TAJ announces phased discontinuation of Cheque acceptance and issuance

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has announced upcoming changes to its cheque acceptance and issuance policy, in compliance with new procedures being implemented by the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) and commercial banks. The changes follow TAJ's earlier discontinuation of cheque acceptance as a payment method for public moneys owed to the Authority.

Effective September 1, 2026, TAJ will no longer accept cheques from Government entities, or Manager's Cheques valued at J$1 million and above. The acceptance threshold will then be reduced in phases, before cheque acceptance is eliminated entirely.

Implementation Timeline

• September 1, 2026 — TAJ discontinues acceptance of cheques from Government entities and Manager's Cheques valued at J$1 million and above.
• March 1, 2027 — Cheque acceptance threshold reduces to J$500,000.00.
• September 1, 2027 — Cheque acceptance threshold reduces to J$100,000.00.
• March 1, 2028 — Cheque acceptance is eliminated completely.

Alternative Payment Options

Customers are encouraged to take advantage of TAJ's range of digital payment options, namely:

• Tax Administration Jamaica's website: www.jamaicatax.gov.jm (Debit or Credit Card)
• Direct Funds Transfer (DFT)
• NCB Online Banking
• Scotia Online Banking
• Scotia Mobile App
• TAJ Mobile App

Refund Processing

Corresponding changes will also apply to the issuance of refund cheques:

• Current Policy – No refund Cheque issued in excess of $700,000.00. Effective (March 1, 2027 — No refund cheques issued in excess of J$500,000.00).
• September 1, 2027 — No refund cheques issued in excess of J$100,000.00.
• March 1, 2028 — No refund cheques issued at all, (All refunds will be paid via bank transfer or credit card refund).

TAJ will continue to provide updates on this transition as they become available. The Authority reaffirms its commitment to modernising service delivery and encourages all customers to migrate to its secure digital payment channels ahead of the September 1, 2026 deadline.

For further information persons may contact the TAJ’s Customer Care Centre at 888-Tax-Help (888-829-4357), or visit the Authority’s website at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.

At Tax Administration Jamaica we continue to change the way we do business, by working together to serve you EVEN better.