Property Tax Enforcement Activities to Get Underway

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) will begin conducting its enforcement initiatives during the current fiscal year, to improve Property Tax collection in several parishes. The focus of the operations will be on communities that have a compliance rate below 45%, and whose residents have the ability to pay the outstanding property tax.

The first of these operations is to take place in the parish of St. James, in the Cornwall Courts community, on Friday, June 28 – Saturday, June 29, 2024. The activity is designed to encourage property owners to settle their Property Tax obligations promptly, provide service support, and conduct enforcement activities for chronically delinquent taxpayers.

Residents will have the opportunity to settle outstanding balances, as the Mobile Tax Collections Unit will be on location at the Cornwall Courts community centre during the period of the operation on the following schedule:

• Day 1- Friday, June 28, 2024 - 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Day 2 - Saturday, June 29, 2024 - 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The team will be engaging with property owners, among other activities to include account settlement, the issuance of final notices, and the creation of customized payment arrangements to facilitate individuals who are facing challenges meeting their tax obligations. Additionally, congratulatory letters will be given to those individuals who have consistently honoured their Property Tax obligations on time and in full.

The Special Enforcement Team (SET) of Tax Administration Jamaica will be proceeding with effecting enforcement action against residents with outstanding property tax liabilities, who do not have payment arrangements on record by the end of July 2024. Tax Administration Jamaica will pursue several avenues to recover outstanding property taxes; these include the filing of a civil lawsuit, placement of a lien on the properties in question, seizure of residents' vehicles, and the garnishment of bank accounts or salaries.

Deputy Commissioner General, Operations, of Tax Administration Jamaica, Dave Jeffery is encouraging residents to make use of the available opportunity to settle their outstanding balances, thereby avoiding enforcement action. "Ensuring that property owners understand their tax obligations and have the opportunity to address them in a manageable way is a priority for us," said Mr. Jeffery. "This operation is designed to provide direct support and encourage timely payments, which are essential for the development and maintenance of local infrastructure and services." 

Property owners are reminded of the suite of alternative payment options available for their convenience. Residents can pay their Property Tax via the tax portal at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm by using a valid credit card or debit card, TAJ app, downloadable in the Google Play Store, National Commercial Bank and Scotiabank platforms by adding TAJ as a payee, and via the Scotia Mobile App.