Verification Status: This article is an explanation based on publicly available information (no actual usage or trading by the editorial team).
"Another month of wrestling with a mountain of receipts…"
Freelance web designer Kenta Tanaka (pseudonym, 30s) lets out a sigh every time he sits at his desk late at night. Now in his third year of business, his client workload is steadily increasing, but accounting remains his persistent weak point. Sorting receipts by month, looking up account categories, and manually entering data eats up 3 to 4 hours of his week. While he wants to claim the ¥650,000 deduction under the Blue Return system, he feels crushed by the tediousness of bookkeeping. Tanaka's situation is exactly the "accounting wall" that many sole proprietors and freelancers experience at least once.
Conclusion: MoneyForward Cloud Tax Return is a cloud-based accounting software that automates daily bookkeeping simply by linking bank accounts and credit cards, significantly reducing the time needed to prepare tax returns. For sole proprietors with basic bookkeeping knowledge, it offers an excellent balance of cost performance and usability.
Want to Be Free from Tax Filing Stress—Mr. Tanaka’s “Accounting Wall”
Mr. Tanaka’s day starts at 9 a.m. with client website development, followed by meetings and revision requests in the afternoon. By evening, he finishes drafting a proposal for a new project, and before he knows it, it’s 10 p.m. Then comes his “second job”: accounting time. Surrounded by a pile of receipts spread across his desk, he searches online to figure out which transaction falls under which account category, entering each journal entry one by one. Before he realizes it, it’s 1 a.m. The focus he should be using for his main design work feels drained away by a mountain of numbers, and Mr. Tanaka begins to think, “This can’t go on.”
This struggle isn’t unique to Mr. Tanaka. Many salaried employees earning ¥200,000 to ¥1 million annually from side gigs, or freelancers who’ve just started their own business, often face tax filing season without sufficient accounting knowledge and end up scrambling to find accounting software. While the ¥650,000 deduction for blue tax returns offers significant tax savings, it requires double-entry bookkeeping. Trying to handle this manually naturally takes time and effort.
What Mr. Tanaka needed was a system that could be used without accounting knowledge and, most importantly, “automatically complete journal entries.” That’s when a colleague in the same field told him about software that “automatically handles journal entries with AI just by linking it to your bank account,” leading him to discover Money Forward Cloud Tax Filing. This became a turning point that fundamentally changed Mr. Tanaka’s approach to accounting.
What is Money Forward Cloud Tax Filing? Basic Features for Automating Your Accounting
Money Forward Cloud Tax Filing is a cloud-based tax return software designed for sole proprietors, freelancers, and side-business workers. Its standout feature is the ability to automatically import transaction details by linking with over 2,400 financial institutions and credit cards. For imported entries, AI suggests account categories, significantly reducing the need for manual input. It also supports electronic filing via e-Tax, allowing you to complete everything from bookkeeping to submission online seamlessly.
Let's take a closer look at its features. The table below summarizes the main functions and how they benefit your daily operations.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Institution Integration | Automatically links with over 2,400 services, including bank accounts and credit cards | Eliminates manual entry of transaction details, significantly reducing bookkeeping time |
| AI Auto-Journalizing | AI automatically suggests account categories for imported entries | Reduces hesitation even with limited bookkeeping knowledge; accuracy improves with use |
| Blue Return Support | Supports double-entry bookkeeping for a 650,000 yen deduction | Maximizes tax-saving benefits |
| e-Tax Electronic Filing | Submit tax returns online from the app | No need to mail or visit the tax office; complete everything from home |
| Smartphone App | Allows receipt capture, journal entry input, and balance checks | Enables accounting tasks on the go or during spare moments |
| Tax Accountant Collaboration | Share the same screen in real-time with divided permissions | Smooth bookkeeping and filing while consulting with a tax accountant |
| Legal Compliance | Automatically updates to comply with the invoice system and electronic bookkeeping law | Saves you the trouble of researching legal changes yourself |
For pricing, three paid plans are available for sole proprietors. On an annual basis, the Personal Mini Plan is 10,800 yen (excluding tax) per year, the Personal Plan is 15,360 yen (excluding tax) per year, and the Personal Plus Plan is 35,760 yen (excluding tax) per year. There is also a free plan with limited features, and the Personal Plan offers a one-month free trial to test its usability. Considering that hiring a tax accountant for bookkeeping and filing typically costs between 100,000 and 300,000 yen per year, the significant cost savings are hard to ignore.
What Tanaka heard from an acquaintance—"Just linking your bank account and the journalizing is almost done"—is exactly the result of combining this automatic integration with AI journalizing. It transforms accounting from a "tedious chore you have to do" into a "routine that runs on a system." That is the core value that Money Forward Cloud Tax Filing provides. For the latest plan details and features, check the official website.
freee, Yayoi, and a Tax Accountant: A Thorough Comparison – Which Tax Filing Method is Right for You?
When choosing tax filing software, many sole proprietors compare freee Accounting, Yayoi's Blue Return Online, and the option of hiring a tax accountant. Each has different strengths and suits different people, so selecting the method that fits your situation ultimately leads to the greatest time savings and cost reduction.
The table below summarizes the differences between each method based on publicly available information as of July 2026.
| Comparison Criteria | Moneyforward Cloud Tax Filing | freee Accounting | Yayoi's Blue Return Online | Hiring a Tax Accountant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Annual, Excluding Tax) | 10,800 yen – 35,760 yen | Tends to be higher than Moneyforward | — | Roughly 100,000 – 300,000 yen |
| Approach to Auto-Journalizing | AI suggests entries, learns the more you use it | Thorough automation, almost no bookkeeping knowledge needed | — | Professionals handle everything |
| Beginner Support | Chat & email (phone support on higher-tier plans) | Comprehensive guides and automation | — | Not applicable |
| Mobile Support | Receipt capture and entry via app | Smartphone app available | — | — |
| Tax Accountant Integration | Real-time collaboration via screen sharing | Tax accountant integration feature available | — | The service itself |
| Best Suited For | People with basic bookkeeping knowledge, those looking to keep costs down | People who want automation even with zero bookkeeping knowledge | — | People who want to outsource accounting entirely, those with complex tax matters |
Across multiple review sites, a common opinion is: "Moneyforward suits people with bookkeeping knowledge or those who prefer a feel closer to traditional accounting software, while freee is better for beginners who want to be freed from bookkeeping." Moneyforward's style involves checking and correcting account titles yourself while building the books. freee's style automatically completes journal entries just by answering questions. It's not about which is better, but about choosing based on your own knowledge level and "how much you want to manage yourself."
Hiring a tax accountant reduces accounting effort to nearly zero, but the cost jumps significantly. For sole proprietors in the early stages of their business, where annual sales and expenses are still small, filing taxes yourself with cloud accounting software offers the practical benefit of using the money saved to invest back into your core business.
"You can keep costs lower than hiring a tax accountant" is a point repeatedly raised across several review sites.
For someone like Mr. Tanaka, who has some basic bookkeeping knowledge but wants to reduce manual work time, Moneyforward Cloud Tax Filing offers a perfect balance: "keeping a degree of control while automating the tedious parts." The free trial requires no credit card registration, so you can test the actual feel risk-free. Why not take that first easy step?
Real User Reviews: The "True Reputation"—Time-Saving Breakthroughs and Pitfalls for Beginners
Looking across multiple publicly available review sites and articles, the overall sentiment toward Money Forward Cloud Tax Filing is largely positive. The standout theme is overwhelmingly positive feedback about time savings, while a fair number of users also point out the need for bookkeeping knowledge and the limits of auto-journaling.
Here are some actual user comments:
"It saved me so much time! The automation features are a godsend!" (Multiple review sites)
"What used to take weeks of tax return prep was done in a single day." (Multiple review sites)
"Linking bank accounts and credit cards was easy, and transactions are imported automatically." (Multiple review sites)
The common thread here is the feeling of being freed from manual data entry. It's clear that many users are actually experiencing the "auto-journaling is done for me" benefit that Tanaka was looking for. Many reviews also praise the quality of the smartphone app, noting that being able to "snap receipts during the commute or lunch break and log expenses" is a perfect fit for busy freelancers.
On the other hand, there are also some cautionary notes:
"The interface assumes you already have some bookkeeping knowledge. The terminology is hard for complete beginners." (Multiple review sites)
"The auto-journaling is convenient, but it's not 100% accurate. You'll need to manually correct complex transactions or unusual account categories." (Multiple review sites)
"The OCR for receipt scanning misreads dates and amounts depending on the format." (Multiple review sites)
These negative points honestly show that Money Forward Cloud Tax Filing is not a "magical fully-automated tool." While the AI journaling learns and improves with use, it won't get everything perfect from the start. Also, the interface is designed assuming you have basic bookkeeping knowledge, which can be a high initial hurdle for absolute beginners.
That said, these issues are things you can handle if you know about them in advance. By testing how well the auto-journaling works with your own transactions during the free trial period and learning the basics of account categories as needed, you won't be caught off guard when it's time to file for real.
"Worried about bookkeeping?" "Can't decide between MoneyForward and freee?" — Our editorial team answers your most common questions
When considering MoneyForward Cloud Tax Filing, many people share the same concerns. Here, we've organized practical answers to five key points that emerge from publicly available information and multiple user reviews.
Q. Can I use it without any bookkeeping knowledge?
Thanks to its intuitive interface and AI-powered account category suggestions, it's possible to start using it even with zero bookkeeping knowledge. However, many user reviews note that "having some basic bookkeeping knowledge makes it much smoother to use." Be aware that complete beginners may face a learning curve. If you're aiming for the 650,000 yen blue return deduction, taking a little time to learn the basics of double-entry bookkeeping (the concept of debits and credits) will significantly speed up your understanding of the interface.
Q. Which is better: MoneyForward or freee?
This really depends on your "accounting style." freee is designed to "minimize the need for bookkeeping knowledge" — it automatically generates journal entries as you answer questions, making the psychological barrier lower for beginners. MoneyForward, on the other hand, offers an "operation feel closer to traditional accounting software," where you build your books by manually checking and adjusting account categories. For those with some bookkeeping foundation, this approach offers finer control and can sometimes be more cost-effective.
Q. Is the auto-journal entry feature perfect?
The AI-powered auto-journal entry is very convenient, but it's not 100% accurate. Manual corrections may be needed, especially for complex transactions or unusual account categories. However, a common sentiment across multiple reviews is that the AI learns over time, so the need for corrections gradually decreases with continued use.
Q. Can I complete my entire tax return using just a smartphone?
The smartphone app is highly capable — entering expenses, checking balances, and scanning receipts are all perfectly doable on a phone. However, for serious journal entry work or reviewing your entire ledger, a PC with a larger screen is often more efficient. A practical approach is to use your smartphone for daily data entry and your PC for end-of-month summary work.
Q. Is the customer support adequate?
Email and chat support are available on all plans and are praised for being prompt and courteous. Phone support is only available on the Personal Plus plan (annual fee of 35,760 yen, excluding tax), so if you want more comprehensive support, that's a key factor when choosing a plan. However, many users say chat support alone is sufficient. It's a good idea to check the support details for each plan on the official website to be sure.
Who Is MoneyForward Cloud Tax Return Best Suited For?
Based on the information above, MoneyForward Cloud Tax Return is most effective for sole proprietors and freelancers who have basic bookkeeping knowledge and want to significantly reduce their recording time through bank-linked automation. There are two reasons for this.
First, its excellent cost performance. Compared to freee, the pricing is more affordable. And compared to hiring a tax accountant (which costs ¥100,000–¥300,000 per year), starting at just over ¥10,000 is a major advantage for early-stage business owners. The money saved can be reinvested into equipment or marketing for your core business.
Second, the peace of mind that comes from being able to control your own books. Instead of leaving everything to AI, the process of reviewing suggested journal entries and making corrections as needed naturally helps you develop a solid grasp of your cash flow. This also helps cultivate the business sense essential for long-term success.
Additionally, for those who already use MoneyForward ME (the household budget app), the ability to link data under the same ID is a significant benefit. Seamlessly connecting personal asset management with business accounting is a unique strength of MoneyForward.
On the other hand, for those with no bookkeeping knowledge at all who want full automation, freee Accounting may offer a lower initial hurdle. Also, if your business is complex, you often face difficult tax decisions, or you simply don’t want to spend any time on accounting, hiring a tax accountant is ultimately the safer choice.
The best way to find out if it’s right for you is to try it yourself. The free trial requires no credit card registration, so you can test its usability risk-free.
From Free Trial to Filing: The 6 Steps Tanaka Actually Took
Tanaka started a free trial of the service on a friend's recommendation. He says the process from there to filing was surprisingly smooth. Here are the 6 steps based on his experience.
Step 1: Sign up for the free trial on the official website First, he applied for the 1-month free trial of the Personal Plan on the official website. No credit card registration was required—just an email address and basic info, and he could start using it the same day. "Since it doesn't cost anything, I figured I'd give it a try," Tanaka said, and that ease of entry pushed him forward.
Step 2: Complete the initial setup He entered his business overview (trade name, industry, whether he files a blue return, etc.) and linked his main bank account and credit card. All he had to do was select the financial institution from the search screen and enter his login info—the setup was done in minutes. Tanaka admits he was skeptical, wondering, "Can it really pull in my statements this easily?"
Step 3: Daily transactions are automatically imported and AI-sorted Transaction details from the linked accounts and cards began automatically importing to the cloud. The AI suggested account categories, so all Tanaka had to do was check "Is this category correct?" and click to confirm. The bookkeeping that used to take 3–4 hours a week was slashed to under an hour. Receipts could be captured on the spot using the smartphone app and imported as expenses.
Step 4: Tax return is automatically generated As the fiscal year-end approached, he entered the necessary information following the on-screen guide. The blue return financial statements and tax return were automatically generated, and Tanaka felt, "It's like a dream compared to the old days of handwriting and punching a calculator."
Step 5: File electronically via e-Tax The completed return was submitted online through the app via e-Tax. He needed a My Number card and a compatible IC card reader (or the My Portal app on his smartphone), but there was zero need to visit the tax office. Tanaka finished filing in just a few tens of minutes, sipping coffee at his home desk.
Step 6: Filing complete A receipt notification arrived from e-Tax, and the filing was done. Tanaka sent a thank-you message to a colleague in the same industry, saying, "This year's tax filing didn't even require an all-nighter—it was done in a single day, just like any other day."
These 6 steps don't require any special skills. By trying the free trial and importing actual transactions, you can get comfortable with the process before the real filing. Why not start risk-free and see how well it fits your business?
Note: This article is based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Fees and features are subject to change without notice. For individual tax decisions and filing procedures, be sure to consult a professional such as a certified tax accountant.
Methodology and Disclosure
Verification Method: This article is based on publicly available information confirmed as of 2026-07-30. The editorial team has not personally subscribed to or used the services discussed. The content is based on publicly available information (official pages, third-party reviews, and user feedback). As service details, fees, and promotions are subject to change, please check the official information before signing up.
Publisher Information: The editorial policy and evaluation criteria for this article are described in the Editorial Policy, and the verification procedures are outlined in the Evaluation Method. Please report any errors to our contact desk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with the free plan of Money Forward Cloud Tax Return?
With the free plan, you cannot use financial institution linking or AI automatic journal entries; only manual journal entry is available. You cannot create tax return forms or submit via e-Tax. For full use, a paid plan is required.
Which is cheaper, freee Accounting or Money Forward?
Money Forward's Personal plan is 15,360 yen per year (excluding tax), slightly higher than freee Accounting's Starter plan (11,760 yen per year, excluding tax). However, with conditions, Money Forward offers better cost performance due to its AI journal entry learning features and accountant collaboration tools.
Can I complete my tax return using only a smartphone?
You can take photos of receipts, enter journal entries, and check balances using the smartphone app, but you cannot create tax return forms or submit via e-Tax directly from the app. You need to access the web version from a PC to create and submit your return.
Is it safe to link my bank account?
Money Forward does not use scraping technology for financial institution linking; it uses official APIs from each financial institution. Data is encrypted and security measures are thorough. However, we recommend checking the latest security information on the official website before use.
Does it support the Invoice System and Electronic Bookkeeping Law?
Yes, it does. Money Forward Cloud Tax Return provides features that meet the requirements of the Invoice System and Electronic Bookkeeping Law through automatic updates, saving you the trouble of manually adjusting settings in response to legal changes.
Can I change my plan mid-term?
Yes, you can change your plan. However, for annual billing, there may be adjustments for the remaining period or additional charges depending on the timing of the change. Please check the official pricing page for details.
How does the cost compare to hiring a tax accountant?
Hiring a tax accountant for bookkeeping and filing typically costs 100,000 to 300,000 yen per year. In contrast, Money Forward's paid plans range from 10,800 to 35,760 yen per year (excluding tax). While you need to handle the operations yourself, the cost is significantly lower.
How can I contact support by phone?
Phone support is available for Personal Plus plan and above. For Personal plan and below, you can contact support via chat or email. If you need phone support, consider upgrading to a higher-tier plan.
Sources
This article is based on publicly available information as of 2026-07-30.
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