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Oct 2, 2026 National Tax Agency (NTA) Corporate & income tax

New "accounting software method (compact type)" for outsourced bookkeeping guidance: two web-conference sessionsYou can learn how to keep money records through a live online class

On October 2, 2026 (Reiwa 8), the National Tax Agency (NTA) published an outline of the "accounting software method (compact type)" of outsourced bookkeeping guidance. It is delivered as a live stream on a web-conference tool and explains the basics of accounting and bookkeeping using accounting software, which is said to make it easier for people who find it hard to attend in person to take part.

The two methods of bookkeeping guidance
Accounting software method (standard type)Accounting software method (compact type)
FormatExplanation using accounting software at a guidance venueLive stream on a web-conference tool
ApplicationInquire at the nearest tax office (income tax section)Online application form (no phone applications)
ComputerProvided at the venueEasier to join for people who find it hard to attend in person

Key points

  • The compact type is a live stream using a web-conference tool that explains the basics of accounting and bookkeeping with accounting software
  • Two sessions are planned, and each session is expected to last about 2 to 3 hours
  • Apply through the "application form for online bookkeeping guidance (for fiscal 2026 (Reiwa 8))". Applications are not accepted by phone
  • Those selected for guidance will be contacted by the NTA. If there are many applicants, requests may not be met
  • Bookkeeping guidance targets people who keep books in line with the principles of double-entry bookkeeping, such as those newly filing blue returns, and people who newly become taxable consumption tax business operators
Who is affected: Sole proprietors who are newly starting blue return filing, and those who are newly becoming taxable consumption tax business operators

What to do in practice

  • Check whether you fall within the target group and, if you wish to take part, apply through the application form
  • Note that participants are asked to complete the guidance to the end
Note: Because bookkeeping guidance is a publicly funded program, participants are asked to attend the guidance to the end.

There is a program where people who have just started a shop or business can learn how to write down their income and spending in account books from a company hired by the National Tax Agency. A way to take the class by live stream online, without going to a venue, has now been introduced.

Steps to join
  1. 1. ApplyFill in the online application form
  2. 2. Wait for contactPeople who are selected hear from the National Tax Agency
  3. 3. Take the class2 live-stream sessions (2 to 3 hours each)

Points

  • You learn how to use accounting software and the basics of bookkeeping through a live stream on the internet
  • There are 2 sessions in total, and each one lasts about 2 to 3 hours
  • You can only apply with the online application form (no phone applications)
For example: It is just like an online class: you listen to the teacher from your own computer at home and learn how to keep account books.

What the words mean

Bookkeeping
Writing down money coming in and going out in account books so it is kept on record
Accounting software
Computer software that makes account books for you automatically
Sources (official)
Checked against the source on: Oct 18, 2026

This article summarizes and explains materials published by government agencies and is not advice on any individual case. Rules can change, so for actual procedures and decisions always check the latest original materials and consult professionals such as tax accountants or labor and social security attorneys. English, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese versions are translations prepared from the Japanese articles for convenience. If anything differs, the Japanese text and the original source take precedence.

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