Persons Encouraged to Use Toll Free Tax Helpline

With two weeks to go before the March 15 deadline for filing income tax returns, the Tax Administration Directorate is encouraging persons who need assistance in filing their returns, to use its toll free helpline, 1-888-TAX-HELP (1-888- 829-4357).
According to Taxpayer Information Specialist at the Tax Helpline, Nadia Williams, the toll free line service allows persons to ask questions relating to any local tax matter, including income tax, GCT, property tax, transfer tax, motor vehicle licence fee and stamp duty.
“We are able to answer any question which you may be trying to get answered by calling the tax office directly,” she said, adding that individuals who are uncertain about any tax issue should call the helpline before going to the tax office in order to avoid having to make more than one trip.
“We do calculations and we also check the Act for you and tell you the references in the relevant Act. We will also send you copies of written information via fax or e-mail,” she informed.
Additionally, Mrs. Williams noted that the tax specialists will also help persons to identify the correct form that they should use when filing their returns, as well as assist them to complete the forms over the telephone.
Commenting on the frequency of calls to the helpline, Mrs. Williams told JIS News that the number of calls ranged from 80 to 90 calls per day, and usually lasted between five minutes and forty-five minutes, depending on the technicality of the question that is raised.
However, she explained that if the line is busy, persons would be greeted by the answering machine, which gives them the opportunity to leave a message.
“We would either return your call the same day the message is left or the following day, depending on the volume of calls. There is also an e-mail response facility which is linked to the website.so we answer queries via that medium as well,” she said.
Persons who need information on the procedures for filing tax returns may call the tax helpline between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Fridays. Queries may also be e-mailed to taxhelp@tasd.gov.jm.