The public is advised that the Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) web service will remain offline for a further 24 hours to accommodate a major upgrade. As a result all online transactions, including the filing of tax returns, payment of taxes and fees, as well as the Property Tax query feature will remain unavailable to the public during this period. The...

The main findings of the October 2014 Labour Force Survey, conducted by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) are presented below. The reference week for this survey was September 21-27, 2014.   In October 2014, the number of persons in the Labour Force was 1,310,700, an increase of 6,200 (0.5%) above the 1,304,500 recorded in October 2013. The male labour...

A Resolution to increase the concessionary loan amount which is paid to employees in certain financial institutions was approved in the House of Representatives on January 27. The Provisional Collection of Tax (Income Tax) (Confirmation) Resolution was moved by Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips. He noted that the change became necessary in order for benefits...

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) is reminding business operators that GCT returns and payments for the month of December 2014 are due on Friday, January 30, 2015. Following a recent amendment to the GCT Act, which took effect October 1, 2014, monthly GCT returns are now due on the last working day of the month. Previously returns were due on the...

The Inter American Development Bank (IDB) is encouraging both local and international entrepreneurs and private sector interests to take advantage of Jamaica’s improved business climate. Describing the current business environment as a “sweet spot,” IDB Country Representative for Jamaica, Therese Turner-Jones, said several factors are combining to make Jamaica an ideal destination for launching a business. Mrs. Turner-Jones, who was...

Finance and Planning Minister, Dr. the Hon. Peter Phillips, has said that final out-turns for revenues and expenditures in the 2015/16 Budget are expected to be settled with the next two weeks, for tabling in the House of Representatives on February 19, when the new parliamentary year officially begins. He made the disclosure during a special press briefing at Jamaica...

Customs Week activities in the west commenced on Sunday, January 25, with a church service, held at the St. Paul’s United Church, in Montego Bay, St. James. The week, which ends on January 30, is being held under the theme: “Coordinated Border Management – an Inclusive Approach for Connecting Stakeholders’. Heading the list of persons attending the service were Mayor...