KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) today disclosed that it is pursuing 35 “chronically delinquent taxpayers” in St Thomas who, according to the organisation, have failed to settle outstanding taxes despite numerous efforts to recover the sum.

The tax authority outlined in a release that its Special Enforcement Team (SET) has partnered with the Jamaica Constabulary Force to carry out tax recovery operations, which is being conducted in two phases in the parish.

The first phase entails members of SET or the local tax offices contacting delinquent taxpayers who have until November 3 to make full payments or pay down a significant portion of the outstanding amounts with a commitment to settle the balance in short order, TAJ explained.

Taxpayers who fail to comply within the stipulated period will face strong enforcement action in the second phase that will begin on November 7.

“Members of the JCF will provide support to the Special Enforcement Team, to effect arrests for chronically delinquent taxpayers for whom bench warrants and warrants of disobedience have been issued.

“Additionally, the Tax Administration Jamaica will also exercise the options under law, to issue Garnishment Notices, Seizure of Assets or starting the procedure of registering a lien on properties owned by these taxpayers where applicable to recover outstanding sums,” TAJ said.

The tax authority also warned that similar operations will be conducted in other parishes in the coming weeks.

“Taxpayers, who have been contacted as a result of these increased enforcement activities, are strongly advised to make suitable arrangements with the tax authority to clear outstanding amounts, as non-compliance will result in enforcement action.”