First of all, thanks everyone on this subreddit for all your wisdom. I am currently navigating a big change and the advice on here has been really helpful with initial conversations. Would really appreciate some constructive feedback.
Background: I am currently living in US and considering moving to Tokyo since my partner has moved there for work. I recently quit my corporate job in US to go full freelance. I have two big clients — one based in the US and one based in JP. Both offered me remote, full-time positions (and JP work visa for the latter) after hearing I quit my corporate job.
Compensation details: I am still actively negotiating with both companies and struggling given the insane flexibility. My general situation is as follows:
- Current freelance compensation is $100k (3:1 ratio of US vs JP company) with $25k expenses
- FT compensation is roughly triple the freelance comp for both companies
- Much earlier this year I incorporated a startup (for separate reasons from the freelance work)
- Both full-time contracts come with basic insurance coverage
- The JP startup will also provide marginal lifestyle perks such as language, commute benefits, and a JP tax advisor
- Neither offer includes equity or 401k
- I have no substantial investments/assets in the US
- Both are ok with me freelancing while working FT
The plan:
- Finding a CPA ideally familiar with JP tax laws (not financial planner after seeing all the warnings on this subreddit)
- Using my current S-corp for freelance work (or establish a separate LLC if not possible to reuse)
- Leaning towards taking the FT offer from US company and freelancing for JP company
- Live in JP under work visa (but flexible if it's a huge tax disadvantage)
by ingowpo