More and more often the issue of tax compliance takes centre stage, as more persons realise that taxes are critical to the economic reform programme for Jamaica. One indicator that an individual or company is meeting tax obligation is a Tax Compliance Certificate, commonly called a TCC. This mechanism was introduced as a requirement for persons doing certain transactions or entering into certain arrangements and is managed by Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ). It is important that persons understand what it is, who needs it and how to they go about getting it.

What is a TCC?

A TCC is a document issued to an individual or a company as proof that payments of tax liabilities and wage-related statutory deductions are up-to-date.

Why do persons need a TCC?

A TCC is needed to ensure that an individual or organisation is tax compliant and that all tax-liabilities and wage related statutory deductions are up to date where applicable. This signals that they have paid their fair share and further serves to encourage voluntary compliance.

Who needs a TCC?

The following individuals or companies need a TCC:

o Applicants for a Customs Brokers Licence

o Applicants For Quarrying Licence

o Applicants For Betting Gaming and Lotteries Licence

o Applicants For Citizenship or Work Permit

o Applicants For Security Firm Registration

o Applicants for contracts from Government

o All importers who need to submit an import entry to clear goods through Customs.

What are the requirements for obtaining a TCC?

First Time Applicants:

1. Visit TAJ Compliance Section for interview

2. Complete application form

3. Original receipts (and copies) since January of the current year for payment of the following:

o P.A.Y.E (Income Tax, Education Tax)

o Company/Individual Income Tax

o Education Tax (Self-employed individuals)

o General Consumption Tax (SCT)

o H.E.A.R.T. Contributions (also Remittance Advices stamped and by Collector of Taxes. Especially important if trainees are employed.)

o National Housing Trust (NHT) contributions

o National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions

4. Clearance letters from NHT, HEART and NIS Offices and from the Tax Administration Jamaica for Individual Income Tax, Company Income Tax, Education Tax, GCT & SCT.

5. Certified copies of all arrangements to pay.

6. Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN).

PAYE Individuals Clearing Personal Items:

1. Completed application form.

2. Last pay advice and copy.

3. Letter from employer stating that deductions have been paid over to the relevant authorities or clearance letter from Tax Administration Jamaica.

4. Import documents with arrival notice and copies.

Self-Employed Individuals Clearing Commercial Items:

1. Completed application form.

2. Original receipts (and copies) since January of the current year for payment of the following:

o Income tax (individual).

o GCT (if applicable).

o Education Tax.

o HEART Contributions.

o NHT Contributions.

o NIS Contributions (produce stamp card).

3. Clearance letters from NHT, HEART and NIS Officers and from the Tax Administration Jamaica for individual Income Tax, Company Income Tax, GCT and Education Tax

4. TRN.

Returning Residents:

1. Completed application form.

2. Passport.

3. Arrival Documents.

4. Other evidence that there is no local liability for taxes/statutory deductions:

o Letter from Jamaica Consulate.

o Clearance letter from Tax Administration Jamaica.

5. Import Licence from Trade Board (for motor vehicle).

Where do persons apply for a TCC?

A TCC can be obtained at any of the following Tax Offices:

o St. Ann’s Bay Tax Office

o Mandeville Tax Office

o May Pen Revenue Service Centre

o Constant Spring Revenue Service Centre, Kingston

o Spanish Town Revenue Service Centre

o Montego Bay Revenue Service Centre

o King Street Revenue Service Centre, Kingston

o Savanna-La-Mar Tax Office

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 www.jamaicatax.gov.jm