Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has indicated that its tax and business offices across the island will close to the public at 2 pm today (September 3) and next Friday (September 10) as several aspects of its operations adjust as a result of the extended COVID-19 measures announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness earlier this week.

The early closure is to enable staff to make the necessary personal preparations for the no-movement period of the respective following weeks.

In a statement, the TAJ noted that, despite the closure of its tax and business offices, some operational functions including the Customer Care Centre at 888-Tax-Help (888-829-4357), will, in accordance with the work-from-home mandate, continue to offer services during the weekday no-movement period (Mondays & Tuesdays). 

“Persons are further reminded that they can conduct business online through TAJ’s suite of online service channels. Customers are urged to use the alternate service options that are available to conduct their tax-related business, instead of visiting a Tax Office if they do not have to do so,” the TAJ said

These service options include:

• The TAJ Online tax platform at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm, which now offers a wider range of filing, payment and other services from anywhere, at any time:
• Allowing for filing and paying business related taxes and deductions, such as Income Tax, GCT, Payroll payments and Employers Annual Return
• Querying and paying Property Tax
• Payment of Certificate of Fitness Fee, Driver’s Licence renewal and traffic ticket can also be done online.
• NCB customers may also now use their NCB Online Banking platform to add TAJ as a payee to pay Property Tax and business relate taxes; then be able to generate and print their official receipt from the TAJ website.
• Customers may use the new Direct Funds Transfer option to make payments directly from their bank account into TAJ’s bank account, for several business-related taxes and then be able to generate and print their own official receipt from the TAJ website.
• TAJ Mobile App can be used to query and pay Property Tax, pay Certificate of Fitness Fee and pay Traffic Ticket.

The TAJ also noted that cosumption tax filers have until today to file and pay for July for GCT, SCT, TCT and GART, and must do so on or before the extended due date to avoid penalties and interest charges.

With the heightened COVID-19 response, the TAJ reminded customers to follow the instructions given at its locations, to wear their mask, observe the physical distancing requirement of six feet, sanitise, and “to bear in mind that we will be operating with a reduced number of personnel, as the rotation of staff will continue”.

The Tax Authority said it would continue to monitor information from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and other official sources and would keep the public updated on any further adjustments.

For further information, persons may contact the Tax Administration’s Customer Care Centre at 888-Tax-Help (888-829-4357) toll-free or visit the website at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.