Mandatory E-Filing Of Individual Income Tax Returns January 2

Come January 2, 2020, persons filing individual income tax returns will be required to do so online as Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) implements the next phase of its mandatory e-filing of taxes.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer at Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), Meris Haughton, made the disclosure in a recent interview with JIS News.

“What we are trying to do is to make it easier for persons. They do not have to come into office, as they can do it from the comfort of their home,” she said.

She noted that the category of taxpayers required to file individual returns online include employed individuals who have additional sources of income from a business as well as self-employed persons.

They must use the S04 form, which incorporates statutory deductions such as National Housing Trust (NHT) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

In addition to these persons, directors and pensioners who file an IT05 return, claiming a refund will also be required to file their returns online.

Ms. Haughton said that although the process is just being made mandatory, approximately 42 per cent of individual income tax payers have already chosen to file their returns online.

She noted that in order to complete the process, persons must register for e-services at the TAJ website or call customer care.

Ms. Haughton said that the TAJ has been offering assistance and training since October to help persons file their returns.

Persons may access this support through the agency’s Customer Care Centre at 888-829-4357, or visit the website at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm, where there is a ‘how to tutorial” that outlines the steps.

“We also have e-Tax spots within 15 of our offices islandwide, where persons can visit and get assistance from TAJ personnel to help them file their returns online,” Ms. Haughton said.

She noted that the TAJ will offer the support up to the March 15 income tax filing period.

Ms. Haughton, in noting the importance of filing income tax returns, said that the revenue “supports government work in providing for citizens”.

The TAJ has been introducing mandatory e-filing of income tax returns on a phased basis over the past two years.

Ms. Haughton said there has been 100 per cent compliance in relation to online filing of Corporate Income Tax, General Consumption Tax (GCT), and Pay as You Earn (PAYE).