Tax exemption system, tax exemption methods, and tax exemption programs

Abstract

To accurately obtain information for tax exemption procedures based on the results of character recognition of a purchase receipt. [Solution] The tax exemption system includes at least one processor that acquires receipt data obtained by performing character recognition on a purchase receipt showing one or more purchased items at a target store, determines the price of each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data, identifies the target store based on the receipt data, references a store database that stores store data including tax exemption category information that indicates the tax exemption category of each of the one or more purchased items at the identified target store, and generates purchase information that indicates the determined price and the determined tax exemption category of each of the one or more purchased items.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tax exemption system, a tax exemption method, and a tax exemption program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a mechanism for capturing information recorded on a purchase receipt showing a product purchased at a store and executing processing for tax exemption procedures based on that information. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a tax exemption processing device that acquires information showing that a purchaser is a non-resident and information showing the product price and consumption tax amount, acquires an image of a certificate proving that the purchaser is a non-resident and an image of a receipt showing the details of the product purchase by the purchaser, determines the refund amount corresponding to the tax exemption based on the information showing the product price and consumption tax amount, creates purchase record information including the contents of the certificate and the product purchase based on the image of the certificate and the image of the receipt, and provides the purchase record information to the National Tax Agency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-13680 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need for a mechanism for accurately obtaining information for tax exemption procedures based on the results of character recognition on purchase receipts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A tax exemption system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one processor. The at least one processor acquires receipt data obtained by performing character recognition on a purchase receipt showing one or more purchased items at a target store, determines the price of each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data, identifies the target store based on the receipt data, references a store database that stores store data including tax exemption category information that indicates the tax exemption category of each of the items for each of a plurality of stores, determines the tax exemption category of each of the one or more purchased items at the identified target store, and generates purchase information that indicates the determined price and the determined tax exemption category of each of the one or more purchased items.

[0006] In this aspect, a target store is identified based on receipt data obtained by character recognition of a purchase receipt, and the tax-free category of each product purchased at that target store is identified by referencing store data indicating the product's tax-free category for each store. Purchase information is then generated that indicates the tax-free category and price of each purchased product. Because the product's tax-free category, which may differ from store to store, is identified using a store database, accurate information for tax-free procedures can be obtained based on the results of character recognition of the purchase receipt. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, information for tax exemption procedures can be accurately obtained based on the results of character recognition of a purchase receipt. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of application of a tax exemption system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an issuing terminal (tax exemption system). [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer that constitutes a publishing terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase receipt. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the issuing terminal. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for generating purchase information. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for identifying details of a purchase receipt. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of display of user information and purchase information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Various examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] [System Configuration] The tax exemption system according to the present disclosure is a computer system that executes processing for tax exemption procedures (tax refund procedures). The tax exemption system acquires receipt data obtained by performing character recognition on a purchase receipt showing products purchased at a store, and generates purchase information used for tax exemption procedures based on the receipt data. A purchase receipt is issued for each purchase procedure (i.e., each transaction). In the present disclosure, the store that issues the purchase receipt and is identified by the tax exemption system is also referred to as the "target store."

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of application of the tax exemption system according to the present disclosure. In this example, the tax exemption system according to the present disclosure is applied to one or more issuing terminals 10. The issuing terminal 10 is a computer that transmits purchase record information used by a user to undergo tax exemption procedures to the National Tax Agency. The issuing terminal 10 may be installed in a store or at a tax exemption counter that can accept tax exemption procedures for purchases at one or more stores in one place. Such tax exemption counters are typically installed in places with multiple stores, such as shopping malls and commercial complexes. The issuing terminal 10 may be a kiosk terminal that allows a user to perform the tax exemption procedures themselves, or may be a computer operated by staff at the store or tax exemption counter. Alternatively, a user terminal such as a smartphone or tablet may function as the issuing terminal 10.

[0012] Each issuing terminal 10 is connected to a store database 20 and a management server 30 via a communications network N. The management server 30 is connected to a purchase record database 40 and an NTA system 50 via the communications network N. The communications network N may be constructed using the Internet, an intranet, or a combination of these. The communications network N may be constructed using a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of these. The store database 20 is a storage device that stores store data used to process receipt data. The management server 30 is a computer that comprehensively manages purchase record information based on purchase information. The management server 30 is typically operated by a tax refund operator (TRO). The purchase record database 40 is a storage device that stores the purchase record information. The NTA system 50 is a computer system operated by the National Tax Agency. The NTA system 50 manages tax exemptions for individual users based on the purchase record information provided by the management server 30.

[0013] In this disclosure, a user refers to a person who can enjoy the benefit of tax exemption and purchases a product at a store. Typically, the user is a non-resident such as a foreign tourist. The store is typically a duty-free shop that can sell products to such users in a manner that exempts the products from tax in real time or ultimately. The exempted tax is typically a value-added tax (VAT) such as a consumption tax.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the issuing terminal 10. In this example, the issuing terminal 10 has functional modules: a user processing unit 11, a receipt processing unit 12, a display control unit 13, and a record generation unit 14. The user processing unit 11 is a functional module that executes processes related to users. The receipt processing unit 12 is a functional module that executes processes related to purchase receipts. The receipt processing unit 12 acquires receipt data, identifies specific data items on the purchase receipt based on the receipt data, and makes judgments about several data items. The display control unit 13 is a functional module that displays purchase information based on this processing. The record generation unit 14 is a functional module that generates purchase record information based on the purchase information and transmits this purchase record information to the management server 30.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 100 constituting the issuing terminal 10 (tax-free system). For example, the computer 100 includes a processor 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary memory 103, a communication control unit 104, an input device 105, and an output device 106. The processor 101 is an arithmetic circuit that executes an operating system and application programs. The main memory 102 is composed of, for example, ROM and RAM. The auxiliary memory 103 is composed of, for example, a hard disk or flash memory, and generally stores larger amounts of data than the main memory 102. The communication control unit 104 is composed of, for example, a network card or a wireless communication module. The input device 105 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a card reader, a scanner, a camera, a voice input device, a biometric authentication device, etc. The output device 106 is composed of, for example, a monitor (display device), a speaker, a printer, a card writer, etc.

[0016] Each functional module of the issuing terminal 10 (tax exemption system) is realized by a tax exemption program 110 pre-stored in the auxiliary memory unit 103. The processor 101 executes the tax exemption program 110 loaded onto the main memory unit 102. The processor 101 operates the communication control unit 104, the input device 105, or the output device 106 in accordance with the tax exemption program 110, and reads and writes data from and to the main memory unit 102 or the auxiliary memory unit 103. Each functional module of the issuing terminal 10 is realized by such control.

[0017] The tax exemption program 110 may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the tax exemption program 110 may be provided via a communication network as a data signal superimposed on a carrier wave.

[0018] [Data Structure] The store data pre-stored in the store database 20 is electronic data that indicates, for each of a plurality of stores, information for processing receipt data corresponding to that store. In one example, each data record of the receipt data includes the following data items: store ID, store name, store phone number, tax-free category information, tax display information, tax rate information, verification method information, specific tax rate information, and shopping bag information. In other words, the store data indicates these data items for each of a plurality of stores.

[0019] The store ID is a store identifier that uniquely identifies the store. For example, the store ID may be a registration number as a qualified bill issuing business.

[0020] The store name can function as a store identifier, similar to a store ID. Taking into account the possibility of misreading during character recognition on receipts, multiple types of character strings may be preset for one store name. For example, if the store name is "GIFT MARKET TOKYO," the letter "I" may be misread as the number "1." Taking this possibility into account, a string in which the letter "I" in "GIFT" is replaced with the number "1" may be set as the store name in addition to the correct string.

[0021] The phone number is the phone number of the store. Since the same phone number may be assigned to multiple stores in a single commercial complex, the store ID and phone number do not necessarily have a 1:1 correspondence, but may have an N:1 correspondence.

[0022] The tax-free category information indicates the tax-free category of a product eligible for tax exemption. The tax-free category is determined, for example, based on the tax-free conditions. The tax-free category information may indicate whether the product eligible for tax exemption is a general product or a consumable product. Consumable products include food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, etc. General products include non-consumable products such as home appliances, watches, bags, and clothing. The tax-free condition for consumable products is that the total amount of sales excluding tax by the same user at the same store in one day is between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen. The tax-free condition for general products is that the total amount of sales excluding tax by the same user at the same store in one day is 5,000 yen or more. As an example other than "general products" and "consumable products," the tax-free category information may indicate whether the product eligible for tax exemption is a luxury product or a general product. Alternatively, the tax-free category information may indicate whether the product eligible for tax exemption is subject to customs inspection. As another example, the tax-free category information may be information indicating to which of a plurality of price ranges, which are categorized based on the price of the product, the product that is subject to tax-free belongs. The tax-free category information is prepared taking into consideration that the tax-free category of the same product may differ from store to store. In the following explanation, the tax-free categories are assumed to be "general goods" and "consumables."

[0023] The tax display information indicates whether the product price displayed on the purchase receipt is tax-exclusive or tax-inclusive for each of multiple stores. The tax display information is prepared taking into consideration that the format for displaying product prices may differ from store to store.

[0024] Tax rate information indicates the default tax rate for products sold at a store. The default value may be a standard tax rate or a specific tax rate. The default tax rate for a store may differ depending on various factors, such as the type of store and the product lineup at the store. Taking this into consideration, tax rate information is prepared for each store to improve the accuracy of reading purchase receipts.

[0025] The verification method information indicates whether the base amount is a total amount including tax, a total amount excluding tax, or the difference between the total amount including tax and the total tax. The base amount is used to check the total amount, which is the total purchase amount for a single purchase, and is the amount based on the description on the purchase receipt. The verification method information is prepared taking into account that the format for displaying the total amount may differ from store to store.

[0026] The specific tax rate information is information that indicates the specific tax rate mark that will be displayed on the purchase receipt. A specific tax rate is one of multiple tax rates. An example of a specific tax rate is the reduced tax rate. The specific tax rate information is prepared taking into account that the mark indicating the specific tax rate may differ from store to store.

[0027] The shopping bag information indicates a threshold value for specifying the fee for a shopping bag used to store purchased items. Examples of shopping bags include plastic bags and paper bags. The shopping bag information is prepared taking into consideration that the fee for shopping bags may vary from store to store.

[0028] The issuing terminal 10 can also access a predetermined database that stores designated product information. The designated product information is information that indicates one or more designated character strings for identifying designated products for which a tax-free category is set to a predetermined value. In the following explanation, the predetermined value is assumed to be "consumables." For example, each designated character string is a character string related to the name or category of a product. The designated character string may be written using regular expressions. The designated product information is prepared taking into consideration that a specific tax-free category may be set for a specific product.

[0029] The purchase record information stored in purchase record database 40 is electronic data indicating information on individual purchase procedures. In one example, each data record of the purchase record information includes a purchase record ID, user information, and purchase information as data items.

[0030] The purchase record ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies each piece of purchase record information.

[0031] The user information is information indicating a user who has purchased a product eligible for tax exemption. In one example, the user information includes data items such as name, nationality, date of birth, date of arrival, passport number, residence status, and planned departure date. In the example of the present disclosure, a passport is shown as the user's identification document. However, other identification documents recognized by the laws of the territory may be used instead of a passport, and for example, the identification document may be another document such as an entry certificate.

[0032] The purchase information is information regarding the purchasing procedure at a target store. In one example, the purchase information includes the store ID, store name, purchase date, purchase time, receipt number, total purchase amount for general items, total purchase amount for consumables, and purchase details. The purchase details include, for each of one or more purchased items, the tax-exempt category, product name, quantity, unit price, purchase amount, and specific tax rate category. The receipt number is an identifier that uniquely identifies a purchase receipt at a target store. The purchase amount is typically the unit price multiplied by the quantity. The specific tax rate category is information that indicates the specific tax rate that applies to the purchased item. The specific tax rate category may be information that at least indicates whether a specific tax rate applies to the purchased item, or may be information that further indicates the type of specific tax rate that applies (type of tax rate value).

[0033] [Purchase receipt] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase receipt. The purchase receipt 200 shown in this example includes a store name 201, a store address 202, a store phone number 203, a receipt number 204, a purchase date (a purchase receipt issue date 205), purchase details 206, a subtotal (amount excluding tax) 207, a breakdown of the subtotal 208, a total (amount including tax) 209, and a tax amount 210.

[0034] The purchase details 206 are information about each of one or more purchased items. In this example, the purchase details 206 indicate that the user purchased five chocolates G, one watch X, and five cosmetics Q. The "*" mark in the chocolate G column indicates that a reduced tax rate (special tax rate) was applied to chocolate G. In the purchase receipt 200, if the number of items purchased is 1, the number of items purchased is omitted. The amount in the purchase details 206 is the price excluding tax. The subtotal breakdown 208 indicates the total amount excluding tax and the tax amount for each tax rate (for the standard tax rate of 10% and the reduced tax rate of 8%).

[0035] [System Operation] The operation of the issuing terminal 10 will be described as an example of the tax exemption method according to the present disclosure with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation as a processing flow S1.

[0036] In step S11, the user processing unit 11 acquires user information. The user has a reading device such as a scanner or camera read their passport, and the user processing unit 11 acquires the read passport information. The passport reading device may be a component of the issuing terminal 10. Alternatively, a user terminal such as a smartphone may function as the reading device, and the user processing unit 11 may receive the passport information from the user terminal. If necessary, the user processing unit 11 may request additional information other than the passport information from the user and acquire the input additional information. The user processing unit 11 acquires user information that includes at least the passport information and further includes additional information acquired as necessary.

[0037] In step S12, the receipt processing unit 12 acquires receipt data for each of one or more purchase procedures performed by the user, i.e., for each of one or more purchase receipts held by the user. The receipt data is acquired by performing character recognition on a purchase receipt indicating one or more purchased items at a target store. Character recognition may be achieved, for example, by optical character recognition (OCR). The user reads the purchase receipt using a reading device such as a scanner or camera, and the receipt processing unit 12 acquires the read receipt data. The reading device for the purchase receipt may be a component of the issuing terminal 10. Alternatively, a user terminal such as a smartphone may function as the reading device, and the receipt processing unit 12 may receive the receipt data from the user terminal. In one example, the receipt processing unit 12 acquires receipt data written in accordance with a predetermined notation that represents individual data objects using key-value pairs. An example of such a notation is JSON.

[0038] In step S13, the receipt processor 12 generates purchase information based on the receipt data. Details of this process will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of this process.

[0039] In step S131, the receipt processing unit 12 selects receipt data of one purchase receipt from the receipt data of one or more acquired purchase receipts.

[0040] In step S132, the receipt processing unit 12 determines whether the purchase date on the purchase receipt is valid. The receipt processing unit 12 identifies the purchase date written on the purchase receipt based on the selected receipt data. The receipt processing unit 12 compares the purchase date with the system date. If the purchase date matches the system date (i.e., the current date), processing proceeds to step S133. If the purchase date differs from the system date, the receipt processing unit 12 displays a date error on the display device, indicating that the tax exemption procedure for the selected receipt data (i.e., the selected purchase receipt) is not possible. If the purchase date cannot be identified based on the receipt data, the receipt processing unit 12 may inquire of the user whether the purchase date of the selected receipt data is the current date (i.e., the system date). If the user selects that the purchase date is the current date, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the purchase date is valid, and processing proceeds to step S133. If the user selects that the purchase date is not the current date, the receipt processing unit 12 displays a date error on the display device. If a date error is displayed, the receipt processor 12 ends processing of the selected receipt data and the process returns to step S131.

[0041] In step S133, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the store identifier of the target store. As described above, the store data indicates the correspondence between telephone numbers and store identifiers for each of multiple stores. The receipt processing unit 12 identifies the telephone number based on the selected receipt data. The receipt processing unit 12 then references the store database 20 to search for the store identifier corresponding to the telephone number. For example, the receipt processing unit 12 extracts a pair of a store ID and a store name as the store identifier. If only one store identifier exists in the store data corresponding to the identified telephone number, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies that single store identifier as the store identifier of the target store. On the other hand, if two or more store identifiers exist in the store data corresponding to the identified telephone number, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the store identifier written on the purchase receipt as the reference identifier from the receipt data. For example, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies at least one of the store ID and store name as the reference identifier. From the two or more store identifiers extracted from the store data, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies one store identifier corresponding to the reference identifier as the store identifier of the target store. The store identifier corresponding to the reference identifier is, for example, a store identifier that matches the reference identifier, a store identifier that includes the reference identifier, or a store identifier that has the highest similarity to the reference identifier.

[0042] If the phone number cannot be identified based on the selected receipt data, the receipt processing unit 12 may use the reference identifier to identify the store identifier of the target store. The receipt processing unit 12 references the store database 20 and identifies one store identifier corresponding to the reference identifier as the store identifier of the target store.

[0043] In step S134, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the details of the purchase receipt (purchase details) based on the selected receipt data.

[0044] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of this identification process. In step S1341, the receipt processing unit 12 references the store database 20 to obtain information necessary to identify the details of the purchase receipt. The receipt processing unit 12 extracts tax-free category information, tax display information, tax rate information, specific tax rate information, and shopping bag information corresponding to the identified store identifier (i.e., the identified target store) from the store data.

[0045] In step S1342, the receipt processor 12 extracts information about one purchased item from the receipt data. This information is hereinafter also referred to as purchased item information. For example, the purchased item information may include at least one of the following: product name, price, discount amount, quantity, and a specific tax rate mark.

[0046] In step S1343, the receipt processing unit 12 performs processing related to discounts. Based on the purchased item information, the receipt processing unit 12 determines whether a discount has been applied to the purchased item. For example, the receipt processing unit 12 performs this determination based on predetermined rules for displaying discounts. These rules may be set so that a determination can be made regardless of whether the discount amount is displayed as a positive or negative value. Alternatively, these rules may be set so that a determination can be made as to whether a currency unit has been added to the discount amount. If no discount has been applied, the receipt processing unit 12 determines the extracted price as the price of the purchased item as is. On the other hand, if a discount has been applied, the receipt processing unit 12 ultimately determines the price obtained by subtracting the discount amount from the price as the price of the purchased item. In other words, the receipt processing unit 12 ultimately determines the price of the purchased item in a format that includes the discount.

[0047] In step S1344, the receipt processing unit 12 performs processing related to the shopping bag. Based on the purchased item information, the receipt processing unit 12 determines whether the identified price is equal to or less than the threshold indicated in the shopping bag information. If the price is greater than the threshold, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the purchased item is not a shopping bag. If the price is equal to or less than the threshold, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the purchased item is a shopping bag.

[0048] In step S1345, the receipt processing unit 12 performs processing related to the specific tax rate. If the purchased item information includes a mark indicated by the specific tax rate information, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the specific tax rate applies to the purchased item. In other words, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the purchased item to which the specific tax rate applies. The receipt processing unit 12 then associates the specific tax rate with the purchased item. On the other hand, if the purchased item information does not include the mark, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the specific tax rate does not apply to the purchased item.

[0049] In step S1346, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the number of purchased items. As with the purchase receipt 200 described above, if the number is 1, that number may not be displayed on the purchase receipt. If the purchased item information does not include a number, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the number of purchased items as 1. If the purchased item information includes a number, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies that number as is.

[0050] In step S1347, the receipt processing unit 12 performs processing related to tax display. Based on the tax display information, the receipt processing unit 12 selects either a tax-exclusive display or a tax-inclusive display as the tax display format for the purchase receipt. If the tax display information indicates a tax-exclusive display, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the specified price is a tax-exclusive price. If the tax display information indicates a tax-inclusive display, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the specified price is a tax-inclusive price.

[0051] In step S1348, the receipt processing unit 12 determines the tax rate for the purchased item. In one example, the receipt processing unit 12 determines the default value indicated in the tax rate information as the tax rate for the purchased item, with the following exceptions: The first exception is when a specific tax rate is applied to the purchased item, as described above. The second exception is when the purchased item is a shopping bag, and the receipt processing unit 12 determines the standard tax rate as the tax rate for the purchased item, regardless of the tax rate information.

[0052] In step S1349, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the tax-free category of the purchased item. In one example, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the tax-free category indicated in the tax-free category information as the tax-free category of the purchased item, with the following exceptions: As a first exception, if a specific tax rate is applied to the purchased item, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies "consumables" as the tax-free category of the purchased item. As a second exception, if the purchased item is a shopping bag, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies "general goods," the tax-free category corresponding to the shopping bag, as the tax-free category of the purchased item. As a third exception, if the product name (name of the purchased item) contains any of the specified character strings indicated in the designated product information stored in a predetermined database, that is, if a purchased item containing the specified character string is identified, the receipt processing unit 12 sets the predetermined value of the tax-free category corresponding to the designated product information, "consumables," as the tax-free category of the purchased item.

[0053] As shown in step S1350, the receipt processing unit 12 performs the processes of steps S1342 to S1349 for each of the one or more purchased items indicated in the selected receipt data. If there are any unprocessed purchased items (NO in step S1350), the process returns to step S1342. In the repeated step S1342, the receipt processing unit 12 extracts purchased item information for the next purchased item from the receipt data. In the repeated steps S1343 to S1349, the receipt processing unit 12 performs the identification and determination process for the next purchased item. If all purchased items indicated in the selected receipt data have been processed (YES in step S1350), step S134 ends.

[0054] Returning to FIG. 6, in step S135, the receipt processor 12 determines the validity of the total amount specified from the receipt data.

[0055] Based on the selected receipt data, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies at least one total amount written on the purchase receipt as a base amount. The purchase receipt lists at least one of a tax-inclusive total amount, a tax-exclusive total amount, and a total tax amount. In response to such a description on the purchase receipt, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies at least one of the tax-inclusive total amount, the tax-exclusive total amount, and the difference between the tax-inclusive total amount and the tax amount as a base amount.

[0056] The receipt processing unit 12 extracts the matching method information corresponding to the identified target store from the store data and selects a base price type. The receipt processing unit 12 calculates the total price of one or more purchased items and compares this total with the base price corresponding to the selected type. If the total matches the base price, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the prices of each purchased item and the total amount in the receipt data are consistent. If the total does not match the base price, the receipt processing unit 12 displays an amount error on the display device, indicating that information related to the amount may not have been read correctly from the purchase receipt. An amount error may occur if some details on the purchase receipt were not read correctly.

[0057] The receipt processor 12 may compare the total price of one or more purchased items with at least one specified reference amount. That is, the receipt processor 12 compares the total with at least one of the following: the total amount including tax, the total amount excluding tax, or the difference in amount. For example, the receipt processor 12 may use such a comparison method if the verification method information for the specified target store is not registered. If the total matches one of the reference amounts, the receipt processor 12 determines that the prices of the purchased items and the total amount in the receipt data are consistent. If the total does not match any of the reference amounts, the receipt processor 12 displays an amount error on the display device.

[0058] In step S136, the receipt processing unit 12 determines the validity of the total purchase quantity identified from the receipt data. The receipt processing unit 12 identifies the total purchase quantity written on the purchase receipt based on the selected receipt data. The receipt processing unit 12 calculates the total quantity of each of one or more purchased items and compares this total with the identified total purchase quantity. If the total matches the total purchase quantity, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the number of each purchased item and the total purchase quantity in the receipt data are consistent. If the total does not match the total purchase quantity, the receipt processing unit 12 displays a quantity error on the display device, indicating that information regarding the quantity may not have been read correctly from the purchase receipt. Like an amount error, a quantity error can occur when some of the details on the purchase receipt are not read correctly.

[0059] In step S137, the receipt processing unit 12 generates purchase information. For each data item in the purchase information, the receipt processing unit 12 may set the value indicated in the receipt data as is, or may set the value based on the identified purchase receipt details (i.e., the result of step S134).

[0060] If the price of each of one or more purchased items is specified as a price excluding tax, the receipt processing unit 12 calculates the price including tax for each of the one or more purchased items based on the specified price and the specified tax rate. If the price of each of one or more purchased items is specified as a price including tax, the receipt processing unit 12 calculates the price excluding tax for each of the one or more purchased items based on the specified price and the specified tax rate. The receipt processing unit 12 also calculates the total purchase price for general goods and the total purchase price for consumables. The receipt processing unit 12 generates purchase information that includes these calculation results.

[0061] The receipt processing unit 12 generates purchase information indicating the identified store identifier (i.e., the store identifier of the target store) and the tax-exclusive price, tax-inclusive price, tax-free category, and tax rate for each of one or more purchased items. One of the tax-exclusive price and tax-inclusive price is identified based on the tax display format, and the other is calculated using the identified price and tax rate. The purchase information indicates the tax-exclusive price and tax-inclusive price of the purchased items to which a discount has been applied in the format in which the discount has been applied. If a purchased item to which a specific tax rate is applied is identified, the purchase information indicates the correspondence between the purchased item and the specific tax rate. The purchase information may also indicate the tax-exclusive category of the shopping bag.

[0062] As described above, the receipt processing unit 12 references the store database 20 (store data) to identify the tax-free category for each of one or more purchased items at the identified target store. This identification process includes cases where the tax-free category for each purchased item is identified based on the tax-free category information without using specific tax rate information, shopping bag information, or designated item information. This identification process also includes cases where the tax-free category for at least one of the one or more purchased items is identified using at least one of the specific tax rate information, shopping bag information, and designated item information.

[0063] As described above, the receipt processing unit 12 references the store database 20 (store data) to determine the tax rate for each of one or more purchased items at the identified target store. This determination process includes cases where the tax rate for each purchased item is determined based on tax rate information without using specific tax rate information or shopping bag information. This determination process also includes cases where the tax rate for at least one of the one or more purchased items is determined using at least one of the specific tax rate information and shopping bag information.

[0064] As shown in step S138, the receipt processing unit 12 performs the processes of steps S131 to S137 for the receipt data of all acquired purchase receipts. If unprocessed receipt data exists (NO in step S138), the process returns to step S131. In the repeated step S131, the receipt processing unit 12 selects receipt data for the next purchase receipt. In the repeated steps S132 to S137, the receipt processing unit 12 performs the processes for the selected receipt data. If all receipt data has been processed (YES in step S138), step S13 ends.

[0065] Returning to Fig. 5, in step S14, the display control unit 13 displays the user information and purchase information on the display device. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display of user information and purchase information. In this example, the display control unit 13 displays a screen 300 written in English on the display device. This screen 300 includes a passport information area 310 that displays passport information that can be used as user information, a purchase information area 320 that displays purchase information, and a submit button 330 for generating and transmitting purchase record information.

[0066] Passport information area 310 shows passport information (eg, the user's name and date of birth) read from the passport.

[0067] The purchase information area 320 includes a combo box 321 for selecting a target store, a details area 322 showing details of purchases at the selected target store, and a summary area 323 showing a summary of purchases at the selected target store. The details area 322 shows the store name (SHOP), purchase date (RECEIPT DATE), receipt identification number (RECEIPT NO.), name of purchased item (PRODUCT), quantity of purchased item (QTY), price excluding tax (NET AMT.), price including tax (GROSS AMT.), tax rate (VAT) for the purchased item, and tax-exempt category (CONSUMABLE) of the purchased item. In this example, the tax-exempt category is displayed as a toggle switch, with ON and OFF of the toggle switch representing "consumables" and "general goods," respectively. Summary area 323 shows the total amount excluding tax for general items (NON-CONSUMABLE TOTAL), the total amount excluding tax for consumable items (CONSUMABLE TOTAL), the grand total excluding tax (PURCHASE TOTAL), the total tax amount (VAT TOTAL), the tax exemption fee paid to the TRO (FEE), and the tax refunded to the user (REFUND TOTAL). The information displayed in purchase information area 320 corresponds to purchase receipt 200 shown in FIG. 4.

[0068] 5, in step S15, the record generation unit 14 generates purchase record information corresponding to each of one or more purchase receipts based on the user information and the purchase information. For example, the record generation unit 14 generates the purchase record information in response to a predetermined user operation.

[0069] In step S16, the record generation unit 14 transmits the purchase record information to the management server 30 at a predetermined timing. The management server 30 receives the purchase record information and stores the purchase record information in the purchase record database 40. The transmission of the purchase record information to the management server 30 is an example of a process of outputting the purchase record information for storage in the purchase record database 40.

[0070] In the example of Figure 8, an operator such as a user or staff member checks the information on screen 300 and then clicks or taps the issue button 330, and the record generation unit 14 generates and transmits purchase record information in response to the user operation (steps S15, S16).

[0071] The management server 30 transmits the purchase record information stored in the purchase record database 40 to the NTA system 50 at a predetermined timing. The NTA system 50 inspects the purchase record information and returns the reception result to the management server 30. The purchase record information received by the NTA system 50 can be referenced by customs officials. The user can undergo the required tax exemption procedures based on the purchase record information.

[0072] [Variations] The technology according to the present disclosure has been described in detail above based on various examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. Various modifications can be made to the technology according to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0073] In this disclosure, the expression "at least one processor executes a first process, executes a second process, ... executes an nth process" or a corresponding expression is a concept that includes cases where the entity executing the n processes from the first process to the nth process (i.e., the processor) changes midway through. In other words, this expression shows a concept that includes both a case where all n processes are executed by the same processor and a case where the processor changes among the n processes according to an arbitrary policy.

[0074] The processing steps of the method executed by at least one processor are not limited to the above examples. For example, some of the above steps may be omitted, or the steps may be executed in a different order. Furthermore, any two or more of the above steps may be combined, or some of the steps may be modified or deleted. Alternatively, other steps may be executed in addition to the above steps.

[0075] For example, with regard to the process of identifying the details of the purchase receipt (step S134), the receipt processing unit 12 may not execute at least one of the above steps S1343 to S1349, and may execute only one of steps S1343 to S1349.

[0076] As another example of the process for identifying purchase receipt details (step S134), the receipt processing unit 12 may identify the product category to which the purchased item belongs, in addition to at least one of steps S1343 to S1349 described above. A product category refers to information indicating the type of product, such as "food / drinks," "apparel," "cosmetics," or "home appliances." In this case, the receipt processing unit 12 references a predetermined product database that stores the consumption categories of individual products to identify the product category corresponding to the product name. The receipt processing unit 12 then generates purchase information that further includes the product category for each of the one or more purchased items. The record generation unit 14 generates and outputs purchase record information that further includes the product category for each of the one or more purchased items based on the purchase information.

[0077] The tax exemption system according to the present disclosure may be applied to a computer or computer system other than the issuing terminal 10. In this regard, the tax exemption system may not perform processing related to user information or processing related to purchase record information.

[0078] When comparing the magnitude of two numbers within a computer system or computer, either of the two criteria "greater than or equal to" and "greater than" can be used, or either of the two criteria "less than or equal to" and "under".

[0079] [Note] As can be seen from the various examples above, the present disclosure includes the following aspects. (Appendix 1) at least one processor; the at least one processor: Acquiring receipt data obtained by performing character recognition on a purchase receipt showing one or more purchased items at a target store; determining a price for each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data; Identifying the target store based on the receipt data; Identifying the tax-free category of each of the one or more purchased products at the identified target store by referring to a store database that stores store data including tax-free category information that indicates the tax-free category of the product for each of a plurality of stores; generating purchase information indicating the identified price and the identified tax-free category for each of the one or more purchased items; Duty-free system. (Appendix 2) The store data further includes tax display information indicating, for each of the plurality of stores, whether the price displayed on the purchase receipt is tax-exclusive or tax-inclusive; the at least one processor: Selecting one of the tax-excluded display and the tax-inclusive display as the tax display format of the purchase receipt based on the tax display information corresponding to the identified target store; generating the purchase information indicating, as the specified price, one of a price excluding tax and a price including tax for each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data and the selected tax display format; Duty-free system as described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) the store data further includes, for each of the plurality of stores, tax rate information indicating a default value of a tax rate for products sold at the store; the at least one processor: Identifying the tax rate for each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data and the tax rate information corresponding to the identified target store; generating the purchase information further indicating the tax rate for each of the identified one or more purchased items; The duty-free system described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) the at least one processor: identifying, based on the receipt data, at least one reference amount used for checking a total amount based on a description of the purchase receipt, wherein the at least one reference amount is at least one of a total amount including tax, a total amount excluding tax, and a difference between the total amount including tax and the total tax; calculating the sum of the prices of each of the one or more purchased items; displaying an amount error on a display device if the calculated total differs from any of the at least one specified reference amount. A tax exemption system as set forth in any one of appendices 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) the store data further includes verification method information indicating, for each of the plurality of stores, whether the type of the base amount is the total amount including tax, the total amount excluding tax, or the amount difference; the at least one processor: Selecting the type of the specified reference amount based on the verification method information corresponding to the specified target store; If the calculated total is different from the reference amount corresponding to the selected type, display the amount error. Duty-free system as described in Appendix 4. (Appendix 6) the at least one processor: Identifying the number of each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data; calculating a total of the identified quantities of each of the one or more purchased products; If the calculated total is different from the total number of purchases written on the purchase receipt and indicated by the receipt data, a quantity error is displayed on a display device. A duty-free system as set forth in any one of appendices 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) the store data further includes, for each of the plurality of stores, a correspondence relationship between a telephone number of the store and a store identifier that uniquely identifies the store; the at least one processor: Identifying a telephone number based on the receipt data; Identifying the store identifier corresponding to the identified telephone number as the store identifier of the target store based on the store data; displaying the purchase information further indicating the identified store identifier on a display device; A duty-free system as set forth in any one of appendices 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) When two or more store identifiers corresponding to the identified telephone number exist in the store data, the at least one processor: Identifying the store identifier written on the purchase receipt as a reference identifier from receipt data; Identifying one store identifier corresponding to the reference identifier from the two or more store identifiers as the store identifier of the target store; Duty-free system as described in Appendix 7. (Appendix 9) the at least one processor: Identifying the purchase date written on the purchase receipt based on the receipt data; If the purchase date is different from the system date, a date error is displayed on a display device. A duty-free system as set forth in any one of appendices 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) The store data further includes, for each of the plurality of stores, specific tax rate information indicating a specific tax rate mark to be displayed on the purchase receipt; the at least one processor: determining whether or not there is a purchased product to which the specific tax rate is applied among the one or more purchased products based on the specific tax rate information corresponding to the identified target store; When the purchased product to which the specific tax rate is applied is identified, the purchase information is generated, which further indicates a correspondence between the identified purchased product and the specific tax rate. A duty-free system as set forth in any one of appendices 1 to 9. (Appendix 11) the at least one processor: accessing a predetermined database that stores designated commodity information indicating one or more designated character strings for identifying designated commodities for which the tax-free category is set to a predetermined value; determining whether the purchased product containing the specified character string corresponding to the identified target store is present among the one or more purchased products; When the purchased product containing the specified character string is identified, the purchase information is generated indicating the predetermined value as the tax-free category of the identified purchased product. A duty-free system as set forth in any one of appendices 1 to 10. (Appendix 12) the at least one processor: For each of the one or more purchased items, determining whether a discount has been applied to the purchased item; generating the purchase information indicating the price excluding tax and the price including tax for the purchased item to which the discount has been applied in a format in which the discount has been applied; A duty-free system as set forth in any one of appendices 1 to 11. (Appendix 13) the store data further includes shopping bag information indicating, for each of the plurality of stores, a threshold value for specifying a fee for a shopping bag for containing the purchased items; the at least one processor: Determine whether or not a price equal to or less than the threshold value corresponding to the identified target store is present in the receipt data; If the price is identified as being equal to or less than the threshold, it is determined that the purchased item corresponding to the identified price is the shopping bag; generating the purchase information further including the identified shopping bag and the tax-free category corresponding to the identified shopping bag; A duty-free system as set forth in any one of appendices 1 to 12. (Appendix 14) the at least one processor: generating purchase record information corresponding to the purchase receipt based on the purchase information; outputting the purchase record information for storing the purchase record information in a purchase record database; A duty-free system as set forth in any one of appendices 1 to 13. (Appendix 15) 1. A tax exemption method performed by a tax exemption system comprising at least one processor, comprising: acquiring receipt data obtained by performing character recognition on a purchase receipt showing one or more purchased items at a target store; determining a price for each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data; Identifying the target store based on the receipt data; A step of identifying the tax-free category of each of the one or more purchased products at the identified target store by referring to a store database that stores store data including tax-free category information that indicates the tax-free category of the product for each of a plurality of stores; generating purchase information indicating the identified price and the identified tax-free category for each of the one or more purchased items; Tax exemption methods including. (Appendix 16) acquiring receipt data obtained by performing character recognition on a purchase receipt showing one or more purchased items at a target store; determining a price for each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data; Identifying the target store based on the receipt data; A step of identifying the tax-free category of each of the one or more purchased products at the identified target store by referring to a store database that stores store data including tax-free category information that indicates the tax-free category of the product for each of a plurality of stores; generating purchase information indicating the identified price and the identified tax-free category for each of the one or more purchased items; A tax-free program that causes a computer to execute the following.

[0080] According to Supplements 1, 15, and 16, a target store is identified based on receipt data obtained by character recognition of a purchase receipt, and the tax-free category of each product purchased at that target store is identified by referencing store data indicating the product's tax-free category for each store. Purchase information is then generated that indicates the tax-free category and price of each purchased product. Because the product's tax-free category, which may differ from store to store, is identified using a store database, accurate information for tax-free procedures can be obtained based on the results of character recognition of the purchase receipt.

[0081] According to Appendix 2, the tax display format on the purchase receipt is selected by referencing store data that indicates the tax display format for each store. Then, based on the selected tax display format, it is determined whether the price of each purchased item is tax-exclusive or tax-inclusive. Because the tax display format, which may differ from store to store, is determined using the store database, accurate information for tax exemption procedures can be obtained.

[0082] According to Appendix 3, the tax rate for each purchased item is determined by referencing store data that indicates the default tax rate for each store. The default tax rate at a store may vary depending on various factors, such as the type of store and the product lineup at the store. Because the default value is determined using the store database, accurate information for tax exemption procedures can be obtained.

[0083] According to Supplementary Note 4, the total price of the purchased items is compared with at least one base amount stated on the purchase receipt (at least one of the total price including tax, the total price excluding tax, and the difference between the total price including tax and the total tax amount), which allows for efficient verification of the purchase amount. Furthermore, if the total price of the purchased items differs from any of the base amounts, an amount error is displayed, which can prompt the user or other relevant parties to take measures such as re-running character recognition when processing the purchase receipt.

[0084] According to Appendix 5, the type of base amount is selected by referencing store data that indicates for each store the type of base amount to be compared with the total price of the purchased items. Although the format for displaying the total amount may differ from store to store, because the type of base amount is selected using the store database, the purchase amount can be checked more reliably.

[0085] According to Supplementary Note 6, the total number of purchased items is compared with the total purchase quantity written on the purchase receipt, allowing for efficient verification of the purchase quantity. Also, if the total number of purchased items differs from the total purchase quantity, a quantity error is displayed, prompting the user to take measures such as re-running character recognition when processing the purchase receipt.

[0086] According to Supplementary Note 7, the store identifier is identified from the phone number in the receipt data by referencing store data that includes a correspondence between the store's phone number and the store identifier. The accuracy of character recognition for phone numbers, which consist of numbers, is relatively high. Since the store identifier is identified using the phone number and store data, it is possible to accurately obtain information for the tax-free procedure.

[0087] According to Supplementary Note 8, if two or more store identifiers corresponding to a store's telephone number exist in the store data, the store identifier (reference identifier) ​​written on the purchase receipt is further used to finally identify the store identifier. By using the store identifier on the purchase receipt only when a single store identifier cannot be identified from the telephone number alone, which has a relatively high character recognition accuracy, it is possible to accurately obtain information for tax exemption procedures.

[0088] According to Supplementary Note 9, if the purchase date differs from the system date (i.e., the current date), a date error is displayed. For example, if a purchase receipt is not processed on the day it is issued, the purchase receipt cannot be processed for tax exemption. By introducing a mechanism to check the validity of the purchase date, it is possible to prevent situations in which tax exemption processing is performed on inappropriate purchase receipts.

[0089] According to Appendix 10, purchased items to which a specific tax rate applies are identified by referencing store data indicating the specific tax rate mark for each store. The specific tax rate mark, which may be displayed differently on purchase receipts at each store, is identified using the store database, so information for tax exemption procedures can be accurately obtained.

[0090] According to Supplementary Note 11, the purchased product for which the tax-free category should be set to a predetermined value can be identified by referencing the designated product information indicating one or more designated character strings for identifying the product for which the tax-free category should be set. By using the designated character strings, the purchased product for which the tax-free category should be set to a predetermined value can be flexibly and accurately determined.

[0091] According to Annex 12, the price of the purchased product will be displayed in a format that takes into account any discounts applied. Therefore, even if the price of a purchased product that is eligible for tax exemption is discounted, accurate information for tax exemption procedures can be obtained.

[0092] According to Supplementary Note 13, whether a shopping bag is included in the purchase can be determined by referencing store data that indicates a threshold for identifying the price of a shopping bag. By providing a data item in the store data that includes a threshold for determining whether a shopping bag has a different price from store to store, it is possible to accurately obtain information for the tax exemption procedure.

[0093] According to Supplementary Note 14, purchase record information corresponding to the purchase receipt is generated and output based on the generated purchase information. Since the purchase information for the tax-free procedure can be accurately obtained, the purchase record information to be stored in the purchase record database can also be accurately prepared. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10...issuing terminal, 11...user processing unit, 12...receipt processing unit, 13...display control unit, 14...record generation unit, 20...store database, 30...management server, 40...purchase record database, 50...NTA system, 110...tax-free program, 200...purchase receipt, 300...screen, 310...passport information area, 320...purchase information area, 330...issuance button.

Claims

1. at least one processor; the at least one processor: Acquiring receipt data obtained by performing character recognition on a purchase receipt showing one or more purchased items at a target store; determining a price for each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data; Identifying the target store based on the receipt data; Identifying the tax-free category of each of the one or more purchased products at the identified target store by referring to a store database that stores store data including tax-free category information that indicates the tax-free category of the product for each of a plurality of stores; generating purchase information indicating the identified price and the identified tax-free category for each of the one or more purchased items; Duty-free system.

2. The store data further includes tax display information indicating, for each of the plurality of stores, whether the price displayed on the purchase receipt is tax-exclusive or tax-inclusive; the at least one processor: Selecting one of the tax-excluded display and the tax-inclusive display as the tax display format of the purchase receipt based on the tax display information corresponding to the identified target store; generating the purchase information indicating, as the specified price, one of a price excluding tax and a price including tax for each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data and the selected tax display format; The tax exemption system according to claim 1.

3. the store data further includes, for each of the plurality of stores, tax rate information indicating a default value of a tax rate for products sold at the store; the at least one processor: Identifying the tax rate for each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data and the tax rate information corresponding to the identified target store; generating the purchase information further indicating the tax rate for each of the identified one or more purchased items; 3. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the at least one processor: identifying, based on the receipt data, at least one reference amount used for checking a total amount based on a description of the purchase receipt, wherein the at least one reference amount is at least one of a total amount including tax, a total amount excluding tax, and a difference between the total amount including tax and the total tax; calculating a sum of the prices of each of the one or more purchased items; displaying an amount error on a display device if the calculated total differs from any of the at least one specified reference amount.

3. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the store data further includes verification method information indicating, for each of the plurality of stores, whether the type of the base amount is the total amount including tax, the total amount excluding tax, or the amount difference; the at least one processor: Selecting the type of the specified reference amount based on the verification method information corresponding to the specified target store; If the calculated total is different from the reference amount corresponding to the selected type, display the amount error. The tax exemption system according to claim 4.

6. the at least one processor: Identifying the number of each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data; calculating a total of the identified quantities of each of the one or more purchased products; If the calculated total is different from the total number of purchases written on the purchase receipt and indicated by the receipt data, a quantity error is displayed on a display device.

3. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the store data further includes, for each of the plurality of stores, a correspondence relationship between a telephone number of the store and a store identifier that uniquely identifies the store; the at least one processor: Identifying a telephone number based on the receipt data; Identifying the store identifier corresponding to the identified telephone number as the store identifier of the target store based on the store data; generating the purchase information further indicating the identified store identifier; 3. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. When two or more store identifiers corresponding to the identified telephone number exist in the store data, the at least one processor Identifying the store identifier written on the purchase receipt as a reference identifier from receipt data; Identifying one store identifier corresponding to the reference identifier from the two or more store identifiers as the store identifier of the target store; The tax exemption system according to claim 7.

9. the at least one processor: Identifying the purchase date written on the purchase receipt based on the receipt data; If the purchase date is different from the system date, a date error is displayed on a display device.

3. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The store data further includes, for each of the plurality of stores, specific tax rate information indicating a specific tax rate mark to be displayed on the purchase receipt; the at least one processor: determining whether or not there is a purchased product to which the specific tax rate is applied among the one or more purchased products based on the specific tax rate information corresponding to the identified target store; When the purchased product to which the specific tax rate is applied is identified, the purchase information is generated, which further indicates a correspondence between the identified purchased product and the specific tax rate.

3. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the at least one processor: accessing a predetermined database that stores designated commodity information indicating one or more designated character strings for identifying designated commodities for which the tax-free category is set to a predetermined value; determining whether the purchased product containing the specified character string corresponding to the identified target store is present among the one or more purchased products; When the purchased product containing the specified character string is identified, the purchase information is generated indicating the predetermined value as the tax-free category of the identified purchased product.

3. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the at least one processor: For each of the one or more purchased items, determining whether a discount has been applied to the purchased item; generating the purchase information indicating the price excluding tax and the price including tax for the purchased item to which the discount has been applied in a format in which the discount has been applied; 3. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. the store data further includes shopping bag information indicating, for each of the plurality of stores, a threshold value for specifying a fee for a shopping bag for containing the purchased items; the at least one processor: Determine whether or not a price equal to or less than the threshold value corresponding to the identified target store is present in the receipt data; If the price is identified as being equal to or less than the threshold, it is determined that the purchased item corresponding to the identified price is the shopping bag; generating the purchase information further including the identified shopping bag and the tax-free category corresponding to the identified shopping bag; 3. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

14. the at least one processor: generating purchase record information corresponding to the purchase receipt based on the purchase information; outputting the purchase record information for storing the purchase record information in a purchase record database; 3. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

15. 1. A tax exemption method performed by a tax exemption system comprising at least one processor, comprising: acquiring receipt data obtained by performing character recognition on a purchase receipt showing one or more purchased items at a target store; determining a price for each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data; Identifying the target store based on the receipt data; Identifying the tax-free category of each of the one or more purchased products at the identified target store by referring to a store database that stores store data including tax-free category information indicating the tax-free category of products for each of a plurality of stores; generating purchase information indicating the identified price and the identified tax-free category for each of the one or more purchased items; Tax exemption methods including.

16. acquiring receipt data obtained by performing character recognition on a purchase receipt showing one or more purchased items at a target store; determining a price for each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data; Identifying the target store based on the receipt data; Identifying the tax-free category of each of the one or more purchased products at the identified target store by referring to a store database that stores store data including tax-free category information indicating the tax-free category of products for each of a plurality of stores; generating purchase information indicating the identified price and the identified tax-free category for each of the one or more purchased items; A tax-free program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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