Work · Society · You

A little chat about
your work and society.

The word "tax" might sound a bit intimidating, but the income from your work andthe everyday safety of your lifeare actually quite simply connected. Let's take a quick, easy peek together.

Did you know?

We actually use it every single day.

We don't always notice, but our daily peace of mind is supported by money we all pool together (= taxes).

🚑
Calling an ambulance
An ambulance that comes for free in a sudden emergency. In many countries, ambulances are paid — or don't come at all.
🏫
Going to school
Public school buildings, teachers, school lunches. Most of the education you've received was paid for this way.
🛣
Walking down the street
Traffic lights, sidewalks, street lamps, bridges. You pass them without thinking, but their upkeep costs money.
💊
Affordable medical care
Have you heard stories of paying over USD 10,000 for an appendix surgery abroad?
🌳
Resting in a park
Benches, restrooms, playgrounds, the green spaces. Someone is shouldering the cost of all of them.
🚒
When there's a fire
Fire trucks, rescue teams, disaster drills. Just having them respond is something to be grateful for.

Behind the things we "take for free," there is a system that everyone in society contributes to, little by little.

Where it goes

Your income is
quietly at work in these places.

Income tax is roughly used like this. (The breakdown varies by country and year — as an approximate guide.)

~ 33%

Pensions, healthcare, elder care

Supporting elderly life, keeping out-of-pocket medical costs low, long-term care services.

~ 20%

Education & childcare

Schools, nurseries, scholarships, child medical subsidies, textbook distribution and more.

~ 15%

Public infrastructure

Roads, bridges, water and sewage, garbage collection, street lighting, traffic signals — built and maintained.

~ 12%

Public safety & disaster response

Police, fire service, defense forces, disaster preparedness, evacuation centers.

~ 10%

Everyday safety net

Unemployment benefits, welfare assistance, disability support.

~ 10%

Others

Diplomacy, culture, R&D, environmental policy and so on.

* These are just representative ratios. Actual percentages vary by country, region, and fiscal year.

Country Guide

If you're stuck, you can ask here.

Systems differ by country, but there are real places to ask. Don't bear it alone — try peeking at a trusted resource.

🇯🇵

Japan

Annual tax filing window is typically February 16 – March 15. e-Tax works on smartphones too.

🇺🇸

United States

Federal tax deadline is typically April 15. State taxes vary.

🇹🇼

Taiwan

Comprehensive income tax filing runs every May (May 1 – May 31).

🇪🇸

Spain / Latin America

Each country has its own tax authority and deadlines.

* The linked sites are official portals of public authorities and professional organizations. Always consult a licensed tax professional in your jurisdiction for individual advice.

What we prepare

At 18LIVER,
we've prepared things this way.

The pay statement we issue at 18LIVER isa proper format you can submit directly to a tax accountant as contractor income. It's issued on every payout, so you won't have to scramble to gather paperwork at filing time. Download anytime from your My Page.

View statements on My Page

* If you're not logged in, you'll be taken to the login page.

FAQ

Things we often get asked

Q. Doesn't asking a tax accountant cost money?+

For just a tax filing, expect roughly USD 200 – 500 (varies by country and region). In fact, it can prevent the kind of forgotten filings or mistakes that end up costing you more in tax. Many offices offer a free first consultation. Start by just having a chat.

Q. Will the tax office find out I'm streaming?+

We do not directly share your real name with tax authorities. When inquiries come from tax authorities, we respond on a management-number (Performer ID) basis. That said, payouts go through a collection-agent financial institution, so payment records above each country's tax-law thresholds are reported from the financial institution to tax authorities (thresholds differ by country). Signing up at 18LIVER does not "leak your name immediately," but the "paid-out amounts" themselves remain on record. Filing properly removes the worry of being later flagged for "undeclared income" and keeps your life stable.

Q. What about income earned while I'm abroad?+

In principle, tax is calculated by your country of residence. Where your residence registration is, and how many days you stayed, change the treatment. Anyone staying abroad long-term should always consult a tax accountant in their country of residence.

Q. Filing taxes scares me…+

Today, services like e-Tax (Japan) or Free File (US) let you file from your smartphone. Many people ask a tax accountant for the first year, then handle it themselves from the second year on.

Q. Do students need to file too?+

If you earn beyond the dependent threshold, filing is required regardless of age. Within the threshold, filing may not be required. If you're unsure where you stand, consult a tax accountant or the tax office.

Earn · Care · Connect

Earning is participating in society.
Settle into being one of its members.

It doesn't have to be perfect — little by little is fine. We're cheering for that first step you took into the world.

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A little chat aboutyour work and society.

We actually use it every single day.

Calling an ambulance

Going to school

Walking down the street

Affordable medical care

Resting in a park

When there's a fire

Your income isquietly at work in these places.