KSAMC, TAJ target Half-Way Tree tax dodgers

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) and Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) are stepping up efforts to recover millions of dollars in outstanding property taxes and business-related fees from commercial operators in the Half-Way Tree, St Andrew area.

The joint initiative, which begins tomorrow and runs until August 22, will see teams going business to business across the commercial district to engage property owners and operators, identify outstanding obligations and provide assistance to bring accounts up to date.

The operation is being conducted under Phase Three of the agencies' joint revenue initiative and will also target outstanding requirements relating to trade licences and signs and billboards.

Instead of just relying on enforcement from municipal offices, the agencies are bringing the services straight into the commercial community, with officials expected to provide information, guidance and on-site assistance to businesses.

The Half-Way Tree commercial district has been divided into three zones for the three-day exercise, covering areas including Hagley Park, Eastwood Park Road, Red Hills Road, Hope Road, Constant Spring Road, Waterloo Avenue, Half-Way Tree Road, Maxfield Avenue, Winchester Road and Ruthven Road.

A temporary customer service hub will also operate at Constant Spring Arcade from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

Business operators and property owners will be able to get help with online payment registration, obtain printed copies of their official trade licence, settle payments and regularise approvals for signs and billboards.

They will also be able to sort out account queries without having to travel to the central municipal offices.

The initiative builds on the KSAMC's Signs and Billboards Regularisation Campaign, which the corporation said has led to improved compliance through direct engagement with businesses.

Mayor of Kingston Councillor Andrew Swaby said the revenue collected through property taxes and business fees is critical to the municipality's ability to provide basic services.

“Paying property taxes and the required business fees is an investment in the communities where we live, work and do business,” he said.

He pointed to drainage cleaning, road rehabilitation, street lighting, maintenance of public spaces and other municipal services as areas supported by the revenues.

“I encourage every property owner and business operator to pay the taxes and fees that are due and to use this opportunity to access the guidance and support needed to keep their accounts in good standing,” Swaby added.

- Corey Robinson

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