Tag Archives: tax compliance

Dealing With Your Taxes

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has been very active in informing self-employed persons and business owners about filing tax returns and paying taxes. As the tax deadline date of March 15 approaches, it’s important for these individuals to pay close attention to tax matters relevant to them.

With the stresses of running a business, entrepreneurs may sometimes neglect to follow all the tax requirements, which can be costly if they have to pay penalties and interest from late returns. It is critical for them to seek advice and update themselves on their obligations to the tax authorities.

Self-employed persons, who were formerly employed to an organisation which deducted all their taxes for them, may also be a little uncertain about all the steps required to keep them tax compliant. They, too, have a lot to lose if they fall afoul of the tax administration’s regulations.

If you are self-employed or if you earned money outside of your regular pay cheque during 2014, then you may have to submit some information to Tax Administration Jamaica and pay taxes on your earnings. Let’s take a look at some pertinent tax considerations that will apply to you. Continue reading Dealing With Your Taxes

Take Advantage of the Tax Amnesty

If you are enjoying Jamaica’s benefits, you must pay your taxes,” – Don Wehby, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance

This impassioned declaration came from Minister Wehby as he spoke recently at a First Global Bank corporate breakfast, where he shared highlights of the 2008/09 Budget Debate.

His comments came against the background that some 40 per cent of Jamaica’s productive activity was taking place in the grey or underground economy. The income of these persons is not reported, so although they are benefiting from the amenities of the country, they contribute little or nothing to the tax coffer.

Wehby’s message was clear: the time had come for Jamaicans to change their attitudes about paying taxes, and the government was prepared to use both persuasive and punitive methods to ensure that delinquent taxpayers toe the line. Continue reading Take Advantage of the Tax Amnesty