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No.1 domestic market share ^*1 Smart Technologies & Resources Co., Ltd. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Manabu Iwasaki; hereinafter referred to as "Smart Technologies"), which provides the tax exemption system "Smart Detax," and SB Payment Services SoftBank Corp. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and CEO: Jun Shimba; hereinafter referred to as "SBPS"), a wholly owned SB Payment Service Corp. and a core player in the finance business, have announced that they have entered into a partnership to develop and automate tax exemption procedures. Next-generation tax-free bulk counter solution "JPrefund" This initiative is scheduled to be fully implemented from November 2026. Post-refund tax exemption system (refund system) This will support the digital transformation of on-site operations and compliance with the new system, with a view to a smooth transition to the new system.

Background and Objectives

The refund system, which will come into effect in 2026, will differ from the current immediate tax exemption system and require "accurate confirmation of purchaser identity and preservation of transaction records," "refund determination linked to customs approval information," and "consumption tax refund via remittance at a later date." This system change will require major operational changes at stores involved in tax-free sales. To support businesses' transition to the refund system, the two companies have jointly developed "JPrefund," which combines Smart Technologies' proprietary tax exemption system "Smart Detax" with the technological assets of SBPS's Multi payment terminal "PAX A920MAX." This will enable a one-stop processing environment for everything from tax exemption determination to application, data transmission, and cashless refunds. Furthermore, by first introducing "JPrefund" as a digital transformation initiative, even before the system change, businesses will be able to accept cash payments for consumption tax equivalents for visitors to Japan who purchase tax-exempt items in accordance with the current system, as well as credit card payments ^*2 depending on the payment method.

Overview of JPrefund, the next-generation tax-free bulk counter solution

Cashless refund process using "JPrefund"

Future developments

• ・From the second half of 2025, we will expand the number of stores that accept "JPrefund"
• ・In preparation for the system change in November 2026, we will support businesses in transforming their operations to a refund system, reducing the workload on stores, and reducing costs for businesses and travelers.
• ・Expanding payment methods eligible for cashless refunds

• 1 Over 50,000 licenses installed (according to Smart Technologies)
• 2. The amount equivalent to the consumption tax will be settled using the same payment methods payment methods used to pay for the tax-exempt items. The amount equivalent to the consumption tax can be settled by processing a partial refund for Credit Card Payment payment. This settlement is a settlement process for the sales price based on the amount adjustment for tax-exempt sales, and does not constitute a funds transfer transaction.

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Company Profile

Smart Technologies & Resources Co., Ltd.

SB Payment Service Corp.

Inquiries regarding "Smart Detax" and "JPrefund"

Smart Technologies & Resources Co., Ltd.

Inquiries about payment services

SB Payment Service Corp.

Inquiries from the media regarding this matter

SB Payment Service Corp. Public Relations