Mandatory e-Filing Requirement for Medium Taxpayers Now in Effect

Medium (upper and lower) taxpayers are reminded that they are now required to file GCT returns online via Tax Administration Jamaica’s online portal at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm. This means that effective January 1, 2017, GCT Returns for taxpayers in the following bands will not be accepted at tax offices:

•  Annual sales of $150M - $1B
• Annual tax payments of $30M - $500M

TAJ has implemented several strategies to help with the smooth transition for taxpayers as they begin filing their December 2016 returns to meet the January 31 deadline. e-TaxSpots are now available at all Revenue Service Centres: Montego Bay, Mandeville, Kingston, Constant Spring, allowing taxpayers to file their returns online while getting on-site technical support to e-File.

Additionally, business persons may contact the Taxpayer Education Unit at any Tax Office to request an eSession, where TAJ personnel will visit their place of business and train staff on the filing process.

Taxpayers may also access an easy to use “How-To” guide for eFiling of consumption taxes on the tax portal at www.jamaica.tax.gov.jm and are advised to contact their Client Relationship Manager (CRM), Taxpayer Education Manager or the Customer Care Centre to register for e-Fling or to arrange for assistance.

Other groups of taxpayers not yet mandated to e-File their GCT returns, are encouraged to click their way into the future of tax services by using the convenience of the website to file their returns. Support will also be provided, if required.

Large taxpayers and all employers are already required to file online and TAJ will be moving in short order, to require other taxpayer segments and types of returns to be filed electronically.

This phase of the mandatory eFiling requirement is in keeping with TAJ’s continued focus on enhancing its capacity to capture data in a more accurate and timely manner, as well as to assist in the efforts to develop a more efficient tax system. The amendment to the Revenue Administration Act gives the Commissioner General the authority to require any person to furnish a return as considered necessary in such form and manner as directed.

Persons may contact the TAJ Customer Care Centre at 1-888-Tax-Help (1-888-829-4357) toll-free for further information or assistance.