TAJ Extends Special Arrears Settlement Programme to May 31, 2025

Taxpayers across Jamaica are being granted an extended opportunity to clear outstanding tax liabilities as Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) announces a new deadline of May 31, 2025, for its Special Arrears Settlement Programme. The extension follows an overwhelmingly positive response to the original initiative, which aimed to encourage compliance by offering significant waivers on interest, penalties, and surcharges (IPS).

The programme, initially slated to last eight weeks, targeted the collection of J$10 billion in principal arrears. This goal was surpassed by J$500 million, leading to an estimated J$12 billion in waived IPS — a clear indication of the public’s willingness to engage with the offer and move towards financial compliance.

Despite the strong uptake, TAJ has identified that numerous taxpayers still carry considerable arrears. Feedback from the business community and various stakeholder groups suggested that while many were interested, the initial timeframe did not allow adequate time to settle their obligations or qualify for the benefits. The extension seeks to address those concerns and widen access to the programme.

According to TAJ, over 30,000 calls have been made to taxpayers since the programme’s launch. These calls represent a staggering J$47 billion in principal arrears and an accompanying J$51 billion in IPS. Many of the individuals contacted expressed either intent to take advantage of the programme or were already in the process of settling their debts.

The settlement programme applies to a range of tax types, including:

• Education Tax
• Corporate Income Tax
• Individual Income Tax
• Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
• Special Consumption Tax
• General Consumption Tax (GCT)
• Asset Tax
• Partnership Income Tax

Importantly, the waiver also extends to withholding taxes tied to income tax payments.

TAJ is reminding GCT taxpayers that written applications are mandatory to access the benefits under this programme, as required by law. Even those without outstanding principal amounts but with IPS balances must submit formal applications to qualify for waivers.

Taxpayers with cases under objection or appeal are also eligible for the waiver, provided the principal has been paid — whether before or after a decision is made on the matter.

This initiative also opens the door for those with previous or closed businesses and persons who have been employed by multiple employers to settle any past obligations and return to compliance.

TAJ is urging all eligible individuals and entities to act now and avoid missing out on this extended window. Support and further information can be accessed by contacting a Compliance Officer, calling the Customer Care Centre at 888-TAX-HELP (829-4357), or visiting the official TAJ website at www.jamaicatax.gov.jm.

For feedback: contact the BATV Editorial Division at: info@batvja.com