TAJ Ceases Acceptance of Foreign Cheques

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) wishes to advise the public that it has ceased the acceptance of foreign currency instruments. This means that cheques, postal and money orders drawn on overseas financial institutions, will no longer be accepted by the Tax Authority as a form of payment, and will therefore be returned to sender.

The decision has become necessary due to changes made in the way Jamaican financial institutions are now conducting business, resulting in a significant increase in complexity for the Authority, to negotiate foreign currency instruments sent to it for the payment of taxes, licences and fees.

Persons or business entities conducting business with the Jamaican tax jurisdiction can make payments using several alternative methods. These are:

• Using either a MasterCard or Visa credit card or banking card with credit card features to pay via the TAJ website at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.
• Wire transfer from an overseas bank account to Tax Administration Jamaica’s bank account or a Direct Deposit from a local (Jamaican) bank account to Tax Administration Jamaica’s bank account for the payment of Property Tax. Please note that for property tax payments using these methods, taxpayers are required to complete and email to TAJ a Direct Deposit Form (DB02) located at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm, in order to have their payment receipted.
• Direct Funds Transfer from a local (Jamaican) bank account to Tax Administration Jamaica’s bank account for payment for business related taxes, such as Income Tax, Stamp Duty and Transfer Tax. Persons making payments using this method, must follow the instructions for using the Direct Funds Transfer service at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.

This procedural adjustment follows on the Authority’s recent cessation of accepting cheques drawn on United Kingdom financial institutions.

Tax Administration Jamaica apologizes for any inconvenience this policy change may cause, as it continues to enhance and improve its revenue collection operations.

For further assistance persons may contact TAJ’s Customer Care Centre at 876.902.9463 from anywhere in the world, 888-GO-JA-TAX (888.465.2829) from the USA or visit our website at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.