Last Month for TAJ’s Special Arrears Settlement Programme

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) is reminding members of the business community that the extended Special Arrears Settlement Programme (SASP) ends on May 31, 2025. This means that individuals and businesspersons still have an opportunity to maximise on the offer of the Authority, to pay their principal liabilities that will result in the corresponding percentage of Interest, Penalties and Surcharges (IPS) being waived.

The programme, which has been in effect since January 28, was initially scheduled to end March 31, 2025 but was extended for a further two months. The first phase of the SASP yielded over $11B, exceeding the $10B target. The extended SASP, up to April 30, 2025, has so far collected $2.14B, bringing the overall collections from the programme to approximately $13.15B. This has resulted in approximately $16B of waivers in IPS. 

The Authority continues to see very positive response to the arrears settlement offer, as taxpayers have realized the game-changing benefits for the financial health and viability of their businesses, and the opportunity to become and remain tax compliant.

Additionally, since the extension, the Authority is reporting that over 8,400 calls and/or contacts have been made to customers owing over $11B in principal taxes with $14.5B associated IPS. These taxpayers were invited to consider the offer with the majority of contacts indicating a willingness to, or taking active measures towards taking up the offer by paying down or paying off their liabilities. So far just over $1.6B has been collected, resulting from this direct compliance effort.

TAJ is reminding taxpayers of the significant advantage at hand, as the programme provides an opportunity for persons and businesses, whether individuals, self-employed, company or organisations, to clear their debts, without the additional costs typically associated with late filing and payments related to several tax types and become compliant.

Tax types eligible under the offer are:

• Education Tax
• Corporate Income Tax
• Individual Income Tax
• Pay As You Earn 
• Special Consumption Tax
• General Consumption Tax
• Asset Tax
• Partnership Income Tax

Taxpayers are advised that this waiver offer also relates to withholding taxes associated with Income Tax payments. Taxpayers with cases currently under objection and appeals will also qualify for the waiver, if the principal taxes have been paid. It should be noted that this could be before or after a decision or agreement on the amount determined on the objection or appeal. 

However, General Consumption Tax (GCT) and Special Consumption Tax (SCT) taxpayers are reminded of the requirement to submit their applications in writing as required by law. Taxpayers with no outstanding principal owing, but have IPS balances on record, are also required to apply formally to benefit from the offer, relating to waiver for GCT/SCT. Additional information can be found in the information hub (www.jamaicatax.gov.jm), which details the process to make an application.

Taxpayers wishing to take advantage of the programme are encouraged to contact Tax Administration Jamaica, to arrange to pay off the principal arrears by the extended May 31 deadline. This includes taxpayers who may have operated and closed businesses before, or employed to more than one employer at any given time. 

For additional informational support, persons may contact Compliance Officer, the Tax Administration Customer Care Centre at 888-TAX-HELP (829-4357) or visit the website www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.