How to get a receipt as a crowdfunding backer in Japan — and what the notation should say
Conclusion: the receipt for the money you actually pledged — the reward or donation amount — is issued by the project's creator, not the platform. A platform can only issue a receipt for its own cut, typically a small "system fee." Not knowing this split is the single biggest reason backers waste time asking the wrong desk.
Who issues what, by platform
| Platform | Receipt for the reward/donation amount | Receipt for the platform's own fee |
|---|---|---|
| CAMPFIRE | Issued by the creator (request via the project's in-platform message feature; negotiate the payee name, notation and registration number directly with them) | The backer system fee is CAMPFIRE's own — confirm invoice-compliance case by case |
| READYFOR | The donation receipt is issued by the recipient organization per the project page's stated process | The backer system fee receipt is issued by READYFOR itself (PC only; for All-or-Nothing campaigns, only after the goal is confirmed met) |
| Makuake | Issued by the creator; whether it's invoice-compliant depends on whether the creator is a registered "qualified invoice issuer" | Makuake's own "Safe usage fee" receipt is invoice-compliant (registration no. T5011001094810); the support-purchase certificate is not invoice-compliant |
| GREEN FUNDING | Confirm with the creator/operator via the per-project inquiry channel or Help page | Case by case — check the official Help page |
How to request the right notation
The receipt's notation (essentially the line-item description) and payee name are, in most cases, something you negotiate directly with the creator via the platform's message feature. Being specific — "for [product name]" — moves things along faster. If you need the receipt to be invoice-compliant for expense or tax purposes, say so up front: a creator who is a tax-exempt small business cannot legally issue an invoice-compliant receipt.
When you need it for filing or expensing
- For an ordinary reward-based pledge, ask the creator for a receipt covering the reward amount.
- If you want a donation tax deduction, you need the donation receipt issued by the eligible recipient organization (e.g., a certified NPO) — the platform's own system-fee receipt does not qualify you for the deduction. See our backer tax guide for the full breakdown by funding type.
- If you're expensing this as a business, confirm your own accounting rules (do you need an invoice-compliant receipt?) before you message the creator — it saves a round trip.
Timing matters
On most platforms, an All-or-Nothing campaign can only issue receipts once the funding goal is confirmed met — the process typically isn't available before then. Build in some lead time rather than requesting it right before a filing deadline.
Note that a receipt request is a separate matter from a reward that never arrived. For that, see what to do when a Makuake return doesn't arrive; for a pre-pledge checklist, use Check.
Sources
FAQ
- Who do I ask for a receipt for my reward/pledge?
- The creator, not the platform, in most cases. Most platforms let you message the creator directly through the project page to request a receipt with a specific payee name and item description.
- Can the platform itself issue any receipt?
- Yes, but only for its own cut — typically a small system fee. The receipt for the reward amount or donation itself comes from the creator.
- Will I always get an invoice-compliant receipt?
- Only if the creator is registered as a qualified invoice issuer (a taxable business). A tax-exempt small creator cannot legally issue one. State upfront that you need invoice compliance so they can tell you before you commit.
