Taxpayers reminded to file returns by March 15

Income tax filers who have not yet done so, are being reminded that they should be making final preparations for the filing of their annual income tax returns and supporting documents.

Income tax filers include all self-employed persons, employed persons with additional sources of income, corporate bodies, and organisations, such as partnerships, trusts, estates, building societies, and life assurances, as well as registered charities.

Businesspersons must file ALL income tax returns for 2023/24 online via TAJ’s online portal at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm, and are encouraged to do so ahead of the usual rush as the March 15 Income Tax due date draws closer.

All businesses that were registered with the Company’s Office of Jamaica (COJ) during the 2023 calendar year are reminded that they must file an income tax return by March 15, whether or not they are conducting business.

Additionally, taxpayers are to ensure that they use the correct form related to their type of business/activity, for the corresponding tax year to ensure that the Returns are filed accurately.

These forms are located in the income tax hub at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm, along with other information related to income tax.

The Tax Authority continues to provide support to micro and small businesspersons through its Special Taxpayer Assistance Programme, of which there are over 260 free sessions across the island for persons to choose.

An additional step has been taken to customise support sessions for business and professional groups.

Some of these past sessions included the National Commercial Bank, Realtors Association of Jamaica, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, and the Sagicor Bank.

This tax season Tax Administration Jamaica provided yet another avenue for taxpayer support via its Income Tax Webinar series.

The authority will host another virtual session on March 6 targeting sales agents and commissioned workers.

This will bring to close TAJ’s webinar activities for the tax season, with approximately 200 people subscribed to the first session held on February 16.

Although all returns must be filed online, clients are reminded of the suite of electronic payment options at their fingertips to make payments conveniently, securely and quickly.

These include the TAJ direct funds transfer process for business-related tax payments from a customer’s bank to TAJ’s bank accounts.

Additionally, customers can make payments via the Tax Authority’s website using a credit card, or other banking card with credit card features, or using the Scotiabank’s electronic funds transfer via TAJ’s website.

Taxpayers can also utilise Scotia Online and Mobile App, in addition to being able to make tax payments via the National Commercial Bank, as the respective clientèle are able to use their online banking platforms by adding TAJ as a Payee.

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

– JIS