractor | Submission of My Number | Identity verification document (1 item) | My Number Card | Notification card | Expiration date of proof of address document | Official supplement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 XMTrading | Unnecessary(officially stated) | Passport / Driver's License / My Number Card | Acceptable (one form of identification) | Not possible | Within 3 months of issuance | The review process takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 business day |
 FXGT | Not required(officially stated. The TIN field is "not required, so no entry is necessary.") | Passport / Driver's License / My Number Card with Photo | Possible | Not possible | Issued within the last 6 months(Official media, March 2026) *According to the official blog in 2024, utility bills must be issued within the last 3 months. | If you use your My Number Card as your identity verification document, you will need to choose a different document for proof of address |
 BigBoss | Unnecessary(officially stated) | Passport / Driver's license / My Number card with photo | Possible | Not possible | Within 3 months of issuance, or within the expiration date. | "Submitting only one My Number Card will not be sufficient to open an account." |
 AXIORY | Not specified (FAQ: TIN has "almost the same function as My Number in Japan") | Driver's license / Passport / My Number Card / Residence card / Special permanent resident certificate | Yes (more than 2 months remaining until expiration) | Not specified | Public utility bills and other similar documents mustbe issued within 6 months of the date of issue. | There are two stages: Light (identity verification documents only) and Full (including current address verification and a selfie). My Number driver's license is not accepted |
 TitanFX | Not specified | Driver's license / Passport / My Number Card | Possible | Not possible ("We cannot accept your application because you do not have a photo.") | Within 6 months from the date of issue(if required depending on the conditions at the time of opening) | If you use your driver's license or My Number Card to verify your current address, please ensure it is valid within its expiration date |
 HFM | Not specified | Driver's license (front and back) / My Number Card / ID card of country of residence (front and back) / Passport | Possible | Not specified | Issued within the last 6 months | The KYC department will review it within 48 hours. Direct screenshots are not accepted |
 Vantage | Not specified | Passport / Driver's License / National ID Card / Residence Card (English Help) | A "national identity card" is acceptable. In Japan, the My Number Card is considered to be the equivalent | Not specified | Within the last 6 months of issuance | The submission of POIs and POAs is clearly stated to be in accordance with AML regulations and KYC standards |
| iFOREX (MoneyChat not supported) | Not listed in the required documents | Passport / Driver's license / My Number Card (both front and back) | Possible | Not specified | Within 6 months of issuance | If documents are not submitted correctly, we may temporarily suspend your transaction |
*This information was compiled by our editorial team on October 2, 2026, after checking each company's official page, official help page, and official blog (source URLs are at the end of this chapter). "Not listed" indicates that the item was not listed on the public page and does not guarantee availability.Exnesshas been excluded from this table because its official website and help page redirected to a login screen from Japan, making it impossible to check the public page. Logos are official for each company
Identity verification documents: Must include a photograph and be within their validity period. Notification cards are not accepted by any of the eight companies
As a basic requirement for identity verification, one of the following is required: a driver's license, passport, or My Number Card. Common requirements include a photograph, valid expiration date, and in the applicant's name.AXIORYspecifies that "driver's licenses and My Number Cards must have at least two months remaining until expiration," whileHFMofficially mentioned brokers (XMTrading,FXGT,BigBossare not accepted by allAXIORY,HFM,Vantage, iFOREX) do not list notification cards as an option for identity verification, so they cannot be used.
Proof of address documents | Whether it's within the last 3 months or 6 months varies depending on the company
One of the most common reasons for rejection of proof of address documents is that they are "outdated," and the deadline varies depending on the broker, ranging from 3 months to 6 months.XMTrading andBigBossrequire documents to be issued within 3 months, whileFXGT,AXIORY, TitanFX,HFM,Vantage, and iFOREX require documents to be issued within 6 months.FXGT's official media in March 2026 stated "issued within 6 months," but their official blog in November 2024 stated that only utility bills (electricity, gas, etc.) were accepted within 3 months. Therefore, if using utility bills, it's best to ensure they are within 3 months. Acceptable documents include resident registration certificates, utility bills, bank and credit card statements, and resident tax notices, and they must all include the applicant's name, current address, issue date, and issuing authority on a single document.
If you use your My Number Card as proof of identity,FXGT/BigBosswill require you to provide another document for proof of address. This is because, although your address is listed on your My Number Card, you cannot use the same document twice
The TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) field on the account opening form is optional; you can leave it blank
Some overseas forex account opening forms have a field for "TIN (Tax Identification Number)," which for Japanese residents is equivalent to the My Number.FXGTin its official media that "FXGTexplainsAXIORYin its FAQ that "A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is a unique number assigned by the government to all taxpayers. In Japan, the My Number has almost the same function" (AXIORY, you will need to submit a W-8BEN separately). If it is an optional field, you can open an account by leaving it blank, but if it is required, you should check with the broker's official support to confirm its purpose before deciding.
Does iFOREX require a My Number (Social Security Number)? | It's not listed as a required document in the official list of necessary documents
There is information circulating that "only iFOREX requires submission of My Number (Social Security Number)," but the required documents listed on iFOREX's official "Document Submission Method" page are just two: one form of identification (passport/driver's license/both front and back of My Number Card) and one proof of residence issued within the last six months. Submission of My Number is not included (confirmed October 2, 2026).The My Number Card is simply listed as one of the options for identity verification documents and is treated the same as other companies. Our previous version (2023) stated that "iFOREX requires submission of My Number as part of the required documents," but we have corrected this as we could not confirm this on the official page. Additional documents may be requested if required by law, and the input fields on the application form may change, so please check with the official site when opening an account. Also, iFOREX is not eligible for MoneyChat's cashback.
*Source (verified October 2, 2026): XMTrading Labo "Documents Required for Account Opening" / FXGTOfficial Blog & FXGTOfficial Media "Identity Verification Procedure" / BigBossColumn / AXIORY Account Opening Required Documents & FAQ / Titan FX Help "Documents Required for Personal Account Identity Verification" / HFM OFFICIAL MEDIA "Required Documents" / Vantage Help Center (English) / iFOREX "How to Submit Documents" (iforex.jpn.com). The account opening methods (registration methods and screening process) for each company are explained in MoneyChat's account opening guides for FXGT , BigBoss , AXIORY , TitanFX , HFM , and Vantage
Can I use overseas forex trading without identity verification? | Restrictions officially published by each company
While some brokers allow account opening, deposits, and trading without completing identity verification (KYC), withdrawals are generally not possible until identity verification is complete.Since many people search for "no identity verification required" in addition to "no My Number required," we have compiled a table summarizing the restrictions officially published by each company.
| Contractor | payment | transaction | Withdrawal | bonus | source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FXGT | Up to $2,000 is possible | Up to one account is possible | impossible | impossible | FXGTOfficial Blog |
| HFM | Up to the equivalent of $2,000 (deposits via JCB are not accepted) | Possible | Not possible | Possible | HFMOfficial Media |
| AXIORY | The Light Trial Stage can be registered without documents. Identity verification must be completed within 14 days of the first deposit | Your account will be frozen if you do not verify your identity during the 14-day trial period | — | — | AXIORYOfficial FAQ |
| BigBoss | — | Yes (You can start trading in as little as 3 minutes with "Quick Account Opening") | Not possible(Withdrawals are restricted if identity verification is not performed.) | — | BigBossColumn |
| TitanFX | With SMS verification, up to 1 million yen is possible | SMS authentication is possible | impossible | impossible | Table from FXGTofficial blog |
| Exness | Up to $20,000 is possible | Up to $20,000 is possible | impossible | impossible | Table from FXGTofficial blog |
| XMTrading | impossible | impossible | impossible | impossible | Table from FXGTofficial blog |
*FXGT,HFM,AXIORY, andBigBossinformation is from their respective official websites. The rows for TitanFX,Exness, and XMTrading are from a table compiled byFXGTofficial blog (November 12, 2024) as a third party, and have not been verified on the respective companies' official websites ("-" indicates no information on the public page). All information was verified on October 2, 2026. Restrictions are subject to change
In general, withdrawals are not possible until identity verification is complete
Even if you make a profit without identity verification, you will always be asked to submit documents when you request a withdrawal.HFMexplains, "Even if you deposited the funds yourself, you cannot withdraw them unless identity verification is complete," andBigBossexplains, "With our 'Quick Account Opening' service, which allows you to open an account without identity verification, you cannot withdraw funds, but you can start trading in as little as 3 minutes."AXIORYwill freeze your account if you do not complete identity verification during the 14-day trial period. "No identity verification" is merely a grace period to start depositing and trading earlier, and regardless of whether you submit your My Number, you will ultimately need to submit identity verification documents and proof of address with any broker.
Identity verification is required of all financial institutions as a measure against money laundering
Identity verification is not something imposed independently by overseas forex brokers, but rather a procedure required by financial institutions in all countries as part of anti-money laundering (AML) measures.Vantageexplains in its English help section that "we require the submission of identity verification documents and proof of address in accordance with applicable AML regulations and industry KYC standards." In Japan, the Financial Services Agency also advises that "when using financial institutions, you may be asked to provide more detailed explanations than before, and you may be asked to submit documents or answer questions that were not previously required regarding the purpose of trading, asset and income status, etc." Using documents in someone else's name or altered images to avoid submission can be a valid reason for account freezing or refusal of withdrawals (Causes and methods for unfreezing overseas forex accounts).
*Sources: FXGTOfficial Blog "Can I use overseas forex without identity verification?"/HFM OFFICIAL MEDIA/AXIORY Account Opening DocumentsandFAQ/BigBossColumn "Can I use overseas forex without identity verification?"/Vantage Help Center/ Financial Services Agency "Measures against Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Proliferation of Financial Institutions" (Accessed October 2, 2026)
My Number is required for filing tax returns | Required information and identification documents as specified by the National Tax Agency
When you make a profit from overseas forex trading and file a tax return, you will need your My Number (Social Security Number).The National Tax Agency states that "when submitting tax returns and other documents to the tax office, you must include your My Number and present or attach a copy of your identification document each time." Just because you didn't submit it when opening your account doesn't mean it's unnecessary when filing your tax return.
You must write your My Number on the declaration form each time and present identification documents
There are two types of identity verification documents: "number verification documents" and "identity verification documents." If you have a My Number Card, one card can serve both purposes. The combinations indicated by the National Tax Agency are as follows:
| Documents I possess | Number verification documents | Identity verification documents |
|---|---|---|
| I have a My Number Card | One My Number Card (front side = identity verification, back side = number verification) | |
| No My Number Card | Notification card (*) / Copy of resident registration or certificate of registered resident information that includes your My Number | One of the following: driver's license, passport, public health insurance card or eligibility certificate |
*Created by our editorial department based on the National Tax Agency's "About the Social Security and Tax Number System (My Number)" (confirmed October 2, 2026).
Even after the abolition of the notification card, it can still be used as proof of identity if it matches the resident registration
Although notification cards were abolished on May 25, 2020, they can still be used as proof of your My Number for tax return purposes, under certain conditions.The National Tax Agency states that "the notification card can continue to be used as proof of your My Number only if the name, address, etc., listed on the card match the information on your resident registration." If your information on the notification card no longer matches your resident registration due to moving or marriage, you will need to either obtain a copy of your resident registration with your My Number on it or get a My Number card.
Please note that notification cards cannot be used as proof of identity when opening an overseas forex account (the section on required documents). Remember that "they can be used to verify the number for tax filing purposes, but not for account opening." This will prevent confusion.
Profits from overseas forex trading are considered miscellaneous income (taxable under comprehensive taxation) | For information on who needs to file a tax return and how to calculate it, please refer to the tax article
The National Tax Agency explains that profits and losses from FX trading, which falls under over-the-counter derivative transactions with "Type 1 Financial Instruments Business Operators" etc. under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, are subject to separate taxation at 15% income tax (plus 5% local tax) as "miscellaneous income related to futures transactions, etc.", while profits and losses from transactions that do not fall under this category are "generally subject to comprehensive taxation as miscellaneous income" and are subject to a progressive tax rate (No. 1521). Profits from overseas FX trading with unregistered Japanese brokers fall into the latter category, and salaried employees are required to file a tax return if the total amount of income other than salary exceeds 200,000 yen (No. 1900). Tax rate classifications, necessary expenses, and how to fill out the tax return form are explained in detail in the following article
*Source: National Tax Agency, "No. 1521 Taxation of Foreign Exchange Margin Trading (FX)" and "No. 1900 Individuals with Salary Income Who Need to File a Tax Return" (Accessed October 2, 2026)
- How much tax do I have to pay on overseas forex trading? Tax rates, calculation methods, and how to file your tax return
- List of expenses that can be deducted when trading overseas forex
- Do I need to file a tax return for losses from overseas forex trading? How do I offset profits and losses?
- Do I need to file a tax return for cashback received from overseas forex trading?
Even without submitting your My Number, your profits from overseas forex trading can be discovered by the tax authorities | 4 ways
The idea that "overseas forex brokers don't collect My Number information and don't submit payment reports to the Japanese tax office, so you won't get caught if you don't declare it" is incorrect.The tax office has a system in place to collect information on overseas fund transfers and assets from financial institutions, taxpayers themselves, and foreign tax authorities, separate from reports from brokers. The National Tax Agency explains that "this information is analyzed together with other documents such as overseas remittance reports and overseas asset reports, and used to identify and clarify overseas financial assets and the income generated therefrom, as well as overseas transactions that may have tax issues."
① Report on overseas remittances, etc. | Financial institutions must submit a report to the tax office for overseas remittances and receipts exceeding 1 million yen
When depositing or withdrawing funds via bank transfer with an overseas forex broker, transactions exceeding 1 million yen are reported to the tax office by the financial institution.The National Tax Agency explains this system as follows: "For remittances to and from overseas exceeding 1 million yen, the financial institution that made the remittance will submit a report to the tax office containing the names and addresses of the remitter and recipient, the transaction amount, etc." (The basis for this is Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the "Act on the Submission of Reports Concerning Overseas Remittances, etc., for the Purpose of Ensuring Proper Taxation of Domestic Taxes"). The system is designed so that the tax office records the fact that a withdrawal exceeding 1 million yen is received in a domestic bank account.
② Overseas Asset Report | Those with overseas assets exceeding 50 million yen at the end of the year must submit this themselves
Funds held in accounts with overseas forex brokers are also considered "foreign assets."The National Tax Agency states that "residents (excluding non-permanent residents) who have foreign assets with a total value exceeding 50 million yen as of December 31 of that year are required to submit a foreign asset report," and the deadline for submission is June 30 of the following year. If the report is not submitted by the deadline, "a 5 percent penalty tax will be added to the underreporting tax on those foreign assets." The larger your profits and the greater your account balance, the more likely you are to be obligated to submit this report in addition to your tax return.
③ Information exchange through the CRS (Common Reporting Standard) and tax treaties, etc
The CRS (Common Reporting Standard) is an international standard developed by the OECD for the periodic exchange of financial account information (such as names, addresses, and account balances) of non-residents between tax authorities.In Japan, the system is such that "financial institutions located in Japan are required to report financial account information of specific non-residents to the head of the relevant tax office by April 30th each year, starting in 2018. This reported financial account information is automatically exchanged with tax authorities in other countries based on the information exchange provisions of tax treaties, etc." Conversely, information on accounts held by Japanese residents at foreign financial institutions, etc., is provided to the National Tax Agency from those countries. According to the Ministry of Finance, as of October 1, 2026, 91 tax treaties, etc., which form the basis of this information exchange, are applicable to 157 countries and regions, and the revised CRS system will come into effect in 2026.
However,the extent to which accounts with overseas forex brokers are subject to CRS reporting depends on whether the broker's country of origin participates in CRS, whether the broker is a "reporting financial institution" in that country, and the type of account. It cannot be definitively stated that "all overseas forex accounts are automatically reported to Japan" or "are not reported." This article positions CRS as "one of the routes through which the tax authorities can track transactions" and considers it a system that should be viewed in conjunction with overseas remittance reports and tax audits.
*The previous version (2023) referred to this as "Tax Avoidance Treaties (CSR)," but the correct term is "Common Reporting Standard (CRS)," which is a separate system from tax treaties. This has been corrected
④ The period for which retroactive taxation can be applied is generally 5 years, or 7 years if there is falsehood or other fraudulent activity (Article 70 of the National Tax General Provisions Act)
Even if years pass without filing a tax return, the tax office can still levy taxes retroactively.Article 70 of the National Tax General Provisions Act stipulates that the period during which the tax office can correct or determine income tax is generally "five years" from the statutory filing deadline, and "seven years" if the tax amount is evaded in whole or in part through false or other fraudulent acts (paragraphs 1 and 5). Failure to file a return will also incur a penalty tax for failure to file and a late payment penalty (National Tax Agency, "No. 2024 When You Forgot to File Your Tax Return"). "Difficult to get caught" and "not getting caught" are two different things, and the burden when you are found will certainly be heavier than if you had filed a return.
*Source: National Tax Agency, "National Tax Agency Report 2023 III. Appropriate and Fair Taxation and Collection" (Report on Overseas Remittances, Overseas Assets, CRS, Tax Treaties, etc.) / "F4-1 Report on Overseas Remittances (and Summary Table)" / "No. 7456 Obligation to Submit Report on Overseas Assets" / "CRS Corner" / Ministry of Finance, "Japan's Tax Treaty Network" /e-Gov Law Search,Article 70 of the National Tax General Provisions Act (all confirmed on October 2, 2026)
Will my employer find out about my overseas forex trading taxes? | My side job won't be revealed because of the My Number system
The My Number system itself will not reveal your overseas forex trading profits to your employer. The Digital Agency explains that "the My Number system will not change local tax procedures, nor will it newly reveal the fact that you are engaged in a side job." The most common way your employer might find out is when they receive a notice of resident tax deduction (special collection) including your side income from your salary, a system that existed even before the My Number system was implemented. How to choose your resident tax payment method on your tax return is explained in our article on overseas forex trading taxes
*Source: Digital Agency, "Frequently Asked Questions: About the My Number System (General Overview)," Q1-6 (Accessed October 2, 2026)
5 things to keep in mind when using your My Number Card to open an overseas forex account
When using your My Number Card as proof of identity, we've compiled five important points to keep in mind to avoid rejection or resubmission, based on the conditions stated on each company's official website
① Notification cards are not valid as proof of identity
Because paper notification cards do not have a photograph, none of the eight companies will accept them as proof of identity.TitanFX states, "We cannot accept My Number notification cards because they do not have a photograph," and XMTrading,FXGT, andBigBossalso clearly state, "Notification cards are not accepted." If you only have a notification card, please use your driver's license or passport, or obtain a My Number card.
② You cannot open an account with just one My Number Card
While your My Number Card includes your address, it cannot serve as both an identity verification document and proof of address.BigBossstates that "account opening will not be permitted with only a My Number Card," andFXGTexplains that "if you submit a My Number Card with a photo as your identity verification document, you will need to choose another document." Please prepare one additional document that is valid and can serve as proof of address, such as a resident registration certificate, utility bill statement, or bank or credit card statement.
③ If you don't want to send the personal identification number on the back, use your driver's license or passport
The back of your My Number Card has a 12-digit personal number printed on it, andHFMsome companies, such asThese companies request the back of the card not to register the number, but to verify its authenticity. If you do not want to provide an image of the number itself to an overseas company, you can simply choose a driver's license or passport as your identification document. Most companies offer multiple options, and there are no companies that require a My Number Card to open an account.
④ Check the remaining validity period and any other conditions specific to the vendor, such as My Number Driver's License
AXIORYrequires that "driver's licenses and My Number cards have at least two months remaining until their expiration date," and does not accept My Number cards integrated with driver's licenses as proof of identity.HFMrequires clear images of both the front and back of the card; direct photos of the screen or screenshots are not accepted. Please check that the card itself has not expired before submitting.
⑤ The TIN field can be left blank. If entering a number becomes mandatory, please confirm its purpose
The TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) field on the account opening formFXGTis not a required field, asYour My Number is a number whose provision is generally restricted to procedures other than those stipulated by law (Digital Agency Q1-7). If you are required to enter it or are asked to submit your number by support, check with official support to find out what procedure it will be used for, and if you are not satisfied, consider using a different broker.
For those using overseas forex trading for the first time, ourcomplete guide for overseas forex beginnerscovers everything from choosing a broker to deposits, withdrawals, and taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions about My Number in Overseas Forex Trading
This article answers frequently asked questions about overseas forex trading and My Number (Japan's social security and tax number system), based on official information from the National Tax Agency, the Digital Agency, and various companies (as of October 2, 2026)
Is it mandatory to submit my My Number (Japanese individual identification number) when trading forex overseas?
No.Overseas FX brokers are not subject to the statutory reporting system (payment reports related to futures transactions) and notification system that domestic FX brokers submit to the tax office, so they do not ask for your My Number when opening an account. XMTrading,FXGT, andBigBosshave officially stated that it is "not required." All that is needed is one form of identification with a photograph and one form of proof of address. However, when filing your tax return after making a profit, you will need to include your My Number and proof of identity.
Can I open an overseas forex account using only my My Number Card?
No, you cannot.While your My Number Card can be used as proof of identity, you will need to submit one additional document proving your address.BigBossexplicitly states that "account opening will not be permitted with only a My Number Card." Please prepare documents such as a resident registration certificate, utility bills, or bank or credit card statements issued within the last three months (XMTrading,BigBossor six months (FXGT,AXIORY, TitanFX,HFM,VantageBigBoss
Can I use my My Number notification card for identity verification when trading forex overseas?
It cannot be used.Since the notification card does not have a photograph, TitanFX explicitly states, "We cannot accept My Number notification cards because they do not have a photograph," and all eight companies we checked do not accept them as identification documents. On the other hand, it can still be used as identification for tax return purposes, provided that the name and address listed match the resident registration (National Tax Agency).
I heard that iFOREX requires you to submit your My Number (social security number). Is that true?
The required documents listed on iFOREX's official "How to Submit Documents" page are one form of identification (passport/driver's license/My Number Card) and one proof of residence issued within the last six months; submission of your My Number is not required (confirmed October 2, 2026).The My Number Card is listed only as one of the options for identity verification documents. Our previous version of this site stated that it was "required," but we have corrected this as we could not confirm this on the official page. Additional documents may be requested if required by law, and the items on the application form may change, so please check the official site when opening an account.
Is it possible to trade or withdraw funds from overseas forex brokers without identity verification?
While some brokers allow deposits and trading, withdrawals are not possible until identity verification is complete.FXGTallows trading with a deposit of up to $2,000 and one account without identity verification;HFMallows trading with a deposit equivalent to $2,000;AXIORYrequires identity verification within 14 days of the initial deposit, and withdrawals are not possible with any of them. XMTrading does not allow deposits or trading before identity verification (FXGTofficial blog).
If I don't submit my My Number (social security number), will the tax authorities not find out about my profits from overseas forex trading?
It's not guaranteed you won't get caught.For overseas remittances and receipts exceeding 1 million yen, financial institutions are required to submit a "Report on Overseas Remittances, etc." to the tax office, and individuals with overseas assets exceeding 50 million yen at the end of the year are required to submit a "Report on Overseas Assets." Furthermore, there is information exchange between tax authorities based on the CRS (Common Reporting Standard) and tax treaties, and the National Tax Agency analyzes all of these together. The period during which the tax office can retroactively tax a person is generally 5 years, or 7 years if there is falsehood or other fraudulent activity (Article 70 of the National Tax General Provisions Act).
Will my employer find out about the taxes I pay on overseas forex trading?
The My Number system will not cause your employer to find out about your side job.The Digital Agency explains that "the My Number system will not reveal any new facts about your side job." The most common way your employer might find out is when they receive a notification of the increased amount of resident tax due to your side job, which is deducted from your salary (special collection). For information on how to choose a payment method for resident tax when filing your tax return, please seeour article on taxes for overseas forex trading.
What should I do if an overseas forex broker asks me to submit my My Number (social security number)?
If the TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) field on the account opening form is optional, you can leave it blank.FXGTofficially states that "it is not a required field, so you do not need to fill it in." As a number whose provision is generally restricted to procedures other than those stipulated by law (Digital Agency), if you are asked to provide it as required, please check with official support to find out what procedure it will be used for, and if you are not satisfied, consider another broker that accepts identity verification with a driver's license or passport.
Summary | My Number is not required for opening a bank account, but is required for filing tax returns
You do not need to submit your My Number (social security number) to open an overseas forex account.Domestic forex brokers require this because they must submit a "Payment Statement Regarding Futures Transactions" to the tax office under the Income Tax Act; overseas forex brokers are not subject to this system.However, this only means that "the broker does not report to the tax office"; the tax obligation and the means by which the tax office tracks overseas profits remain unchanged.
- Required documents for opening an account: One form of photo identification (driver's license, passport, or My Number Card) + one proof of address. Notification cards are not accepted, and My Number Card alone is not acceptable.
- Address verification deadline: XMTrading andBigBosswithin the last 3 months, whileFXGT,AXIORY, TitanFX,HFM,Vantage, and iFOREX require proof of address within the last 6 months (FXGT, a utility bill within the last 3 months is considered reliable).
- No identity verification required: While some brokers allow you to deposit and start trading immediately (FXGT up to $2,000,HFM up to the equivalent of $2,000), withdrawals are generally not possible until identity verification is complete.
- Tax return filing: Each time you file your tax return, you must include your My Number and present or attach a copy of your identification document (National Tax Agency). Profits from overseas forex trading are considered miscellaneous income and are subject to comprehensive taxation.
- How fraud is detected: Financial institutions must submit reports for overseas transfers exceeding 1 million yen; individuals are required to submit reports for overseas assets exceeding 50 million yen; information is exchanged under the CRS and tax treaties; the period for retroactive taxation is generally 5 years, but 7 years for false or other fraudulent acts.
The most important thing for continuing overseas forex trading in the long term is not to misinterpret "you don't need to submit your My Number" as "you don't need to file atax return." In years when you make a profit, use the My Number that you didn't use when opening your account for your tax return.
Please note that the system explanations in this article are based on publicly available information from the National Tax Agency, the Digital Agency, and e-Gov Law Search, and the required documents for each company were confirmed on their official websites on October 2, 2026.Procedures and restrictions for each company may change without notice.Please be sure to check the latest official information before opening an account. For individual tax decisions, please consult a tax accountant or your local tax office.
MoneyChat is a service that allows you to receive a portion of the spread incurred in overseas forex trading as cashback.Even if you open an account through MoneyChat, the documents you submit to the broker are the same as when opening an account through the official website, and you do not need to submit your My Number (social security number).You can check the conditions for participating brokers and account types below.
