Saturday Opening on last day of Income Tax Filing Period

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) will open several offices this Saturday March 24 to coincide with the last day of the extended Income Tax filing period, to facilitate members of the public filing their Final Income Tax Returns for year of assessment 2017 and Estimated Income and Asset Tax Returns for year of assessment 2018. Business Owners, Self-Employed Persons, Partnerships, Companies and Employed Individuals with other sources of income or multiple employment, will now have until then to file their returns before the interest and penalties are applied.

The following Tax Offices will operate between the hours of 10am – 2pm:

• Kingston
• St. Andrew
• Mandeville
• Santa Cruz
• May Pen
• St. Ann’s Bay
• Montego Bay
• Savanna-la-mar

The Portmore Tax Office will continue its regular Saturday opening time (10am-4pm)

Income Tax Filers and Tax Preparers will be able to utilize the Saturday opening to file their Returns inline or online using the designated eTaxSpots at any of the major locations listed. Additionally, persons will be able to file on or before the extended deadline to avoid the $5,000 monthly penalty charged for late returns which will be applied on March 25.

With tax season drawing to a close persons are strongly advised to file and pay before the extended due date, to avoid the expected higher than normal last minute rush.

Additionally, taxpayers will be able to conduct their usual weekday transactions, including the filing of the Annual Employers Return (S02), renewing Driver’s Licences, processing motor vehicle documents, paying Property Taxes and Traffic Ticket fines and applying for a Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), as the tax authority continues to provide greater convenience to access its services. However audit and compliance activities will not be available during the Saturday operation.

TAJ is however encouraging persons to utilise the online payment facility to avoid the expected rush at tax offices. It also provides a fast, secure and convenient and userfriendly
option for persons wishing to file on time. Walk-in customers are also urged not to wait until the last day of the Income tax Filing period to visit tax offices, to avoid delays due to the expected increased customer traffic.

For further information call the Tax Administration Customer Care Centre at 1-888-Tax-Help (1-888-829-4357) or visit the website www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.