Local Government DX Promotion Council Issues 'Local Government DX Guide Vol.9' Focusing on Hometown Tax Returns

The Local Government DX Promotion Council (GDX) has released the 'Local Government DX Guide Vol.9', featuring a special section on the future of the hometown tax program (Furusato Nozei). With new rules banning point rewards via portal sites taking effect in October 2025, the guide highlights how local governments must shift from reward competition to building empathy through regional storytelling. It introduces innovative approaches, including direct management by Sanjo City, fan-building via LINE, targeting investors with shareholder benefits, and on-site consumption models. An online survey report seminar is also scheduled for July 2026.