Inheritance Disclaimer Deadline Calculator
Enter the date of death to see Japan’s 3-month and the US 9-month disclaimer deadlines, side by side
* The actual start date (“the day you learned inheritance commenced for you”) can differ from the date of death depending on the situation. This calculator treats the entered date as the start date for a simple estimate.
Always confirm the exact start date and whether an extension is available with the family court or a licensed attorney. The US deadline shown assumes the transfer date equals the date of death (it can also run from the disclaimant’s 21st birthday, if later).
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the date of death (or the day you learned inheritance had commenced for you). Usually these are the same date.
- Click Calculate to see the exact Japan family court filing deadline (3 months later) and the US qualified disclaimer deadline (9 months later), plus days remaining for each.
- If time is running short on the Japan side, look into petitioning the family court for an extension before the deadline passes.
Why the Deadlines Differ
Japan’s Civil Code Article 915 gives heirs 3 months from learning that inheritance commenced for them to decide whether to accept or renounce.
The US equivalent, a qualified disclaimer under IRC 2518, gives 9 months from the transfer (or the disclaimant’s 21st birthday, if later) — three times as long, and it only requires a written document rather than a court filing.
For the full picture — Japan’s family court filing process, required documents, and the cross-border governing-law question — see
Renouncing an Inheritance in Japan: A Practical Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the start date always the date of death?
A. Not necessarily. Japan's clock starts from 'the day you learned inheritance commenced for you,' which can differ from the date of death depending on the situation. This calculator treats the entered date as the start date for a simple estimate.
Q. What happens if I miss Japan's deadline?
A. If you don't decide to accept or renounce within 3 months, you're generally treated as having accepted the inheritance outright (simple acceptance), including any debts.
Q. Can Japan's deadline be extended?
A. Yes, by petitioning the family court for an extension before the deadline passes.
Q. Why is the US deadline so much longer?
A. A US qualified disclaimer under IRC 2518 allows 9 months from the transfer (or the disclaimant's 21st birthday if later) — three times as long as Japan's 3 months — and it only requires a written document rather than a court filing.
Key Points
- Japan gives heirs 3 months from learning inheritance commenced to accept or renounce (Civil Code Art. 915)
- Missing the deadline generally means simple acceptance — inheriting debts along with assets
- Japan's family court can grant an extension if petitioned before the deadline passes
- The US qualified disclaimer deadline (9 months, IRC 2518) is three times longer and needs no court filing
This article and calculator are for general informational purposes only. Your actual tax liability or legal situation may differ. Please consult a licensed tax accountant or attorney for advice specific to your situation.