Japan bans furusato nozei donation solicitation through portal sites that award points — effective 1 October 2025 (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Notification No. 203)
Source material is a Japanese government announcement (in Japanese); this page is a summary.
Under the revision to Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Notification No. 203, soliciting furusato nozei donations through portal sites and similar services that award points to donors is banned from 1 October 2025 (Reiwa 7).
Key facts
| Responsible body | Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (総務省), Local Tax Bureau, Municipal Tax Division |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Notification No. 203 dated 28 June 2024 (Reiwa 6) — revision of the appropriate solicitation criteria and related rules |
| Effective date (points ban) | Applies from 1 October 2025 (Reiwa 7) [R7.10~] |
| What is banned | Soliciting donations through portal sites and similar services that award points and the like to donors |
| Definition of 'points and the like' | Any economic benefit given to donors by portal site operators and others, whether directly or indirectly (whatever it is called — miles, coins and so on) |
| Exclusion (ordinary points) | Benefits equivalent to those provided as part of ordinary commercial payment transactions (ordinary credit card points and the like) are not covered — but points added specifically for furusato nozei donation payments are not excluded |
| Background | Overheated competition over point awards by portal sites and the like |
Last checked:
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications revised the notification and Q&A that set the designation criteria for the furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) scheme, in order to keep the scheme running appropriately (Notification No. 203 dated 28 June 2024, Reiwa 6). The revision bans soliciting donations through portal sites and similar services that award points to donors, and this ban applies from 1 October 2025 (Reiwa 7). 'Points and the like' covers broadly any economic benefit given to donors by portal site operators and others, whether directly or indirectly, whatever it is called (miles, coins and so on). It does not cover benefits equivalent to those provided as part of ordinary commercial payment transactions, such as ordinary credit card points.
Background — why this change
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications says it made this revision in order to keep furusato nozei running appropriately. It cites 'overheated competition in awarding points in connection with donations made through portal sites and the like' as a case that raised doubts about compliance with the designation criteria (the appropriate solicitation criteria).
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
Summaries reflect national-level programs. Municipal (city/ward/town) programs may differ — confirm with the official desk before applying.
FAQ
When does this start?
The ban on soliciting donations through portal sites and similar services that award points to donors applies from 1 October 2025 (Reiwa 7). The legal basis is Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Notification No. 203 dated 28 June 2024 (Reiwa 6).
Will I stop earning credit card points too?
Ordinary points from credit card companies and cashless payment providers, equivalent to those provided as part of ordinary commercial payment transactions, are not covered by the ban. However, points and the like awarded additionally for furusato nozei donation payments are not treated as 'equivalent to those provided as part of ordinary commercial payment transactions'.
What counts as 'points and the like'?
Any economic benefit given to donors by portal site operators and others, whether directly or indirectly. It is defined broadly and covers items called 'miles', 'coins' and the like.