Press Releases

Smart Technologies & Resources Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "Smart Technologies"), which develops and operates the tax-free system "SmartDetax" and the tax refund application platform "JPrefund", and SB Payment Service Corp. (Minato-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "SBPS"), a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank Corp. that plays a central role in its finance business, have linked "JPrefund" with SBPS's remittance service and will begin offering a new tax refund service from July 2026. This service, which provides integrated support from data linkage with the tax-free system to cashless refunds, is the first of its kind for a tax-free system in Japan^*, and is designed in anticipation of the transition to the post-refund type tax-free system (refund method) for foreign visitors to Japan, which is scheduled to be implemented from November 1, 2026.

By introducing "JPrefund," businesses can gradually implement store operations that anticipate the new refund system, even before the system transition is scheduled to take effect in November 2026. This will ensure a smooth transition to the system change and contribute to the efficiency of tax-free operations and a reduction in the burden on store staff. In addition, travelers will be able to receive the equivalent amount of consumption tax in cashless methods such as credit cards or overseas wallets after their goods have been confirmed to be taken out of the country by customs, eliminating the need for cash payments or repeat visits to the store, thus improving convenience.

background

Japan's tax-free system is scheduled to be revised from the current immediate tax-free system to a refund system from November 1, 2026. Under the refund system, businesses (duty-free shops) will sell at tax-inclusive prices, and travelers will receive a refund equivalent to the consumption tax when customs confirms that the goods have been taken out of the country upon departure from Japan. This will require "accurate verification of travelers' identities and preservation of transaction records," "refund determination linked to customs verification information," and "rapid online refund of the consumption tax equivalent." Adapting to the new system will require a certain preparation period, including modifications to the tax-free system, data linkage with customs, and the development of refund methods for travelers. Therefore, it is important to prepare operations and systems in advance. To support businesses in smoothly transitioning to the refund system, the two companies have decided to provide a tax-free refund service that utilizes "JPrefund," which allows for the completion of cashless refund application procedures online, and is linked with SBPS's remittance service.

In conjunction with this collaboration, Smart Technologies has opened up the connection API for "JPrefund" as a platform to contribute to the widespread adoption of tax-free refund services in Japan. This will enable businesses using "SmartDetax," as well as those using other companies' or their own internally developed tax-free systems, to integrate with "JPrefund" and adopt the refund method without replacing their existing tax-free systems. This open platform will allow businesses to transition to the new system while leveraging their existing tax-free systems and minimizing the impact on store operations. Furthermore, it will promote the widespread adoption of tax-free refund services in Japan and contribute to the digital transformation of the entire industry.

Businesses wishing to apply for "JPrefund" should contact us here.
https://smartdetax.com/inquiry/

Cashless refund process using "JPrefund"

Travelers apply for tax refunds to duty-free shops through "JPrefund." Duty-free shops use a remittance service provided by SBPS, a money transfer service provider, to send the amount equivalent to the consumption tax paid at the store to the traveler's designated refund method, such as a credit card or overseas wallet.

Smart Technologies and SBPS to co-host seminar

Smart Technologies and SBPS will hold a seminar on July 28, 2026, for businesses considering duty-free shops or duty-free sales, regarding how to handle refund systems. This seminar will also be available as an archive after July 28.
For seminar details and registration, please click here.
https://service.sbpayment.jp/seminar-tax-free02/

Smart Technologies and SBPS will continue to provide convenient services that meet the needs of businesses.

• According to Smart Technologies (as of July 27, 2026. Survey conducted in Japan on "integrated provision of tax-free systems with refund methods and cashless refund remittance services").

• Company names and product / service names mentioned in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.

Company Profile

Smart Technologies & Resources Co., Ltd.

SB Payment Service Corp.

Inquiries and applications regarding "JPrefund"

Smart Technologies & Resources Co., Ltd.

Inquiries regarding money transfer services

SB Payment Service Corp.

Inquiries from the media regarding this matter

SB Payment Service Corp. Public Relations