Best Practices
Best practices in service delivery
Tax Administration making it easier for our customers
The Tax Administration has introduced a number of customer service initiatives making it easier for its valued customers to transact business. Companies, self-employed persons, partnerships, provident societies, other organisations and the general public now have alternatives to meet their tax obligations, file returns and pay taxes and fees.
Call services:
For general tax advice, customers may call the toll-free number 1-888-TAX-HELP. Tax Information Specialists are available to assist taxpayers to understand their rights and responsibilities and to guide them through the filing process.
For Customs queries, customers may also call 1-888-CUSTOMS. The services operate from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday to Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
Improving access and convenience for our customers
Electronic drop box:
Electronic Drop Boxes have been installed at King Street, Cross Roads, Constant Spring, Mandeville, Montego Bay and Spanish Town Tax Offices to facilitate the convenient filing of returns and the payment of taxes by cheque. Customers using the electronic drop box report that this is a quick and easy way to transact business. The facility offers an immediate electronic validation of the transaction.
Non-cash payment facility:
The Tax Administration has partnered with the Ministry of Transport & Works and the Island Traffic Authority to introduce a non-cash payment facility at the Swallowfield Examination Depot. Customers are now able to pay their Certificate of Fitness Fee and Driver’s Licence Examination Fee directly at this location using a debit or credit card. This service may be extended to other major Examination Depots in the future.
On-line payment:
The Tax Administration in December 2004 introduced an online facility where persons can pay certain taxes and fees from the comfort of their home or office, at any time of the day. This “Virtual Collectorate” allows a person to pay taxes and fees such as property tax, consumption taxes (GCT & SCT) and traffic ticket via the internet at www.jamaicatax-online.gov.jm using a credit card.
E-payment access points:
In an effort to provide our customers with easier access to our online payment facility, internet access points are now available at the King Street and St. Andrew Collectorates. The facility was introduced by the Tax Administration in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Science & Technology, Cable & Wireless (Jamaica) Ltd and Scotia Bank Jamaica Ltd to provide a convenient payment option for persons visiting these locations.
TCC online:
The Tax Administration’s operates a fully automated online Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) Application System. The online service offers greater convenience and shortens the time it takes for an applicant to obtain a TCC, as there is no need to visit the various agencies for “Clearance Letters”. It should be noted that the service is available to persons who have met all their tax obligations. Visit www.jamaicatax-online.gov.jm to access the service.
Customs entry processing system:
The Customs Department has introduced a Customs Entry Processing System, which was integrated with the Trade Board System resulting in motor vehicle import licenses being automatically checked prior to the approval of the Customs' declaration. This system has significantly reduced the number of entries with incorrect license details.
Customs e-manifest:
Introduced as a pilot project on February 1, 2006, Customs implemented its electronic manifest system at its APM Offices. The Customs E-Manifest allows importers to lodge their documents electronically in any of three international formats and track the status of the processing via the website www.jacustoms.gov.jm. However, the department is still experiencing challenges with incomplete and late submission of manifest.
AMVS – online:
An Automated Motor Vehicle System – Online system is now fully operational in 27 of the 28 Collectorates. The new system allows the Inland Revenue Department to process motor vehicle transactions more quickly, efficiently, free of transcription errors and improves the detection of stolen motor vehicle being transferred.
Our commitment
The Tax Administration is committed to and will continue to design and implement improvements in our services in order to ensure the delivery of services of a high quality to our customers.