TAJ publishes list of delinquent taxpayers

The Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has declared it will be moving to intensify compliance action against delinquent taxpayers for various breaches.

"As part of this strategy, TAJ has published the names of over 300 delinquent companies, self-employed persons and partnerships, who were taken before the courts during January and February 2013 for failure to file returns and/or for outstanding payments," stated a release issued yesterday afternoon.

TAJ said the breaches published relate to cases for non-filing and arrears for general consumption tax, PAYE, education tax, corporate income tax, personal income tax, property tax and trade licence and reflect amounts due by taxpayers totalling $4 billion across the island's revenue service centres and smaller tax offices, along with the large taxpayer office.

The cases are at various stages, with some persons receiving orders from the court to make payments, while others have been bound over to return to court or the case mentioned for a later date.

"The public is advised that during the upcoming fiscal year, TAJ will periodically publish the court list in the print media and on its website, www.jamaicatax.gov.jm," the release stated.

"The tax authority will continue to intensify its enforcement and collection efforts to recover outstanding sums, while increasing its taxpayer education and improving service delivery. Taxpayers are therefore encouraged to speak with TAJ to make suitable arrangements if they are faced with difficulties in honouring their tax obligations to avoid possible court action.