TAJ Special Arrears Settlement Programme

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has recently announced the launch of a Special Arrears Settlement Programme, designed to provide taxpayers (self-employed, company, organization) with an opportunity up until March 31, 2025, to settle their arrears, and have the Interest, Penalty, Surcharge (IPS) waived by the same percentage that the outstanding principal has been settled. Taxpayers will be able to clear their debts, without the additional costs typically associated with late filing and payments related to several tax types and become compliant.

Taxpayers have the option to get a relief of IPS for the select tax types:

• Education Tax

• Corporate Income Tax

• Individual Income Tax

• Withholding Taxes (Specified Services, Interest, Miscellaneous, Contractors Levy, Dividends)

• Pay As You Earn

• Special Consumption Tax

• General Consumption Tax

• Asset Tax

• Partnership Income Tax

PLEASE NOTE: The programme is restricted to outstanding principal tax up to the Year of Assessment 2024 and Period of Assessment 2025. This means taxpayers are required to be current with their filing obligations, to include Income Tax Returns and payments due March 17.

Additionally, cases currently under objection and appeals will also qualify for the waiver, provided that the principal taxes have been paid. It should be noted that this could be before or after a decision or agreement on the amount determined on the objection or appeal.

Taxpayers wishing to take advantage of the programme are encouraged to contact Tax Administration Jamaica, to arrange to pay off the principal arrears by the March 31 deadline. It should be noted that for General Consumption Tax and Special Consumption Tax, persons will have to apply in writing.

The “Special Arrears Settlement Programme” is expected to streamline the process of settling outstanding debts associated with the selected tax types. This will result in a more efficient recovery of funds, decrease in the overall debt stock, improved filing compliance, and ultimately lowering tax administrative costs. This activity will redound to the benefit of the taxpayer, making the process of arrears settlement easier, particularly at this time for Income Tax filers who would stand to benefit significantly.

For further information and support, customers assigned to the Large Taxpayer Office may contact their Client Relationship Manager. Other customers may contact a Compliance or Taxpayer Education Officer, the TAJ Customer Care Centre at 888-TAX-HELP (888-829-4357) or access the relevant guide on the TAJ website at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.

Tax Administration Jamaica - Changing The Way We Do Business