Name change nightmare at TAJ and NHT

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I got married in 2022. I submitted my marriage certificate to my workplace and I was asked for a taxpayer registration number (TRN) in my married name. I went to Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and requested one. At that time, I was not aware of the implications that would follow. What happened next was a series of name changes on expired ID cards, except my passport, which is yet to expire. Everywhere that I do business would ask for a TRN, which led to a name change in those organisations.

In 2023, I started an application for a loan at the National Housing Trust (NHT). I declared, as stipulated in the application, that I was married. However, the agent said the loan would be processed in my maiden name because the land title is in my maiden name. I have no problem with that.

Earlier this year I went back to the NHT to make an application for another loan. I was told that I need to have the title amended to reflect my married name. I said I do not wish to do that, and I did not see why that is necessary.

I went to TAJ to have the name on my TRN changed back to my maiden name. Therein lies another problem: I was given a form to be signed by a justice of the peace. When I returned it about a week later, I was told they no longer take that form; they are now using another form that requests a decree absolute or a deed poll.

So, I went to the Registrar General’s Department to have a deed poll done. Again, I was faced with yet another issue, because I can’t do a deed poll to change to the name that’s on my birth certificate. In other words, I do not qualify to use my maiden name unless I get a divorce.

I want to know if the TAJ is forcing me get divorced? Is there a way that I can use my maiden name going forward without getting a divorce? All I want to do is get a loan to finish building my house and to keep using my maiden from now on. I need help.

FRUSTRATED