Tax day count down

All companies, partnerships, self-employed individuals, employed individuals with other sources or income and all other categories of income tax filers must file their returns online via the tax authority’s online tax portal at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm, and are encouraged to file ahead of the expected increase in online traffic leading up to the March 15 deadline.

Income tax filers are reminded that several income tax forms have been revised for this filing period, in keeping with international best practices and feedback from stakeholders. The revised Income tax returns captures more information, as well provides more convenience and efficient use for the taxpayer. The revised forms are:

• IT05 Annual Return of Income and Tax Payable Individual (PAYE, PENSIONERS etc.)
• S04 Self Employed Persons Annual Return of Income, Taxes and Contribution Payable.
• S04a Declaration of Estimated Income, Taxes and Contributions Payable (Self Employed Resident Individuals)

Details on the revisions done to the forms are available in the Income Tax Hub at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.

TAJ is providing tax season support done differently as it continues to observe COVID19 public health and safety protocols. Income tax filers new or experienced, who earn $10M or less, can access free support to file their returns. This means persons can get support from their local tax offices via an appointment system, with the safety of its TAJ personnel and clientele in mind. Taxpayers may contact any Tax Office through a bank of telephone numbers available at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm  to make an appointment, allowing them to sit with TAJ personnel who will help them to file their returns, and register for the convenience of e-Services ahead of the expected increase in online traffic for Tax Day.

Additionally, this year there has been an increased focus on virtual support for micro, small and medium enterprises to assist them in meeting their online filing obligations. To this end, TAJ is collaborating with several business and professional associations on webinars customised for their members.  Assistance is also available via virtual sessions, telephone calls, web messages via the revenue administration information system, online tutorials with a view to minimizing face-to-face interactions. Persons may also visit the ‘How To’ section at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm  for user-friendly instructions on how to file online, or avail themselves of one-on-one virtual sessions where TAJ personnel will provide their staff with online training, in helping them to make the necessary preparations.

Taxpayers can avail themselves of a host of payment options when making their income tax payments. Chief among these is Tax Administration Jamaica’s direct funds transfer service, which allows persons to transfer amounts from their bank account directly into that of the tax authority’s, which is possible after generating a direct funds transfer number (DFTN) or payment advice, from their TAJ eService account. Additionally, National Commercial Bank clients are able to pay their taxes via their bank’s online platform by adding Tax Administration Jamaica as a payee. Scotiabank clients can make payments using the electronic fund transfer process via the authority’s website, and for those opting to pay via www.jamaicatax.gov.jm, they can do so using a valid credit card or any banking card with credit card features.