Global Tax Free
Tax-free procedure agency services for tourist retailers.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | N/A | - | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Global Tax Free K.K., the Japanese subsidiary of the Global Tax Free Group, was established in July 2012. The parent company, founded in 2005, is a major tax-free service provider in Asia, operating primarily in South Korea, Singapore, and Japan with over 11,000 affiliated stores. The Japanese entity, with capital of 100 million yen, is led by CEO 李珍鎬 (Lee Jin-ho).
The company provides comprehensive tax exemption services for retailers and commercial facilities that cater to foreign tourists in Japan. Its business model revolves around acting as a proxy for the complex tax refund procedures. This includes developing and operating tax-free processing systems for retailers, as well as managing outsourced tax refund counters in large commercial venues. By handling the operational burden and navigating the legal requirements of tax-free sales, the company allows its clients—the retailers—to focus on sales and improve the shopping experience for tourists. Global Tax Free Japan was the first Asian company to join the Japan Tax Refund Association in 2014.
The service is designed to simplify the process for both stores and international shoppers. For merchants, the company provides total management of tax-free operations. For tourists, the globally recognized orange logo signifies a participating store where they can receive consumption tax refunds. The company's services are particularly focused on malls and outlets with a high volume of foreign visitors, such as Canal City Hakata in Fukuoka and Haneda Airport Garden in Tokyo. The Japanese government's initiative to boost tourism has created a favorable market for tax-free service providers. However, the system is undergoing significant reform. To combat fraudulent use, Japan will shift from an upfront tax-off model to a post-purchase refund system effective November 1, 2026, where tourists will pay the full tax and claim a refund upon departure.
Keywords: tax refund service, tax-free processing, tourist retail, consumption tax exemption, inbound tourism, retail solutions, tax-free system, duty-free operations, shopper services, commercial facilities
