Japan's Cabinet has approved a package of tax relief measures for residents facing losses from the magnitude-7.6 earthquake that devastated the Sea of Japan coast on New Year's Day.
The package includes income and residential tax deductions for house and property damage.

The government will allow the deductions to be claimed in tax filings for 2023, even though the quake occurred on the first day of this year.

The tax return filing period for 2023 starts in February.

Residents in employment who paid taxes last year under the withholding system can also file for a refund.

The Cabinet and ruling parties said they aim for early passage of the tax relief bills during the current session of the Diet that runs through June 23.