News
JAM | Dec 27, 2025

TAJ implements special relief measure for taxpayers in parishes most affected by Melissa

Toriann Ellis

Toriann Ellis / Our Today

author
Reading Time: 2 minutes
External view of the corporate offices of Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) on East Street, downtown Kingston. (Photo: JIS)

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) is reporting that it has implemented a special relief measure to support taxpayers whose business operations were significantly disrupted by the passage of Hurricane Melissa. 

Under the measure, TAJ will temporarily relax the criteria for obtaining a Tax Compliance Certificate and will issue a one-time Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) to qualified taxpayers across the worst-affected parishes namely Trelawny, St James, Westmoreland, Hanover, St Elizabeth, St Ann, and Manchester who are in need of same, making business recovery and stability easier during the recovery period.

The relief measure took effect on December 8, 2025, and will remain in effect until March 31, 2026. The TAJ says the one-time TCC is aimed at supporting businesses that rely on compliance certification to access contracts and/or other essential services, but have outstanding obligations and may be facing challenges in meeting the usual requirements during this period.

Eligible taxpayers in the seven named parishes are therefore being encouraged to utilise the opportunity to apply for the one-time Tax Compliance Certificate to assist with their business recovery efforts. 

The tax authority endeavours to support taxpayers by assisting them to become and/or remain compliant with tax obligations while also supporting national resilience as Jamaica recovers from the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa.

Persons who need assistance may contact TAJ’s customer care centre at 888-TAX-HELP (888-829-4357) or email [email protected]. Additionally, taxpayers may visit TAJ’s website at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.

Comments

What To Read Next

News SUR Apr 2, 2026

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe United States is stepping up its push for deeper energy and infrastructure partnerships in the Caribbean, with a focus on Suriname’s emerging oil and gas sector and the region’s long-term energy security, according to Paul Watzlavick, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Paramaribo.

“It’s increasingly clear that this region is an essential partner to the US,” Watzlavick said. “We want partnerships that support a strong workforce, keep our people safe and respect the sovereignty of every country.” He stressed that energy security in the Caribbean goes beyond production, highlighting the need for modern infrastructure, updated technologies and stronger systems across power generation and transmission. We need energy systems that are up to date. The needs here are very different from Trinidad or Texas, but the goal is the same,” Watzlavick said.

News COL Apr 2, 2026

Reading Time: < 1 minuteThree Colombian nationals have been charged in connection with what authorities say is Jamaica’s largest single cocaine seizure, valued at approximately $1.7 billion.

The accused are Lucio Henry, 39, of San Andres; Arith Lopez, 34, of Barranquilla; and Klein Sinclair, 22, of Providence, all in Colombia. They face multiple charges, including possession, dealing, trafficking, importing cocaine, conspiracy to traffic, and illegal entry.