The Japanese government has announced that it will take measures to simplify and streamline online tax declaration procedures from 2017. 

Identity verification by mobile phone

While online tax declaration is possible since 2004, the cumbersome ID verification procedure deters Japanese taxpayers from using their own computer to file their declaration.  Presently taxpayers need to purchase a special ID-card reader for verification of their identity.  As a result, only 8% of Japanese taxpayers filed their tax declarations using their own computer, and the majority opting to go to the local tax office and use designated terminal there or file on paper.

Under the proposed new procedures, taxpayers will give their mobile-phone number during the online procedure after which they receive a special code. Once this code has been entered, the identity of the applicant is verified

Less paperwork

To decrease the amount of paperwork, it will become possible to send more documents digitally. For example documents related to mortgages currently need to be submitted on paper. Under the new regulations, taxpayer can send these and other documents digitally in PDF format instead.

For corporate entities as well, more documents will be accepted digitally. These include documents such as company statutes, investor/ownership relation charts and expropriation certificates. Almost all of the 175 procedures requiring paper documents will be under review.  The government is expected to start the approval process in stages from April 2016 onwards.

Source:  Nikkei Online, 電子納税、自宅で完結　本人確認は携帯で可能に  17年から、紙の書類も不要 , February 8, 2015 (In Japanese)