Property Tax System updated with 2017/18 assessments for Strata Properties

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) is advising strata property owners that the revised property tax assessments for fiscal year 2017/18, announced by the Minister of Finance and the Public Service in his address to Parliament, have now been reconfigured on the administration’s Property Tax System. The strata property assessments which now reflect recent legislative changes are now available on the TAJ’s website through the Property Tax Online Query, when making an online payment, as well as at any Tax Office.

Previously, strata properties owners were liable for the share of the property tax that was calculated on the total value of the entire parcel, which meant the value fell in a higher band and therefore attracted a higher tax. For fiscal year 2017-18 and subsequent years, the change will allow for the property tax to be calculated on the proprietor’s share of the total unimproved value of the parcel.

The revision of the strata property assessments has resulted in a more equitable apportionment of property tax for strata property owners. Mechanisms are still available through which persons may object to their property valuation or seek relief from the Property Tax assessed, where special circumstances apply. Property owners may serve a Notice of Objection to the Commissioner of Land Valuation in respect of their valuation. Persons may also apply for a special discretionary relief based on hardship; for statutory relief where the potential use of the land differs from its current use; or for agricultural de-rating in respect of agricultural lands. Details of the various relief options are available in a special information hub on the TAJ website at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm

For further information persons may contact the Tax Administration’s Customer Care Centre at 1-888-Tax-Help (1-888-829-4357) toll-free or visit our website www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.