ST ANDREW, Jamaica — A St Andrew businessman was recently prosecuted for failure to produce books, records and documents, as requested by the Tax Administration of Jamaica (TAJ).

The businessman, identified as Ainsley Lowe, was found guilty in the Sutton Street Tax Court on January 11 and fined $200,000 or ten days imprisonment.

The TAJ prosecuted Lowe under Section 17 of the amended Revenue Administration Act (RAA).

The Tax Authority, in a release today, said that it is reminding business people that it is an offence not to keep proper books and records relating to their business activities.

In addition, the TAJ said, failure to produce such books, records and documents, within the time specified when requested by the Commissioner General of the Administration, for an audit/investigation is also a criminal offence.  

Failure to comply with the regulations could result in prosecution under Section 17I or 17 1A of the amended RAA, which carries a penalty of up to $2 million or imprisonment, or both, the TAJ warned.