St. Elizabeth Businessman Arrested for Failure to File Tax Returns

Tax Administration Jamaica’s (TAJ) - Intelligence, Investigation and Enforcement Unit (IIEU) supported by the Major Organised Crime Agency (MOCA) on Friday January 27, 2017 arrested and charged Oswald Powell, proprietor of Oswald’s Seafood Restaurant for failure to comply with the tax laws, as it continues its tax enforcement activities in the parish of St. Elizabeth.

Mr. Oswald Powell who operates in the Alligator Pond community was arrested for failure to file his tax return. This, after the Court issued a warrant of disobedience for his arrest due to his failure to attend court in relation to his failure to file his tax returns for the years 2012-2015.

He was offered bail in sum of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) with one surety and is to return the Mandeville Parish Court on February 20, 2017.

This action forms part of the sustained efforts by TAJ to actively pursue delinquent taxpayers by utilizing the various tax collection tools provided under the law.

Delinquent taxpayers are strongly advised, that failure to report income, profits or gains as defined within the Income Tax Act, will result in enforcement action by TAJ using the applicable provisions under the law. TAJ remains resolved its efforts to take strong action against any company, business or individual found to be delinquent, thereby improving trust, equity and fairness in the country’s tax system.

Persons may get further information on the tax law and any other tax related matters by contacting the TAJ Customer Care Centre at 1-888-TAX-HELP (1-888-829-4357) or the nearest Tax Office.