Furusato Tax Return Gift Management System and Program

Abstract

We provide a system and program that enables the proper handling of return gifts, even in cases where the same return gift can be used across multiple municipalities. [Solution] The management system 1 is equipped with a user application 11 on a user terminal 10 used by user U, and a management server 6 that can communicate via a network 7 with the local government terminal 4 of local government L and the agent terminal 5 of agent A. If the return gift 3 is a common return gift 8, the usage determination means 15 of the user application 11 uses information on the local governments where the common return gift 8 is available, the local government where user U resides, and the local government that provides product P to restrict the use of the common return gift 8 so that it cannot be used in the local government where user U resides. On the other hand, if the local government that provides product P is not the same as the local government where user U resides, the use of the common return gift 8 is permitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for managing return gifts for hometown tax payment and its program.

Background Art

[0002] The hometown tax payment system is a system that enables taxpayers to pay taxes to their hometown municipalities or municipalities they wish to support for the purpose of local revitalization and other goals. Taxpayers can receive return gifts such as local specialties of the municipality as return gifts.

[0003] Conventionally, it has been common practice to select the tax payment destination and return gift using the Internet or the like and conduct procedures online, after which the return gift is delivered at a later date. On the other hand, a system has been proposed that not only enables such delivery but also allows taxpayers to conduct tax payment procedures at, for example, travel destinations and receive return gifts on the spot (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, a hometown tax payment processing device and a store terminal are provided. The hometown tax payment processing device stores the donation information received from the store terminal in association with a unique code for identifying the donation. The store terminal outputs the code, and the hometown tax payment processing device receives the code and the donor information from the donor terminal and stores the donor information in association with the donation information based on the code, thereby saving the trouble of registering the donor's information in advance and enabling taxpayers to easily make hometown tax payments even at travel destinations or the like.

[0006] The return gifts for the hometown tax donation system can include not only products produced by each local government, such as seafood, agricultural products, livestock products, manufactured goods, or services at accommodation facilities, but also, for example, gift certificates, vouchers, or coupons that can be used in a specific region.

[0007] On the other hand, under the Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) system, donors cannot receive return gifts from the municipality where they reside when making a donation, effectively rendering the system unusable.

[0008] Here, the municipalities eligible for donations include not only cities, towns, and villages, but also prefectures. If the recipient of the donation is a prefecture, even if the donor's address is within that prefecture, they will not be able to receive a return gift in the city or town where they reside. However, they can receive a return gift in a city or town other than the one where they reside. Furthermore, the return gifts are not limited to those offered by a single municipality; it is also conceivable that some return gifts can be received from multiple municipalities.

[0009] Thus, when making a donation for a return gift that can be received from multiple municipalities, users need to avoid making a donation to the municipality where they reside. However, it is conceivable that after going out to a neighboring municipality to receive a return gift for a donation, a user might inadvertently make a donation to receive the return gift upon returning to their own municipality.

[0010] Thus, if a user inadvertently attempts to make a donation to receive a return gift from a municipality where they reside, it is necessary to ensure that the user, the municipality, and the agency handling the donation do not suffer any disadvantages. Furthermore, it is necessary to address situations where a user moves. Additionally, measures must be taken to prevent users from fraudulently using the hometown tax donation system.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a system and program that can appropriately handle return gifts, even in the case of common return gifts that can be used in common across multiple municipalities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a system for managing the handling of return gifts, including common return gifts which are return gifts for hometown tax donations that can be used in common across multiple municipalities. The system is characterized by comprising: a means for acquiring return gift information which includes information on the municipalities where the return gifts can be used; a means for acquiring personal information which includes information on the municipality where the user resides; a means for acquiring product information which includes information on the municipality where the user resides; a means for acquiring product information which includes information on the municipality where the product or service (hereinafter referred to as "product, etc.") is provided; and a means for determining whether the user can use the common return gift to receive the product, etc., which restricts the use of the common return gift when the municipalities where the user resides and the municipality where the user resides are the same as the municipality where the user resides, and allows the use of the common return gift when the municipalities where the user resides and the municipality where the user resides are different.

[0013] According to the hometown tax return gift management system of the present invention, when a user receives goods or other items using common return gifts, the usage determination means determines whether or not those goods or other items can be received as common return gifts. Therefore, users can appropriately utilize common return gifts.

[0014] In the hometown tax return gift management system of the present invention, the usage determination means may record restriction information associated with the common return gift if the user's place of residence is included in the usage municipalities when the user acquires the common return gift, indicating that the common return gift cannot be used in the place of residence. With this configuration, when the user acquires the common return gift, the restriction information will reveal which municipalities cannot use it, so the user will not mistakenly use the common return gift in a municipality where it cannot be used.

[0015] Furthermore, in the hometown tax return gift management system of the present invention, if the product information has a limit on the amount of the return gifts that can be used for the product, the usage determination means may notify the user if it determines that the price for the product exceeds the usage limit when the user uses the return gifts for the product. With this configuration, the return gifts will not be mistakenly used in excess of the usage limit.

[0016] Furthermore, the Furusato Tax Return Gift Management System of the present invention includes a user application, which is a program usable on the user's terminal, and the user application enables the execution of the return gift information acquisition means, the personal information acquisition means, the product information acquisition means, and the usage determination means using the user's terminal. When the user acquires a common return gift using the user application, if the user's municipality of residence is included in the usage municipalities, the system may record restriction information indicating that the common return gift cannot be used in the user's municipality of residence, associated with the common return gift. With this configuration, the user can easily and appropriately use the common return gift by using the user application.

[0017] Furthermore, the Furusato Tax Return Gift Management System of the present invention includes a user application, which is a program usable on the user's terminal, and the user application enables the execution of the return gift information acquisition means, the personal information acquisition means, the product information acquisition means, and the usage determination means using the user terminal. When the user uses the user application to read a product code including the product information associated with the product using the product information acquisition means in order to receive the product using the common return gift, the usage determination means may be executed to determine whether or not the product is available. With this configuration, the user can easily and appropriately use the common return gift by using the user application.

[0018] Furthermore, the Furusato Tax Return Gift Management System of the present invention includes a user application, which is a program usable on a user terminal used by the user. The user application enables the execution of the return gift information acquisition means, the personal information acquisition means, the product information acquisition means, and the usage determination means using the user terminal. When the user uses the user application to read a product code, including product information associated with the product, etc., using the product information acquisition means, the user application may also be configured to extract the return gifts that are usable from the return gift information acquired by the return gift information acquisition means and display them on the user terminal using the usage determination means. With this configuration, the user can easily check whether any of the return gifts they own can be used to pay for those products by reading the product code associated with the product.

[0019] Furthermore, the hometown tax return gift management system of the present invention includes a management server that can be accessed from the user terminal used by the user, and the management server can obtain information on the return gifts obtained by the return gift information acquisition means, the personal information obtained by the personal information acquisition means, the product information obtained by the product information acquisition means, and information on the providing municipality, and when a request is made from the user terminal to receive the product using the common return gifts, the management server may also be configured to notify whether or not there are any restrictions on the request by the usage determination means. With this configuration, the usage determination means and the like are executed by the management server, so the burden on the user terminal and user application used by the user can be reduced.

[0020] Furthermore, the hometown tax return gift management system of the present invention includes an agent application, which is a program usable on an agent terminal used by an agent handling the common return gifts. The agent application can obtain information about the return gifts obtained by the return gift information acquisition means, personal information obtained by the personal information acquisition means, product information obtained by the product information acquisition means, and information about the providing municipality. When a request is made from a user terminal used by a user to receive the product using the common return gifts, the application may also be configured to notify whether or not there are any restrictions on the request by the usage determination means. With this configuration, the usage determination means and the like are executed by the agent terminal and the agent application, thus reducing the burden on the user terminal and user application used by the user.

[0021] Furthermore, the hometown tax return gift management system of the present invention may include a restricting means for restricting the issuance of the common return gift when the return gift is a common return gift and the municipality of residence is included among the municipalities that utilize the common return gift. With this configuration, the issuance of the common return gift itself is restricted in predetermined cases, so misuse of the common return gift can be prevented in advance.

[0022] Incidentally, the system of the present invention is a system for handling return gifts in the hometown tax donation system, but it can also be a system for managing value information with usage restrictions imposed on a regional basis in a system or mechanism similar to the hometown tax donation system.

[0023] That is, a value information management system that manages value information with usage restrictions for regional units, comprising: a value information acquisition means for acquiring information on value information including area information regarding the usage target area; a user information acquisition means for acquiring user information including information regarding the area to which the user belongs; a provided area acquisition means for acquiring provided area information of a target service or target resource for which the value information is exercised; and a usage control means for restricting the usage of the value information when the provided area is included in the available area of the value information and the belonging area and the provided area satisfy a predetermined condition, and permitting the usage when the predetermined condition is not satisfied. A value information management system characterized by comprising the above is provided.

[0024] In this case, as the usage target area, not only prefectures but also areas partitioned under certain conditions, such as special wards established by laws and regulations, etc., are assumed. Further, the value information is not limited to goods and services, but also includes information itself, and various valuable information such as certain rights and statuses.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention's hometown tax return gift management program is a program for managing the handling of return gifts, including common return gifts that can be used in common across multiple municipalities, and is characterized in that a computer functions as a return gift information acquisition means for acquiring return gift information relating to the return gifts, a personal information acquisition means for acquiring personal information including information relating to the municipality of residence where the user resides, a product information acquisition means for acquiring product information relating to products, etc., and information relating to the providing municipality including the place where the products, etc. are provided, and a usage determination means for restricting the use of the common return gift when the user receives the products, etc. using the common return gift, if the providing municipality is included in the municipalities where the common return gift can be used and the municipality of residence and the providing municipality are the same, and allowing the use of the common return gift when the municipality of residence and the providing municipality are different. With this program, when a user receives products, etc. using a common return gift, the usage determination means determines whether or not the product, etc. can be received as a common return gift, so that the user can use the common return gift appropriately.

[0026] Furthermore, the hometown tax return gift management program of the present invention includes a user application, which is a program usable on the user terminal used by the user, and the user application enables the execution of the return gift information acquisition means, the personal information acquisition means, the product information acquisition means, and the usage determination means using the user terminal, and when the user acquires the common return gift using the user application, if the user's place of residence is included in the usage municipalities, the application may record restriction information indicating that the common return gift cannot be used in the place of residence in association with the common return gift.

[0027] In addition, in the hometown tax payment gift return management program of the present invention, a user application, which is a program available on the user terminal used by the user, is provided. The user application enables the execution of the gift return information acquisition means, the personal information acquisition means, the product and other information acquisition means, and the usage determination means using the user terminal. When the user reads a product and other code including the product and other information associated with the product and other items by the product and other information acquisition means in order to receive the provision of the product and other items using the common gift return by using the user application, the usage determination means may be executed to determine whether the product and other items can be provided.

[0028] In addition, in the hometown tax payment gift return management program of the present invention, a user application, which is a program available on the user terminal used by the user, is provided. The user application enables the execution of the gift return information acquisition means, the personal information acquisition means, the product and other information acquisition means, and the usage determination means using the user terminal. When the user reads a product and other code including the product and other information associated with the product and other items by the product and other information acquisition means in order to receive the provision of the product and other items using the common gift return by using the user application, among the gift return information acquired by the gift return information acquisition means, the gift return items that can be used by the usage determination means may be extracted and displayed on the user terminal.

Effects of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system and a program that can appropriately handle gift returns even in the case of common gift returns that can be commonly used across multiple local governments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] An explanatory diagram showing a hometown tax payment gift return management system as an example of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] An explanatory diagram showing an area where common gift returns available across multiple local governments can be used. [Figure 3](A) is an explanatory diagram showing the login screen of the user app, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the initial home screen. [Figure 4] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the municipality selection screen in the user app, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the point acquisition method selection screen 36. [Figure 5] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the points exchange screen, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the scanning screen that appears when the scanning button is tapped. [Figure 6] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the merchant display screen that appears when the merchant button is tapped, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the payment screen that appears when a product code is selected. [Figure 7] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an A Prefecture coupon that can be used throughout A Prefecture, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the home screen where the municipality to which the donation was made is displayed and the reward points are displayed in the reward points display. [Figure 8] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state where an alert is displayed on the payment screen, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the reward points selection screen displays the reward items that meet the conditions. [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram showing the status of products and product code C in a store. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating the region where a common return gift can be used across multiple municipalities, in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Next, an example of an embodiment of the present invention, a hometown tax return management system and its program, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

[0032] The Furusato Nozei (hometown tax donation) return gift management system 1 of the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the "management system") is a system that enables user U to appropriately utilize the Furusato Nozei system, and includes a user application 11 that can be installed and used on user terminal 10 used by user U as part of the management program 2. Furthermore, the management system 1 is a system that can be used by local governments L that are eligible for Furusato Nozei, and by agents A that handle donations or return gifts 3 in accordance with the Furusato Nozei system.

[0033] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the management system 1 includes a user application 11 that allows user U's smartphone or other device to be used as a user terminal 10 of the management system 1, a municipal terminal 4 that can be used by one or more representatives of municipalities L, a proxy terminal 5 that can be used by one or more proxy companies A, and a management server 6 that can input and output data to and from each terminal.

[0034] Each of these terminals can communicate with each other via a network 7 such as the internet. The municipal terminal 4 only needs to be able to confirm tax payment results, so it can use existing terminals such as personal computers, smartphones, or tablet devices already installed in each municipality L. Similarly, the agent terminal 5 can also be an existing terminal already owned by agent A, with the agent application 5a installed.

[0035] Local government L includes not only municipalities but also administrative bodies such as prefectures that comprise multiple municipalities. In other words, if a donation is made to a prefecture, it is possible to receive a return gift 3 from that prefecture and to use the return gift 3 in a municipality within that prefecture.

[0036] Agent A is a business that, under contract from local government L, handles the acceptance and processing of donations, the preparation, sales, and management of return gifts 3, the operation of a portal site, and delivery. While local government L often outsources the tasks related to return gifts 3 to agent A, it is also possible for local government L to perform these tasks itself.

[0037] As for the third type of return gift, it is not limited to products produced by the local government, such as seafood, agricultural products, livestock products, industrial products, or services at accommodation facilities, but also includes common return gifts 3a, such as gift certificates or other monetary vouchers usable in a specific region, or coupons. Furthermore, the third type of return gift may not only be actual goods such as seafood or monetary vouchers, but may also be return points (also called digital points or electronic money) that can be sent to the user app 11 or the agent app 5a and used as payment for goods or services, or electronic data such as images, videos, or text strings.

[0038] Under the Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) system, if user U makes a donation to a municipality where their address is located, they will not be able to receive the return gift 3, effectively rendering the system unusable.

[0039] Here, the local government L that is eligible for donations includes not only cities, towns, and villages but also prefectures. If the target of the donation is a prefecture and the user U's address is in that prefecture, the user will not be able to receive the return gift 3 in the city, town, or village where the user resides, but will be able to receive the return gift 3 in any other city, town, or village.

[0040] Thus, if the return gift 3 is a common return gift 3a, such as return gift points that can be used to purchase goods in multiple municipalities, even if user U's address is included in the area where the return gift points can be used when acquiring those points, there will be no problem if the return gift points are used in a municipality where user U's address is not included when using them.

[0041] If the timing of the donation and the timing of actually using the return gift 3 differ, it will be necessary to determine whether it is possible to receive the return gift 3 at the time of the donation or at the time of using the return gift 3.

[0042] Next, the configuration of the management system 1 of the present invention will be described. The management system 1 of the present invention is executed by a management program 2 that is executed on a user application 11, a management server 6, or other terminal. This management program 2 may be installed on a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal, or it may be installed on a server including the management server 6 and usable on client terminals including the user terminal 10, local government terminal 4, or agent terminal 5.

[0043] Furthermore, management program 2 may be stored on a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, uploaded to a server or cloud computing service and made available for download over a network, or it may be a program that utilizes API (Application Programming Interface) integration.

[0044] The management server 6 and each terminal include a computer, which is equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), storage means such as a hard disk and memory, and means for connecting to various networks. Furthermore, if the computer is a desktop personal computer, it may also be equipped with a keyboard, mouse, and display (not shown in the illustration).

[0045] Here, we will use A Prefecture and the municipalities a, b, and c within A Prefecture as examples of local government L. As a common return gift 3a, we will use A Prefecture Coupon 8, which is electronic money usable throughout A Prefecture. If the user resides in a prefecture other than A Prefecture, A Prefecture Coupon 8 is a digital point usable throughout A Prefecture as shown in Figure 2. In other words, A Prefecture Coupon 8 can be called a common return gift point. A common return gift point is an initiative in which multiple neighboring municipalities cooperate to provide a common return gift point or coupon that spans across regions.

[0046] In other words, this A Prefecture Coupon 8 is a return gift that can be used in common in cities a, b, and c, and is one form of a common return gift in the present invention. If user U resides in city a within A Prefecture, this A Prefecture Coupon 8 cannot be used in city a where they reside, but it can be used in city b or c. Furthermore, if A Prefecture includes municipalities other than cities a, b, and c, the A Prefecture Coupon 8 may also be usable in these municipalities as well.

[0047] Next, we will describe a user application 11, which is an example of a management program 2 in the management system 1 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the user application 11 is a program that causes the management system 1 to execute the return gift information acquisition means 12, the personal information acquisition means 13, the product information acquisition means 14, and the usage determination means 15.

[0048] In this embodiment, the data obtained by performing each of the above-described means in the user application 11 is stored in the management server 6. Alternatively, this data may be stored on the user terminal 10 using the user application 11, or it may be stored in other storage means.

[0049] The means for acquiring return gift information 12 is a means for acquiring return gift information, which is information about return gifts 3 that can be searched on the network 7. If return gift 3 is a common return gift 3a, and common return gift 3a is a digital point, then if user U performs a search and finds a common return gift 3a that they desire, they can acquire that digital point. In the case of a common return gift 3a, the return gift information includes information such as the contents of the return gift, the municipalities where it can be used, and the period during which it can be used.

[0050] Personal information acquisition method 13 is a method for acquiring personal information of user U, such as address, name, age, gender, occupation, and annual income. Of these, information regarding the municipality where user U resides is acquired from user U's address.

[0051] The product information acquisition means 14 is a means for acquiring product information such as the content of a product or service (product, etc.) and the price of the product, etc. This product information includes information about the providing municipality, including the place where the product, etc. is provided. This product, etc. may be a return gift related to the Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) system, or it may be a product or service unrelated to the system.

[0052] The usage determination means 15 is a means for determining whether the municipality that provides product P is included among the municipalities that can use the common return gift 3a when user U makes a donation for the common return gift 3a or when user U uses the common return gift 3a to receive product P, and for determining whether product P can be purchased with the common return gift 3a.

[0053] If user U's municipality of residence is the same as some of the municipalities that offer common return gift 3a, or if user U's municipality of residence is the same as the municipality that provides product P, user U will not be able to receive a return gift under the Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) system, and therefore the use of common return gift 3a will be restricted. On the other hand, if user U's municipality of residence is different from the municipality that provides product P, user U will be able to receive a return gift under the Furusato Nozei system, and therefore the use of common return gift 3a will be permitted.

[0054] Figures 3 to 6 are explanatory diagrams showing each screen of the user application 11. Figure 3(A) is the login screen 21 that is displayed first when the user application 11 is installed and launched. The login screen 21 includes a phone number input field 22 for entering the user U's phone number, a password input field 23 for entering a password, a login button 24 for logging in, and a new member registration button 25 for registering as a new member.

[0055] Figure 3(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the home screen 26 that is displayed after logging in. The home screen 26 displays an add button 27, a reward points display 28, a scan button 29, a participating store button 30, and a point acquisition button 31.

[0056] The Add button 27 is used to add the municipality L to which the donation will be made, and the return points, which are points used to receive the return gifts 3 or services. The Return Points Display 28 is a field that displays the number of return points held. The Read button 29 is used to read the product code C (see Figure 5(B)), such as a QR code (registered trademark), attached to the product or service, including the return gifts. The Point Acquisition button 31 is used to convert the point exchange code issued when a donation is made into return points.

[0057] Figure 4(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the municipality selection screen 32 that appears when the add button 27 on the home screen 26 is tapped (selected). The municipality selection screen 32 displays a back button 33 to return to the previous screen, a municipality search field 34 to search for a municipality, and a search results display field 35 where the search results are displayed.

[0058] Figure 4(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the point acquisition method selection screen 36. On the point acquisition method selection screen 36, you can choose to acquire points by using a point exchange code or by using a credit card. For example, if you tap the "Those who have a point exchange code" option on the point acquisition method selection screen 36, the point exchange screen 37 will be displayed (Figure 5(A)). If you tap the "Donate with a credit card" option, the screen for making a donation using a credit card will be displayed (not shown).

[0059] Figure 5(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the points exchange screen 37. The points exchange screen 37 displays a back button 33, an exchange code input field 38 for entering the points exchange code, a phone number input field 39, and a next button 40 for confirming the entered information. The points exchange screen 37 also contains information about points to be aware of when exchanging points. These points acquisition method selection screen 36 and point exchange screen 37 are also displayed when the points acquisition button 31 is tapped on the home screen 26.

[0060] Figure 5(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the reading screen 41 that appears when the reading button 29 in Figure 3(B) is tapped. On the reading screen 41, the camera function of the user terminal 10 can be used to recognize the product code C associated with the return gift 3, and the contents of the return gift 3 and the number of points consumed can be displayed.

[0061] Figure 6(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the merchant display screen 42 that appears when the merchant button 30 labeled "View Merchants" in Figure 3(B) is tapped. The merchant display screen 42 includes a back button 33, a category display 43 representing the merchant's category, a merchant list button 44 that displays a list of target merchants, a map display button 45 that displays merchants on a map, and a merchant display field 46 that displays a list of searched merchants. When the map display button 45 is tapped, the merchant display field 46 changes to a map display showing merchants on a map.

[0062] Figure 6(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the payment screen 47 that appears when product code C is selected on the reading screen 41. This payment screen 47 includes a product description 48 related to product code C and a payment button 49 to be selected when making a payment.

[0063] Next, the operation of the management system 1 of this embodiment will be described. In the management system 1 of this embodiment, if user U resides in city a of prefecture A and wishes to use prefecture A coupon 8 in city b, the following process is performed. First, in cities a, b, and c, it is possible to use prefecture A coupon 8 at store S (see Figure 9) that handles prefecture A coupon 8.

[0064] When using the A Prefecture coupon 8, it can be used at the user terminal 10 using a product code C such as a barcode or 2D code. The product code C may be associated with the product P etc., which is treated as a return gift, and may be printed and displayed like a price tag. Alternatively, this product code C may be displayed using the agent terminal 5. The agent terminal 5 is a terminal that can use the agent application 5a of the management system 1, such as a so-called POS terminal, tablet terminal, or smartphone installed in each store.

[0065] User U registers their personal information in advance using User Terminal 10 or another device in Management System 1. When registering using User Terminal 10, User U first downloads and installs the user application 11 provided by Management System 1 onto User Terminal 10, such as a smartphone or tablet. The application is downloaded via a download site compatible with each user's User Terminal 10, such as Google Play or the App Store.

[0066] After installing the user application 11 on the user terminal 10, the user U's information is registered in the management system 1 using the user application 11. When the user application 11 is launched, the login screen 21 shown in Figure 3(A) is displayed, allowing the user to register as a new member.

[0067] Tapping the "New Member Registration" button 25 on the login screen 21 displays a screen for phone number verification for identity confirmation, and another screen for entering the two-factor authentication code sent to that phone number. After entering the information, a screen for setting a password appears. After setting a password, the user reviews the membership terms and conditions and completes the membership registration. On the membership registration screen, the user enters the user's name and address, uploads identity verification documents, and confirms the entered user information on the registration confirmation screen before completing the membership registration. Illustrations of these screens are omitted.

[0068] Users may register when making a donation. User U's personal information includes various information such as the user's name, age, and address. When registering personal information, users may use their My Number Card or My Number information, or information from their driver's license or health insurance card. The personal information registered by the user is stored as user information in the management system 1, in the storage device of the management server 6, or in the storage device of another server or terminal. On the other hand, with the user application 11 of this embodiment, it is also possible to use each function without registering as a new member.

[0069] When user U uses the user app 11 after registering as a member, the home screen 26 shown in Figure 3(B) is displayed. If user U has not decided on a municipality to donate to and there are no reward points, then, as shown in Figure 3(B), no information about municipalities is displayed on the home screen 26, and the reward points are 0.

[0070] When user U selects a municipality to donate to, they tap the add button 27 on the home screen 26. Tapping the add button 27 displays the municipality selection screen 32 shown in Figure 4(A). When a municipality is searched for using the municipality search field 34 on the municipality selection screen 32, the search results are displayed in the search results display field 35. In Figure 4(A), A prefecture, a city, c city, and c city are displayed in the search results display field 35.

[0071] When user U taps, for example, the display for prefecture A, the point acquisition method selection screen 36 shown in Figure 4(B) is displayed. If user U selects "Those who have a point exchange code" and taps that display, the point exchange screen 37 shown in Figure 5(A) is displayed. If user U has already obtained a point exchange code, they enter the obtained point exchange code in the exchange code input field 38 and their phone number in the phone number input field 39.

[0072] On the other hand, if user U has not yet obtained a point exchange code, they will obtain one. The point exchange code is obtained by making a donation to a website operated by an agency A or similar company that handles services related to hometown tax donations and deals with digital return points.

[0073] For example, as shown in Figure 7(A), a donation of 10,000 yen can be used to receive 3,000 digital reward points as an A Prefecture coupon 8 usable throughout A Prefecture. By making a donation through such a site, a point exchange code will be issued to the user U via email or other notification at a later date or on the same day.

[0074] If user U obtains a point exchange code, they enter the point exchange code and phone number on the point exchange screen 37 shown in Figure 5(A), and tap the Next button 40. This operation converts the point exchange code into reward points. If user U receives the reward points, as shown in Figure 7(B), the municipality L to which the donation was made is displayed on the home screen 26, and 3,000 reward points are displayed on the reward points display 28. In this example, the display 50 "Prefecture A" is shown next to the Add button 27.

[0075] At this time, the user app 11 associates this 3,000 reward points with restriction information that prevents them from being used in city a, which is the municipality where user U resides.

[0076] Next, we will explain how user U can use the reward points they have acquired. First, we will explain an example where user U uses the reward points in a city other than their own address, city a. For example, referring to Figure 9, at store S located in city b, the product code C associated with product P is displayed in the sales area for products where reward points can be used.

[0077] User U reads the product code C associated with the product U wishes to purchase from among the products sold at store S (see Figure 9). First, user U launches the user app 11, taps the read button 29 on the home screen 26, and activates the camera of the user terminal 10 as shown in Figure 5(B), and uses the camera to read the product code C located in the sales area for product P.

[0078] Once product code C is scanned, the details of the return gift 3 will be displayed on the payment screen 47, as shown in Figure 6(B). Tap the payment button 49 to confirm the purchase of return gift 3. Note that in Figure 5(B), product code C is a two-dimensional code, but other codes such as barcodes may also be used.

[0079] At this time, the user app 11 recognizes the municipality providing product P based on the product code C attached to product P and location information acquired by the user terminal 10. The user app 11 also recognizes the municipalities where the common return gift 3a, the A Prefecture coupon 8, can be used. Furthermore, the user app 11 recognizes the restrictions on the return gift points that the user is trying to use. The usage determination means 15 of the user app 11 determines from this information whether or not the A Prefecture coupon 8 can be used for product P that user U is trying to purchase.

[0080] When user U attempts to use reward points from coupon A 8 at store S in city b, the system checks whether the restriction information associated with coupon A 8 restricts its use in city b.

[0081] In this example, the restriction information associated with the A Prefecture Coupon 8 is that it is restricted to use in city a. Also, city b is included in the list of municipalities where the A Prefecture Coupon 8 can be used. The usage determination means 15 of the user app 11 determines that when user U uses the common return gift 3a, the A Prefecture Coupon 8, to receive product P, the providing municipality is included in the list of municipalities where it can be used, the municipality of residence and the providing municipality are different, and there is no restriction on use in city b, so the A Prefecture Coupon 8 can be used.

[0082] Therefore, in this case, user U can use the reward points, which are A Prefecture coupon 8. Accordingly, the user app 11 determines that the reward points obtained through A Prefecture coupon 8 can be used for payment of product P, and the payment for product P is made using the reward points.

[0083] If the management system 1 determines that the usage determination means 15 is available, it uses the A Prefecture coupon 8 as a return gift, and user U receives the goods P or services provided by store S in city b. In this way, the user app 11 of this embodiment allows users to easily use the return points acquired through donations to purchase goods and services. In addition to the method of reading the product code C associated with the goods P by tapping the reading button 29 as described above, user U may also use other methods, such as tapping the affiliated store button 30 and selecting a return gift 3 from the affiliated stores displayed.

[0084] Next, we will explain how to handle the case where a user attempts to use the A Prefecture Coupon 8 in their place of residence, City a. When a user attempts to use the A Prefecture Coupon 8 at a store in City a by operating the user terminal 10 to pay for product P with the reward points obtained with the A Prefecture Coupon 8, they confirm that the display 50 labeled "A Prefecture" next to the add button 27 on the home screen 26 shown in Figure 7(B) is selected, and then tap the scan button 29.

[0085] When the user taps the reading button 29, the screen of the user terminal 10 changes to the reading screen 41 shown in Figure 5(B), and the user reads the product code C of the product P that they wish to purchase. At this time, the user app 11 recognizes the providing municipality from the product code C and recognizes the restriction information associated with the A prefecture coupon 8.

[0086] In the user application 11, the usage determination means 15 determines whether the providing municipality recognized from the product code C is a municipality restricted by the restriction information associated with the A prefecture coupon 8. In this embodiment, the user municipality is city a, and the restricted municipality is also city a, so usage is restricted, and therefore the usage determination means 15 determines that the A prefecture coupon 8 cannot be used for payment of product P.

[0087] Thus, if the usage determination means 15 determines that payment by user U is not possible, the detailed information of the product P will be displayed on the payment screen 47, as shown in Figure 8(A), but the payment button 49 will be disabled. In addition, the message "This service is not available in this municipality." will be displayed above the payment button 49.

[0088] In the user app 11 of this embodiment, user U can obtain the common return gift 3a, the A Prefecture coupon 8, and can use this A Prefecture coupon 8 in cities other than the city of a where the user resides, but cannot use it in the city of a where the user resides. This prevents user U from using the A Prefecture coupon 8 in the city of a where the user resides. When this message is displayed on the user terminal 10, user U can choose to pay using another payment method such as credit card payment instead of the A Prefecture coupon 8, or cancel the purchase of the product P.

[0089] In this way, the management system 1, using the usage determination means 15 provided in the user application 11, determines that the A Prefecture coupon 8 cannot be used in city a, the municipality where user U's registered address is located, and displays an error message on the user terminal 10. This error message may be displayed as described above, or it may be displayed in other ways, such as "city a is user U's place of residence, and the A Prefecture coupon 8 cannot be used in city a."

[0090] Alternatively, when the management system 1 receives information from the user terminal 10 that it is requesting the use of the A Prefecture Coupon 8 and that the request is for a store in city a, the management server 6 or the agent terminal 5 may use the usage determination means 15 to determine the usage status of user U and display to the user terminal 10 or the agent terminal 5 that the A Prefecture Coupon 8 cannot be used by user U in city a. This is particularly effective when the A Prefecture Coupon 8 is a coupon printed on paper, and it may also be displayed on the paper as a barcode or a 2D code.

[0091] Thus, according to the management system 1 of this embodiment, even if user U inadvertently performs an operation to receive a return gift using the municipality where their address is located as the location of use, an error message will be displayed on the user terminal 10 or the agent terminal 5, and the use of the common return gift 3a will be restricted, thereby preventing inappropriate use by user U.

[0092] Furthermore, if user U uses the A Prefecture coupon 8 at a location other than city a, after the common return gift 3a has been appropriately used, information that the common return gift 3a has been used may be notified to the recipient prefecture A. In this case, the A Prefecture may process information regarding the use of the A Prefecture coupon 8 and the donation from user U at the A Prefecture municipal terminal 4. By performing such processing, the A Prefecture can collect statistics on the demand for each product.

[0093] In the Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) system, whether or not a return gift (item 3) is available is generally determined based on the address of the donor at the time of tax payment. Therefore, there are return gifts (item 3a) that differ in address between the time of tax payment and the time of use, such as printed coupons, and the handling of such return gifts (item 3) becomes an issue.

[0094] In the management system 1 of this embodiment, information regarding the municipality of residence may be linked to the return gift 3 at the time of tax payment. Alternatively, the date information at the time of tax payment may be linked to the return gift 3, and the management server 6 or the like may check the date information when the return gift 3 is used, refer to the registered information to extract the address of the user at the time of tax payment for the return gift 3, and determine whether the return gift is available.

[0095] According to this configuration, even if user U makes tax payments and receives reward points before moving, and then uses those reward points after moving, user U can still properly utilize the hometown tax donation system.

[0096] Next, we will describe other operations that occur when user U has already acquired the common reward item 3a, which is digital reward points, and reads the product code C of product P using the user app 11. In this embodiment, when user U launches the user app 11 on the user terminal 10 and reads the product code C associated with a product P that they like, the usage determination means 15 searches for and displays the available digital reward points.

[0097] Specifically, user U launches user application 11 on user terminal 10 and taps the reading button 29 on home screen 26 to display the reading screen 41 shown in Figure 5(B). When product code C is read on this reading screen 41, product information acquisition means 14 can obtain information about product P associated with product code C. The information about product P may include information about the providing municipality, including the place where product P is provided, as well as information such as product name, raw material name, and price.

[0098] Thus, when user U reads product code C with user app 11, the usage determination means 15 determines whether user U already possesses a return gift 3 that can be provided with the read product P. Specifically, the usage determination means 15 searches for information on return gift 3 obtained by the return gift information acquisition means 12, recognizes the user U's municipality of residence obtained by the personal information acquisition means 13, and makes a determination by comparing it with the providing municipality obtained by the product information acquisition means 14.

[0099] For example, if among the return gifts 3, including the common return gift 3a that user U has already acquired, there is one in which the municipality using the return gift 3 is the same as the municipality providing the product P that user U wishes to receive, and there is one in which user U's municipality of residence is different from the municipality providing the product P, then, as shown in Figure 8(B), the return gift point selection screen 51 will display the return gift 3 that meets these conditions, such as the A Prefecture coupon 8 or the b City coupon 8a, on the user terminal 10.

[0100] Thus, according to the management system 1 of this embodiment, when a user U finds a product P they like at a travel destination, they can easily find out whether or not they can pay for it with a reward item 3 such as digital reward points that they own by scanning the product code C of that product P with the user app 11.

[0101] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, when user U obtains the A Prefecture coupon 8, restriction information is associated with it so that it cannot be used in city a, which is the municipality where user U resides. However, in the second embodiment, the determination of whether or not it can be used in city a is made not when the A Prefecture coupon 8 is obtained, but when the A Prefecture coupon 8 is used.

[0102] When user U converts a point exchange code into reward points on the point exchange screen 37 shown in Figure 5(A), in this second embodiment, no restriction information like that in the first embodiment is added to the acquired reward points. Subsequently, user U reads the product code C of product P sold at store S shown in Figure 9, and on the detailed information payment screen 47 shown in Figure 6(B), taps the payment button 49 to decide to purchase the reward item 3.

[0103] At this time, the user app 11 recognizes the municipality where product P is provided based on the product code C attached to product P and the location information obtained by the user terminal 10. The user app 11 also recognizes the municipalities where the common return gift 3a, A Prefecture Coupon 8, can be used. Furthermore, the user app 11 recognizes the municipality of residence based on the address of user U. The usage determination means 15 of the user app 11 determines, based on this information, whether or not the A Prefecture Coupon 8 can be used for product P that user U is trying to purchase.

[0104] When user U attempts to use reward points from coupon 8 of prefecture A at store S in city b, management system 1 checks the user information that has been registered in advance. Specifically, it checks at least user U's address from the user information to identify user U's municipality of residence and determines whether or not the user can receive product P in city b.

[0105] When user U resides in city a and the providing city is city b, and city b is included in the municipalities that can be used for the A Prefecture Coupon 8, the usage determination means 15 of the user app 11 determines that user U can use the A Prefecture Coupon 8, which is a common return gift 3a, to receive product P, because the providing city is included in the municipalities that can be used, and the municipality of residence and the providing city are different.

[0106] Therefore, in this case, user U can use the reward points, which are A Prefecture coupon 8. Accordingly, the user app 11 determines that the reward points obtained through A Prefecture coupon 8 can be used for payment of product P, and the payment for product P is made using the reward points.

[0107] On the other hand, if a user attempts to use the A Prefecture Coupon 8 in their place of residence, City a, the usage determination method 15 determines that although City a is included in the list of municipalities where the A Prefecture Coupon 8 can be used, the user U's place of residence is City a, and the issuing municipality is also City a, therefore the use of the A Prefecture Coupon 8 is not permitted.

[0108] Thus, in the second embodiment, the usage determination means 15 does not reveal the restriction information of the common return gift 3a when user U acquires the common return gift 3a, but rather determines whether the use of the common return gift 3a is appropriate when user U uses it. Even with this type of processing, user U can use the common return gift 3a appropriately.

[0109] Next, as a third embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment in which a common return gift is handled by both City D and City E will be described. As shown in Figure 10, both City D and City E have set common return gift 3b as a return gift for both cities.

[0110] If a user resides in city a, as in the above embodiment, they can make a hometown tax donation for common return gift 3b in both city d and city e, and receive common return gift 3b. On the other hand, if a user resides in city d or city e, or moves to city d or city e, they may not be able to receive product P when trying to use common return gift 3b at their new address.

[0111] In the management system 1 of this embodiment, the information of the municipality of residence at the time the common return gift 3b was acquired is stored in association with the common return gift 3b. Therefore, even if user U moves, when user U attempts to use the common return gift 3b for the purpose of receiving product P, the user terminal 10, the management server 6, or the agent terminal 5 can determine whether or not the common return gift 3b is available.

[0112] This also applies, for example, if Coupon A 8 is a coupon in the form of a donation to a local government (city a, city b, etc.) within prefecture A. If user U lives in city a in prefecture A and has their resident registration in city a, and makes a donation of Coupon A 8 to city b in prefecture A, they can use Coupon A 8 in city b, but not in city a. On the other hand, even if user U subsequently moves to city b in prefecture A and changes their resident registration, they can still use Coupon A 8 in city b, but not in city a. Therefore, user U can select common return gift 3b without worrying about whether the hometown tax donation system applies even if they move.

[0113] Furthermore, for example, each local government may allow donations to be made for products and services handled by the local government's directly managed stores or direct sales websites without going through an intermediary A. In the case of products at directly managed stores, a product code C such as a barcode or 2D code may be attached to the product, and the user terminal 10 may read these product codes C, and the management system 1 may determine whether or not the product P can be received. On direct sales websites on the internet, when a user clicks on a product listed on the site, the user application 11, the management server 6, or the intermediary application 5a's usage determination means 15 should clarify whether or not the hometown tax donation system can be used for that product.

[0114] Next, as a fourth embodiment of the present invention, a management system 1 capable of handling cases where there is a limit on the use of common return gifts 3a will be described. In the hometown tax donation system, for example, there are cases where an upper limit is stipulated on the amount that can be paid per day or in a single transaction for return points that can be used for accommodation fees at lodging facilities. Reasons for such restrictions include cases where, for example, a hotel is located in city A, but the capital is from an external company other than city A.

[0115] In the fourth embodiment, for example, we assume that the product code C in store S shown in Figure 9 is a code related to accommodation fees, and that the maximum amount for accommodation fees is recorded in this product code C. In this case, when user U reads the product code C on the reading screen 41, the product information acquisition means 14 can acquire the accommodation fee information and the maximum amount associated with the product code C.

[0116] Here, the usage determination means 15 compares the amount of accommodation fees associated with product code C with the restricted upper limit. If the amount of accommodation fees exceeds the upper limit, a message indicating that the payment amount exceeds the upper limit is displayed on the user terminal 10 or the agent terminal 5 (not shown). Through this process, even if user U is unaware of the restrictions on the use of reward points, the management system 1 can use the reward points appropriately.

[0117] Thus, according to the management system 1 of the present invention, even in the case of common return gifts 3a and 3b that can be used in common across multiple municipalities, the return gifts 3 can be handled appropriately. Furthermore, with the management system 1 of the present invention, even if user U moves, the information of the municipality where the return gift 3 was acquired is associated with the return gift 3, so appropriate processing can be performed even when attempting to use the return gift 3.

[0118] In the above embodiment, when user U selects the A Prefecture coupon 8 as a common return gift 3a, restriction information is associated to restrict the use of the return gift points in city a, which is the municipality where user U resides. However, a message indicating that it cannot be used in city a may be displayed on the user terminal 10 or other terminals. Alternatively, if the A Prefecture coupon 8 is a printed coupon, the message may be displayed directly on the A Prefecture coupon 8, which is the return gift 3.

[0119] Alternatively, as a modification of the management system 1 of the present invention, for example, in the case of a common return gift available in cities a, b, and c, if user U resides in any of cities a, b, or c, a restrictive means may be provided to restrict the issuance or use of this common return gift itself.

[0120] For example, taking the municipality selection screen 32 in Figure 4(A) as an example, "Prefecture A" in the figure will be displayed as "Common to cities a, b, and c." If user U resides in city a, b, or c, the "Common to cities a, b, and c" option will be unavailable in the search results display section 35. By implementing such restrictive measures in the system, it is possible to prevent the issuance of unusable common return gifts or to restrict their use, which has advantages such as making management easier for users U and the system, and preventing misuse.

[0121] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the user application 11 is a program that executes the return gift information acquisition means 12, the personal information acquisition means 13, the product information acquisition means 14, and the usage determination means 15. However, it is not limited to this, and the execution may be carried out by a management program on the management server 6, the local government terminal 4, or the agent terminal 5. In this case, conceptually, each functional unit of the user terminal 10 in Figure 1 would be moved to the management server 6, the local government terminal 4, or the agent terminal 5.

[0122] Furthermore, although the user application 11 is described using a downloadable application as an example in each of the above embodiments, it may also be a program that can be used on the web, such as a Progressive Web App (PWA).

[0123] Furthermore, while the above embodiments use the example of a common return gift 3a being a return gift common to neighboring municipalities, the method is not limited to this and can also be applied to, for example, sister cities, product exhibitions of the recipient municipality held in other municipalities, satellite stores (antenna shops) operated in other municipalities, etc. In this case, the municipality providing the goods, etc. is not the municipality where the goods, etc. are actually provided, but rather a municipality related to the manufacturer or provider of the goods, etc., or a municipality managing the goods, etc.

[0124] Furthermore, while the product code C in each of the above embodiments was described using a two-dimensional code as an example, it is not limited to this and also includes one-dimensional codes such as barcodes, other symbols, and product information provided through communication methods using radio waves such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth (registered trademark), or by communication means such as light.

[0125] Furthermore, although a detailed explanation of the proxy service provider app 5a is omitted in each of the above embodiments, it may be an app with the same functions as the user app 11, or it may be an app that has only some of the functions of the user app 11. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 1…Management System 2…Management Program 3…Return gifts 3a,3b…Common return item 4…Local government terminals 5…Proxy service provider terminal 5a...Proxy service app 6…Management Server 7…Network 8…A Prefecture Coupon 8a...b City Coupon 10...User terminal 11…User App 12…Methods for obtaining information on return gifts 13…Means for acquiring personal information 14…Means for acquiring information on products, etc. 15…Usage determination means A…Agent C...Product Code L…Municipality P…Product S...Store U…User

Claims

1. A system for managing the handling of return gifts, including common return gifts that can be used in common across multiple municipalities for hometown tax donations. A means for acquiring information about the aforementioned return gift, which includes information about the municipalities where the aforementioned return gift can be used, A means of acquiring personal information that includes information about the municipality in which the user resides, A means for acquiring product information, which includes information about the local government providing the product or service (hereinafter referred to as "product, etc."), and A hometown tax return management system characterized by having a means for determining usage when a user receives goods or other items using the common return gift, which restricts the use of the common return gift if the user's municipality of residence and the providing municipality are the same, and allows the use of the common return gift if the user's municipality of residence and the providing municipality are different.

2. A hometown tax return gift management system according to claim 1, The Furusato Tax Return Management System is characterized in that, when the user acquires the common return gift, if the user's municipality of residence is included in the user's municipality of residence, the system records restriction information associated with the common return gift indicating that the common return gift cannot be used in the user's municipality of residence.

3. A hometown tax return gift management system according to claim 1, A hometown tax return management system characterized in that, if the product information has a limit on the amount of the return gift that can be used for the product, when the user uses the return gift for the product, the usage determination means determines that the price for the product exceeds the usage limit, and notifies the user.

4. A hometown tax return gift management system according to claim 1, The user application is a program that can be used on the user terminal used by the aforementioned user. The user application enables the execution of the means for acquiring the return gift information, the means for acquiring personal information, the means for acquiring product information, and the means for determining usage, using the user terminal. A hometown tax return management system characterized in that, when the user obtains the common return gift using the user application, if the user's municipality of residence is included in the user's municipality, the system records restriction information indicating that the common return gift cannot be used in the user's municipality of residence, in association with the common return gift.

5. A hometown tax return gift management system according to claim 1, The user application is a program that can be used on the user terminal used by the aforementioned user. The user application enables the execution of the means for acquiring the return gift information, the means for acquiring personal information, the means for acquiring product information, and the means for determining usage, using the user terminal. A hometown tax return management system characterized in that when the user uses the user application to receive the goods, etc. using the common return gift, and reads a goods code including the goods information associated with the goods, etc. using the goods information acquisition means, the usage determination means is executed to determine whether or not the goods, etc. can be provided.

6. A hometown tax return gift management system according to claim 1, The user application is a program that can be used on the user terminal used by the aforementioned user. The user application enables the execution of the means for acquiring the return gift information, the means for acquiring personal information, the means for acquiring product information, and the means for determining usage, using the user terminal. A hometown tax return management system characterized in that, when the user reads a product code including product information associated with the product using the product information acquisition means with the user application, the system extracts the return gifts that are available for use from the return gift information acquired by the return gift information acquisition means and displays them on the user terminal using the use determination means.

7. A hometown tax return gift management system according to claim 1, The system includes a management server that can be accessed from the user terminal used by the aforementioned user, The management server can obtain information about the return gifts obtained by the return gift information acquisition means, the personal information obtained by the personal information acquisition means, the product information obtained by the product information acquisition means, and information about the providing municipality. A hometown tax return management system characterized by notifying whether or not there are any restrictions on the request by the usage determination means when a request is made from the user terminal to receive the goods, etc. using the common return gift.

8. A hometown tax return gift management system according to claim 1, The agency app is a program that can be used on the agency terminals used by the agency that handles the aforementioned common return gifts. The aforementioned agency app can obtain information about the return gifts obtained by the return gift information acquisition means, the personal information obtained by the personal information acquisition means, the product information obtained by the product information acquisition means, and information about the providing municipality. A hometown tax return management system characterized by notifying whether or not there are any restrictions on the request by the usage determination means when a request is made from the user terminal used by the user to receive the goods, etc. using the common return gift.

9. A system for managing the handling of return gifts, including common return gifts that can be used in common across multiple municipalities for hometown tax donations. A means for acquiring information about the aforementioned return gift, which includes information about the municipalities where the aforementioned return gift can be used, A means of acquiring personal information that includes information about the municipality in which the user resides, A means for acquiring product information, which includes information about the local government providing the product, including the location where the product is provided, A hometown tax return management system characterized by having a restrictive means to restrict the issuance or use of the common return gift when the return gift is a common return gift and the municipality of residence is included among the municipalities that utilize the common return gift.

10. A program for managing the handling of return gifts, including common return gifts that can be used in common across multiple municipalities for hometown tax donations, Computers, A means for obtaining information about the aforementioned return gifts, A means of acquiring personal information that includes information about the municipality in which the user resides, A means for acquiring product information that acquires product information about products and other items, and information about the local government that provides the said products and other items, including the place where the products and other items are provided. A hometown tax return management program characterized in that, when the user receives the goods, etc. using the common return gift, the program functions as a means of determining whether the user can use the common return gift, restricting the use of the common return gift if the providing municipality is included in the municipalities where the common return gift can be used and the user's municipality of residence and the providing municipality are the same, and allowing the use of the common return gift if the user's municipality of residence and the providing municipality are different.

11. A hometown tax return management program according to claim 10, The user application is a program that can be used on the user terminal used by the aforementioned user. The user application enables the execution of the means for acquiring the return gift information, the means for acquiring personal information, the means for acquiring product information, and the means for determining usage, using the user terminal. A hometown tax return management program characterized in that, when the user acquires the common return gift using the user application, if the user's municipality of residence is included in the user's municipality, the program records restriction information associated with the common return gift indicating that it cannot be used in the user's municipality of residence.

12. A hometown tax return management program according to claim 10, The user application is a program that can be used on the user terminal used by the aforementioned user. The user application enables the execution of the means for acquiring the return gift information, the means for acquiring personal information, the means for acquiring product information, and the means for determining usage, using the user terminal. A hometown tax return management program characterized in that when the user uses the user application to receive the goods, etc. using the common return gift, and reads a goods code including the goods information associated with the goods, etc. using the goods information acquisition means, the program executes the usage determination means to determine whether or not the goods, etc. can be provided.

13. A hometown tax return management program according to claim 10, The user application is a program that can be used on the user terminal used by the aforementioned user. The user application enables the execution of the means for acquiring the return gift information, the means for acquiring personal information, the means for acquiring product information, and the means for determining usage, using the user terminal. A hometown tax return management program characterized in that, when the user reads a product code including product information associated with the product using the product information acquisition means with the user application, the program extracts the return gifts that are available for use from the return gift information acquired by the return gift information acquisition means and displays them on the user terminal using the use determination means.

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