With the March 15 Income Tax due date just two months away, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) is urging taxpayers to begin preparations to file their income tax returns early and online to avoid the usual last minute rush.

All companies, organisations, self-employed persons, as well as employed persons with additional sources of income, are reminded to file their Annual Income Tax Return for the year 2015 and to declare their Estimated Income and Tax Payable for the year 2016 on or before the March 15 due date. Taxpayers, including professionals and self-employed persons such as entertainers, doctors, lawyers, landlords, shopkeepers, barbers, hairdressers, taxi/bus operators and others are encouraged to register to file and pay online via the TAJ’s upgraded tax portal at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.

In December 2015, TAJ rolled out the income tax component of its new Revenue Administration Information System (RAiS), which now allows more functionalities and added convenience to taxpayers. The upgraded online tax service allows users to not just file their income tax returns online, but to also pay using automated direct banking, create a payment plan, view filing and payment history, generate statement of accounts, and apply for their TCC electronically, instead of having to visit a tax office to do those transactions. Persons are therefore encouraged to register to use the online filing option by contacting the TAJ’s Customer Care Centre at 1-888-TAX-HELP (829-4357) or visiting a Tax Office to sign-up.

The TAJ is offering support to taxpayers to guide them through the online filing process. Additionally the department’s annual Special Taxpayer Assistance Programme will be offered, beginning February, to assist micro, small and medium enterprises with their filing obligation, with a focus on online filing.

Source: Tax Administration Of Jamaica