Taxman drives with 'smart disc'
Published:Wednesday | February 10, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Tax Administration Services Department (TASD) is warning drivers about a relatively new weapon it has added to its arsenal against tax evasion.
Starting June last year, special registration discs were introduced that plainly read 'VOID' if transferred - after being affixed - from one vehicle to another.
TASD Public Relations Officer Leighton Beckles said there was a constant need for stress tests on the tax system. Such tests determine the possibility of loopholes and opportunities that can be exploited by unscrupulous persons, he said. The addition of the new disc is a direct result of one such test.
"We want to make it very clear to the tax-paying public that they should exercise every precaution when affixing the sticker," Beckles said. "Other measures have been put in place to secure their (the taxpayers') interests, as well as government revenue."
If a mistake is made and the witness marks appear, a motorist's only recourse is to take the vehicle documents back to the collectorate for renewal at a cost of $500.
Persons may contact the nearest tax office or the Tax Administration Customer Care Centre at 1-888-TAX-HELP (1-888-829-4359) for further information.