Persons rush to pay property tax on time

There were longer-than-usual lines but relatively smooth operations at tax offices across the island yesterday as persons rushed to meet today's property tax payment deadline.

Meris Haughton, director of communications at the Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), confirmed there was a large turnout of persons at all offices, but not as big as the infamous traffic ticket amnesty lines in December 2012. Haughton noted this was an annual occurrence as "persons are aware that they have a month in which to make the payment without the possibility of the penalty being applied".

The property tax payments are for the financial year 2013-2014. Anticipating increased customer traffic, the TAJ brought in additional staff for the two days.

"I'm not saying it's going to be hassle-free but as smooth as possible in terms of catering to their transactions," Haughton said. She reported that extra computers were also brought in to the larger locations to facilitate back-office transactions for the greater number of customers.

"I'm expecting more tomorrow (today), being the 30th," she said.

Special lines

Persons without a current property tax notice of assessment or those not aware of their valuation number or how much is to be paid were directed to get printouts of their property tax obligations, both current and outstanding amounts. Persons with a current property tax notice of assessment or a property tax printout were sent directly to the cashiers. Special lines dealt specifically with property tax payments.

There is a 10 per cent penalty for missing the deadline, but Haughton said the TAJ doesn't usually enforce it rigidly on May 1.

"We normally wait until the end of the first quarter (of the financial year)," she said. "Especially this year because we know persons are challenged with the increases. But we do encourage persons to come in during the time that the law specifies."

Haughton said there would not likely be an extension of opening hours as the penalty would not be applied immediately. She also encouraged more persons to pay online once they have a valid credit card.

Pay online

For those persons who wish to pay online, they can do so through the Jamaica Tax Portal at www.jamaicatax-online.gov.jm. Payment can be conveniently made at any time, from anywhere, both locally and from overseas.

To make property tax payments online, persons must:

Have a valid credit card;

Ensure they have the valuation number or numbers of the property or properties available. This can be seen on a property tax notice, even an old one or on a previous property tax receipt. The information may also be provided by calling the TAJ's Customer Care Centre at 1-888-TAX-HELP. Persons can also call the number to to ascertain how much property tax is owed.

Persons paying by cheque may also be directed to use the electronic drop boxes available in the main revenue service centres and tax offices. Persons are advised to write their taxpayer registration number, a contact number and the valuation number or numbers of the property or properties being paid for, indicating the amount of payment for each, on the back of the cheque.

In addition to the current period which is now due, property owners should make every effort to settle their outstanding property taxes. Persons are advised to speak with the compliance staff at TAJ to make suitable arrangements, if they are faced with difficulties in paying their property tax arrears, to avoid possible court action.

Pay in instalments

The TAJ is reminding that property tax payments, whether online or in a tax office, may be made in half-yearly instalments on April 1 and October 1 or in quarterly instalments on April 1, July 1, October 1 and January 1. Payments in full or any instalment should be made within the calendar month in which the amount is due. The TAJ said persons should note periodic payments do not apply to the flat rate charge of $1,000, which is due on April 1 and must be paid in full by April 30.