Tax break for OTC drugs seeks to get Japanese managing their health, not swarming clinics

These cold medicine packages bear a logo saying their purchase can be used to claim a tax refund under the 'self-medication tax deduction' program. | SATOKO KAWASAKI

By Tomoko Otake
Staff Writer

Feb 27, 2017

Buying medicine at a drugstore can now save you taxes.

On Jan. 1, the "self-medication tax deduction" system kicked off, allowing people who buy designated over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to apply for a tax refund. The move, intended to promote use of OTC drugs and discourage people from clogging up hospitals and clinics for minor ailments, will be in place for the next five years. Following are questions and answers about the new system:

How does it work?

SAVING WITH SELF-CARE

Tax break for OTC drugs seeks to get Japanese managing their health, not swarming clinics

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