COMPANIES, self-employed persons, partnerships, provident societies, other organisations and employed persons with additional income have only a few days remaining to meet the March 15 income tax filing deadline. A number of programmes and options are available to make the process of submitting returns and paying taxes easier.

Are there different options for filing and paying taxes?

Yes. In addition to being able to file returns at any of the 29 tax offices across the island, the Tax Administration’s online service has also been expanded to accommodate the electronic filing of income tax returns IT01, IT02 & IT07 and payments, via the Jamaica Tax Portal at www.jamaicatax-online.gov.jm. The “Virtual Tax Office” online service offers greater convenience as transactions can be done from anywhere and at any time. To use the service persons must first complete and submit an Application for Electronic Filing Registration form at a tax office. Registration may also be done over the telephone through the Customer Care Centre 1-888-TAX-HELP (829-4357). It should be noted that persons already registered to use the online service to file other tax types do not need to reapply.

The Tax Administration also has electronic “drop boxes” available at six (6) of the busiest locations. Therefore persons paying by cheque or simply filing a return may use the electronic drop box facility at any of the following tax offices:

1. King Street

2. Constant Spring

3. Cross Roads

4. Spanish Town

5. Mandeville

6. Montego Bay

Persons are also reminded that the Portmore tax office opens on a Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. They may use this location if they unable to transact business during the week at their regular tax office.

Where can I get tax forms easily?

Taxpayers can conveniently download Income Tax Forms from the website www.jamaicatax.gov.jm. These forms may be completed electronically and then printed and signed for filing. Alternately, persons may visit any of the 29 tax offices island wide to get the relevant forms.

Are there any special programmes to assist small business operators to prepare their income tax returns?

Yes. The Tax Administration began operating its annual Special Taxpayer Service Programme in January. The programme is aimed at assisting small business operators, professionals and self-employed persons to prepare and file their income tax returns, to meet the March 15 deadline.

The eight-week programme, has seen over two hundred (200) free sessions scheduled right across the island at off-site locations — such as — town halls, school auditoriums, church halls, courthouses, and throughout the network of 29 tax offices. In the Corporate Area for example, special “service sites” will be set up the St Andrew, Cross Roads and King Street tax offices at scheduled times during the week March 7 – 11. Details of the island wide locations and times scheduled are available by contacting the Tax Administration Customer Care Centre at 1-888-TAX-HELP, the local Tax Office or visiting the website www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.

Taxpayers wishing to utilise the free service should take along their business documents such as Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), bank statements, invoices, receipts, sales records and any other records used in their business operations.

Where can I call to get tax advice?

Persons needing tax advice may call the Tax Administration Customer Care Centre at 1-888-TAX-HELP (1-888-829-4357) or email queries to taxhelp@tasd.gov.jm. Agents are available to assist persons to understand their rights and responsibilities and to guide them through the Income Tax filing process. The service operates from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Monday to Thursday and from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday.

Will the tax offices be opening later?

To meet the demands of the taxpaying public, fourteen (14) of the busiest tax offices will open one hour later on the due date, Tuesday, March 15. The Tax Offices which will remain open to the public until 5:00 pm are:

1. Kingston

2. Constant Spring

3. Cross Roads

4. Mandeville

5. May Pen

6. Spanish Town

7. Portmore

8. Montego Bay

9. Savanna-la-Mar

10. Morant Bay

11. Brown’s Town

12. St Ann’s Bay

13. Falmouth

14. Lucea

All other Tax Offices will operate their regular schedule.

With the various programmes and options in place to assist taxpayers, thereby making it easier to file and pay, taxpayers are urged to submit their income tax final return for 2010 and estimated return for 2011, as well as make payments to meet the March 15 Income Tax deadline.

Part five of a special series which will run up to the March 15 due date for the filing of income tax returns.