Japan is making strides to modernize tax filing with the introduction of its e-Tax system, particularly for the upcoming tax season which begins on February 17, 2023. A trial run was conducted on February 21 at the Otsu Tax Office, featuring Naoki Prize-winning author Shogo Imamura, who showcased the ease and efficiency of this digital approach.
Imamura participated by using his smartphone to navigate the e-Tax system, demonstrating how taxpayers can file income tax returns conveniently from their homes. Accompanied by tax office officials, Imamura learned to scan his My Number card and take pictures of his withholding tax slips, which is part of the digital filing process. The initiative aims to highlight the advantages of digitalization, making tax filing more accessible and user-friendly.
“Even those who are not part of the smartphone generation may find it easy due to the additional notes provided. You can do it during your spare time at home,” Imamura noted, underscoring the system's potential to bridge generational gaps.
This trial runs alongside Japan's push to digitize public services, as the government advocates for technological advancement to streamline bureaucratic processes. By enabling taxpayers to file their returns electronically, Japan hopes to simplify compliance and reduce workloads for tax offices during peak filing periods.
The Otsu Tax Office’s initiative could set the stage for broader adoption of similar systems throughout the country, encouraging citizens to embrace digital solutions for various administrative tasks. The e-Tax system not only offers efficiency for taxpayers but also contributes to the optimization of taxpayer data management for tax authorities.
With the 2023 tax season approaching, the timing of Imamura's demonstration couldn't be more poignant. It embodies Japan’s drive to improve the taxpayer experience through innovative technology, aiming to create processes where filing taxes becomes less of a chore and more of a straightforward task.
This trial experience is expected to pave the way for more public engagement with e-Tax across different demographics. The initiatives taken by the Otsu Tax Office represent not just progress for tax filing, but also reflect broader trends of modernization and accessibility within Japan’s public sectors.