TAJ Provides Support for Income Tax Filers

With the 2024/25 Income Tax Filing season already underway, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) will begin its Special Taxpayer Assistance Programme (STAP) sessions island wide on Monday, February 3, 2025. The annual STAP sessions are particularly useful as small business Income Tax filers prepare to file their Annual Income Tax Returns (2024) and Estimated Tax Payable (2025) online as mandated by law, due on or before March 17. These sessions are designed to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) generating up to $10M of annual business revenue, to meet their filing obligations, as well as register to file electronically.

In accessing STAP, interested business persons are advised to take along all documentation related to the business (including TRN, business expense statements, utility bills, wage records, bank statements etc.) to be able to verify income and expenses, and maximize on the assistance being provided by TAJ personnel. The STAP schedule will be available at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm in the Income Tax Hub, with the dates, venues and times of the support sessions, being held across the island. 

Additionally, TAJ will be extending its reach and convenient availability to its clientele by hosting a series of Income Tax webinars, which will address specific Income Tax related matters. The following online sensitization sessions, targeting different taxpayer groups have already been scheduled: 

1. January 29, 2025 - Target Group: Pensioners/PAYE/Employees claiming refund/PV solar system credit
2. February 12, 2025 - Target Group: Corporate Income Tax/New Businesses
3. February 26, 2025 - Target Group: Self-Employed/Employed persons with additional income or multiple employment. 

Interested persons will be invited to register for the online sessions relevant to them via Tax Administration Jamaica’s various communication platforms.

Additionally, as the Authority continues to strengthen its strategic partnerships, it will be collaborating with several interest groups, organisations and corporate bodies to provide customised support to their respective memberships and/or clients. These include the MSME Alliance, Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Realtors Association of Jamaica (RAJ), Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the National Commercial Bank and Sagicor Bank, among others. This move is aimed at helping to build a culture of national compliance. 

Persons may also visit the How To section at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm for userfriendly instructions on how to file online, as well as avail themselves of forms, tutorials, media advisories and more to empower taxpayers to meet their obligations.

All companies, organizations, self-employed persons, as well as employed persons with additional sources of income or multiple employment are being reminded that they have an obligation to file their Income Tax Returns, online. They are also advised to file using the forms related to the particular year and business category. Taxpayers, including professionals and self-employed persons such as entertainers, doctors, lawyers, realtors, landlords, shopkeepers, barbers, hairdressers, taxi/bus operators and others are required by law to register to file online via the TAJ’s tax portal at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.

Persons required to make payments of any taxes due are reminded that they now have several channels that they may choose to make payments through, without having to visit a Tax Office. Payments can be made via the TAJ’s tax portal, using a credit card or other bankcard with credit card features; Direct Funds Transfer; NCB Online and Scotia Online or Mobile App. 

The STAP has been a key feature of Income Tax filing seasons over many years, and forms a vital aspect of the taxpayer support element. Within the space of a decade, the participation by small businesses persons has increased by 70%, moving from 1,300 taxpayer in 2013 to approximately 3,000 in 2024. The investment in technology with the use of webinars, and taking a proactive approach through the special support sessions, has resulted in the filing rate moving from 38% to 72% on average. The sum total of these efforts have resulted in fewer taxpayers incurring penalties for late filing. 

For additional informational support this tax season, persons may contact the Tax Administration Customer Care Centre at 888-TAX-HELP (829-4357) or visit the website www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.