TAJ rolls out digital push for property tax

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) announced today that current liabilities are available on its system, and owners have until April 30 to settle their bills without facing penalties. While the statutory deadline has been extended to June 30 in recent years, TAJ is urging Jamaicans not to rely on past concessions.

“We are encouraging taxpayers to meet the April 30 deadline and remain compliant,” a TAJ spokesperson said.

In a bid to reduce congestion at in-person locations, TAJ is aggressively promoting its digital platforms. Property owners can now pay online at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm using credit cards or EVM chip-enabled debit cards. An online query tool also allows users to access up to seven years of tax records.

For Android users, the TAJ mobile app offers additional functionality, including property searches, payment history, reminders, and office locators.

Customers of National Commercial Bank (NCB) and Scotia Bank can also pay via their respective online banking platforms by adding “Tax Administration Jamaica” as a payee.

“Taxpayers using digital channels are reminded to have their valuation number ready to complete transactions,” TAJ noted.

To ease the financial burden, property owners may pay in full or choose half-yearly instalments due April 1 and October 1, or quarterly instalments due April 1, July 1, October 1, and January 1.

For those without digital access, TAJ’s 29 tax offices remain open island-wide. Select offices are open on month-end Saturdays, and the Portmore tax office regularly opens on Saturdays.

The mobile tax collection units, operated jointly with the Ministry of Local Government, will also visit designated communities on a scheduled basis, accepting cash, credit, and debit cards.

TAJ issued a stern warning to owners with outstanding balances from prior years, stating that enforcement actions, including court proceedings and income garnishment, may be pursued.