Over the last few years Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has introduced a number of measures to make it easier for persons to transact business with the tax authority. This has been in response to concerns raised by persons that in transacting business at a Tax Office they sometimes encounter long lines and have to wait for an extended period to be processed. Persons have also expressed surprise when they get an assessment or reminder notice or if they are stopped by the police and their motor vehicle documents have expired. For convenience and to save embarrassment, time and money here are ten tax tips to make it easier for customers.

1. Use e-Service option:

There is no need for persons to wait in-line at a Tax Office to carry out several types of transactions. Instead persons may file and pay taxes on-line using the Jamaica Tax Portal at https://www.jamaicatax-online.gov.jm. To save time and money the following can be done on-line:

PAY————————————–FILE

Income Tax—————————Income Tax Returns

GCT and SCT————————GCT and SCT Returns

Payroll taxes————————–Employer’s monthly payroll remittance (S01)

Property Tax—————————Employer’s Annual Return (S02)

Traffic Fines

2. Register for online filing:

Business persons are encouraged to register to file their tax returns online. A one-time registration is required to allow access to the online filing facility. This may be done by completing an Application for Electronic Filing Account Registration form and submitting it through the TAJ Customer Care Centre by calling 1-888-TAX-HELP (829-4357) and then faxing or emailing the relevant documents. The registration for online filing may also be done at the nearest tax office.

3. Sign up for TAXREM:

Persons may sign up for TAXREM to get text message reminders on their cellular phone about Motor Vehicle Registration and Certificate of Fitness expiry dates. They may call 1-888-TAX-HELP (829-4357) or log on to the website https://www.jamaicatax-online.gov.jm to sign up for the free service. Business persons can also get reminders about due dates for filing and paying taxes.

4. Renew motor vehicle documents before due date:

Motorists are advised that they may renew their Motor Vehicle Registration up to thirty (30) days before it expires. They may also renew their Driver’s Licence up to thirty (30) days before their birthday.

5. Use one-stop facility at Swallowfield Depot:

For motorists in the corporate area, there is no need to visit a Tax Office to pay for a Certificate of Fitness fee. This can be purchased directly at the Swallowfield Depot using either a debit or credit card only. Motorists are cautioned that CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED at the Swallowfield Depot.

6. Avoid busy periods:

Persons conducting business at a Tax Office should try not to visit there during the busy periods. Customers are advised to avoid waiting until the middle or the end of the month as the Tax Offices are usually busiest on or around the 14th of each month and again on or around the last day of each month, when monthly payroll payments and GCT filing and payments, respectively, become due.

7. Saturday opening at Portmore:

The Portmore Tax Office operates on Saturdays from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm for the convenience of customers who are unable to transact their business during the week.

8. Use electronic Drop Boxes:

Electronic drop boxes are available in several Revenue Service Centres and may be used as a convenient alternate option for making payments by cheques. Customers are advised that they must endorse the cheque and write their TRN on the back of the cheque. The electronic drop box may also be used to submit tax returns.

9. One-Stop application for TCC

Persons who are up-to-date with their payments/filing and need a TCC are advised that they are able to use the “one-stop” facility available at specific tax offices. This means they would NOT need to visit the NHT, NIS or HEART but may carry, email or fax their TCC application form along with the relevant documents to the Tax Office, which will then contact the other agencies to confirm the compliance status.

10. Be careful when affixing stickers:

Motorists are advised that they should be careful when affixing their Motor Vehicle Licence Sticker (disc) as any attempt to remove/shift it will result in the word VOID appearing. If this happens it will have to be replaced at a cost of $750.

The Talking Tax series is prepared by the Communications Unit of Tax Administration Jamaica to guide the public on their rights and obligations. To get additional information on this or any other tax matter, persons may contact 1-888-TAX-HELP (829-4357) or https://www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.